It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ian Gibson on November 2. He died peacefully in palliative care after living with cancer for the past few years.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Marina, and his two wonderful sons Craig and Warren (Erica Goggins). He was an adored Opa to Evan and Joel, and a loving Grampa to Andy. He was predeceased by his parents Alan and Nan Gibson, and survived by his brother Ken.

Ian was born in Blantyre, Scotland on June 14, 1944. Like many others, he and his parents sought a new life in Canada after WWII, initially in Peterborough, then settling in Toronto, where they had family, in 1949. Ian attended Vaughan Road Collegiate (now Academy), where he was a stalwart member of the football team and joined the Gamma Sigma fraternity.

While in high school, Ian took a part time job at the Dominion grocery store on Eglinton, near Chaplin Crescent, which set the course of his life. He was offered a sales job by a customer who ran a laundry and dry cleaning supply company, and he met the love of his life, Marina, who also worked there after school. Ian said that the best day of his life was May 25, 1968, the day he married Marina. He continued in the laundry business, starting his own successful company, Ontario Laundry Systems. He worked in the company with his family and was still actively involved until just before his passing.

Ian was an avid golfer and long time member of Bayview Golf & Country Club, where he served on the Board and he and Marina made a lifetime of friendships. They also enjoyed travel and especially, dining in wonderful restaurants around the world. Their fondness for good food made them excellent hosts; their frequent family dinners and evenings with friends will always be treasured memories.

Following his wishes, Ian will be cremated. His ashes will be interred at York Cemetery and Funeral Centre on Thursday, November 13 at 11:00 am. There will be a graveside service and a reception at the Funeral Centre following the service. If you wish to attend, please gather in the parking lot of the Funeral Centre at by 10:45 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North York General Hospital.