Christopher James (Chris) Gibson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Christopher James (Chris) Gibson at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute on February 17, 2024, at the age of 55 years.

Christopher is survived by the love of his life and wife of 30 years, Carol Rose Meek.  Beloved son of  Valerie Jean Gibson (née McCann) and David Baker Gibson (Sr.), both of Ottawa and his younger brother David Baker Gibson (Jr.), his daughters Canses Gibson and Eilla Gibson of Kelowna, BC, and Dante Whitcombe of Victoria, BC. Chris will be lovingly remembered by Carol’s sons Jason Michael Deriger and his children Cole and Violet of Ashton, ON and Jeffrey Paul Deriger and his wife Shelley Deriger (née Storey) and their children Tyson, Alli, Maddy, and Sydney of Kanata, ON. He will be sadly missed by his extended family, Koun and Marie Siriphanh and their sons Kaeden and Noah. 

Chris was an exceptional-needs educator with the Ottawa District School Board and an inspiration to the youths and young adults under his care with physical and emotional needs, refusing to give up on them despite the struggle, which, for a few, lasted well beyond their school years.   He was a kind and thoughtful man whose ability to empathize carried over into his private life where he displayed a deep and enduring desire to help others.

Chris was an avid reader, bridge player, golfer and fisherman, a lover of sports in general and devotee of American football, principally the Dallas Cowboys. He took great enjoyment in the private times at home, entertaining family and friends in the splendid backyard he loved so much with its swimming pool and barbecue.  

 Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom, wrote:

“I am a part of all that I have met”

Thank you for making your life a part of us now, Chris.

 A Celebration of Life will be held in the late Spring.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation at https://foundation.ottawaheart.ca/give/.