GIBSON, Robert W.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona February 24, 1983 Robert W. Gibson A long time visitor and permanent resident of Wickenburg passed away unexpectedly in his Minneapolis home Friday, February 17. He was 69. Mr. Gibson had maintained a home at Ranch de Los Caballeros the past ten years. Mr. Gibson had returned to his home in Minneapolis to attend a directors meeting of Toro Company. Born in Westchester County, New York, Mr. Gibson attended Choate Preparatory School in Connecticut before enrolling at Dartmouth College where he excelled in football and student activities. Playing center for the Dartmouth College football team, he led his school to two Ivy League Championships, an achievement that still stands as a Dartmouth record. Following graduation with honors as an All American, Mr. Gibson played professional foot ball with the now defunct Brooklyn Dodgers. Sports Illustrated magazine selected Mr. Gibson for their 25th anniversary edition as an first team All American of All American college centers of college football teams. Subsequently he was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame. Bob flew PBY’s in the South Pacific during World War II, having two planes he piloted shot down during a 30-day period. Prior to that duty, he was involved in the Battle of Midway Returning to civilian life, Mr. Gibson worked for the Toro Company where he became executive vice-president and chairman of the executive committee. He retired in 1969. At the time of his death he was a director of Sheldall Corporation as well as Toro Company. Mr. Gibson, an avid golfer and an 8-handicapper, was also governor of Minikahda Country Club (Minneapolis) where his efforts helped to bring the Walker Cup Matches there in 1957. He was also one of the founders of Los Caballeros Golf Club in Wickenburg. He assumed a strenuous role in the successful drive that insured the new addition to Wickenburg’s hospital. In Minneapolis, the Children’s Health Center was another of this philanthropy. Surviving Mr. Gibson are his widow, Marjorie, daughter, Mary Lee Carey and Janet Rodwell of Seattle, Washington and sons, Robin and Kevin of Minneapolis and six grandchildren. Services were held in Minneapolis on Monday.