HCol Robert James Sinclair Gibson, CLJ, MMLJ (August 2001-2010)
Robert J.S. (Bob) Gibson was born in Bentley, Alberta, in 1946, the eldest son of a homesteader farming near Rocky Mountain House, and was raised in a number of Alberta towns. By his fifth birthday, Gibson’s father had become employed with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs as a farming instructor, and the family of six moved to High Prairie.

His childhood included activities with Cubs, Scouts, and sports teams, as well as service with the King’s Own Calgary Regiment’s cadet corps in Gleichen. Gibson graduated from Bow Valley Central High School in Cluny, Alberta, and joined the Royal Canadian Navy as an officer cadet. After his initial year at the University of Alberta, he worked for several years as a surveyor in the seismograph industry throughout western Canada. After leaving seismic, he returned to the University of Alberta for another year and became a realtor, later joining Southland Canada and becoming district sales manager for 31 7-Eleven stores. Becoming involved in real estate development led to a stint as area manager for Western Realty Projects with responsibility for southern Alberta.
In 1976 he accepted a position as president of United Management Ltd., and ultimately managing director of Alsten Holdings, Ltd., the holding company of the Singer family of Calgary, where he still serves. In 1986, Mr. Gibson acquired the Bobtail Ranch in Penticton, B.C., where he raises a commercial herd and pedigree Angus cattle with his wife, Brigitte. His other interests have included sailing, flying, and the military, and he is a certified offshore sailor, fixed wing and helicopter pilot.

He has served as honorary lieutenant-colonel of the 15th (Edmonton) Medical Company, and assumed the same position with the Calgary Highlanders on 8 August 2001. That December, he assumed the position of honorary colonel with the regiment. Mr. Gibson sits on a number of committees related to the Army Reserve and is active in many charitable works through the Order of St. Lazarus as well as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program. He has two sons and three daughters.

Honourary Colonel (ret’d) Bob Gibson passed away at his ranch in the Okanagan. He was with his family and friends and remained lucid and amusing until the end. Considering he was given 3 months to live almost 18 months ago, he was able to enjoy his time left. With the current virus crisis, it’s assumed a memorial will be held at the conclusion of the restrictions, with one in Calgary and one in Penticton B C.