Thomas Gibbons

Tom was born the oldest of twelve children, to Tom and Margaret Gibbons, Chicago, IL. At age 11, the family headed to California where Tommy would meet the love of his life at age 14. Married to Kathlene (Rhodes) Gibbons, Anaheim, CA, for 55 years, the two treasured their 3 beautiful daughters, Michelle, Annie and Chrissie. Determined to provide for his family, Tom honed his talents and leadership skills to become a valued and respected Millwright to all those fortunate to work with him and for him. Tom enjoyed fishing, camping, waterskiing (if you could get him to jump in the water), nature and all four legged creatures. He was passionate about his wife's cooking, the Orange County Register, high school football and definitely the family's designated candy aficionado. Let's not forget about ice cream! Above all else, Tom cherished his wife, daughters and four amazing grandchildren, Charlotte Mildred (19), Hazel Margaret (13), Lola Michelle (9) and Weston Thomas (7). His love for life and family grew exponentially with the arrival of each grandchild and the joy he experienced each moment he was with them, played with them, taught them, watched them and supported them cannot ...[more]

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put into words. Shortly after retiring in 2010, Tom was diagnosed with Altzheimer's. Although the disease is heartbreaking, he continued to prioritize his time each and every day to make the most of his life, creating memories we are beyond grateful he gave us. Tom fought feverishly to hold on for his family until he shared his last breath surrounded by love on June 9th, 2022. Tom is survived by his wife Kathlene Gibbons, daughters Annie Gibbons-Syke and Chrissie Brooks, son-in-law Brian Brooks, grandchildren Charlotte, Hazel, Lola and Weston, siblings Alice Hurd, Richard Gibbons, Robert Gibbons, John Gibbons, Eileen Howell, Ann Gibbons, James Gibbons, Joan Anderson and Edward Gibbons, and nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews that exceed 30. He is welcomed into heaven by his parents, daughter Michelle, siblings Mary and Daniel and countless loved ones. May they watch over all of us. "When we think of 'meant to be', we automatically assume forever, But maybe it isn't supposed to last forever. Maybe it's just someone who is in your life to teach you something. Maybe the forever is not the person, But what you gain from them" -Hazel Syke