Clifford Allan Gibson

Monday, November 11, 2013

Clifford Allan Gibson

Aug. 4, 1943 - Nov. 5, 2013

SUN CITY WEST, Arizona -- Clifford Allan Gibson, 70 passed away Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013, surrounded by his devoted family and close friends after a courageous battle with cancer.

Cliff was born Aug. 4, 1943, to Ray Clifford Gibson and Irene Katherine (Heilers) Gibson in Fremont, Nebraska. He lived in Benkelman, Nebraska, for a short time and moved to McCook, Nebraska, where he attended St. Pat's Parochial School through ninth grade, graduated from McCook High School 1961, and from McCook Junior College, 1963. He joined the US Navy October 1964, stationed in Sanford, Florida, and released from active duty October 1968, Albany Georgia, with an honorable discharge October 1970 in Plano, Texas.

His first marriage was blessed with his three loving children, Ken (Sylvia) Gibson, Lolly (Kris) Raffety and Susan Gibson, who survive him. Also surviving are his two sisters, Sharon (Dean) Dicke and Kathy Fringer.

Cliff married the love of his life, Cathie Gochis Fortkamp Aug 28, 1993, and welcomed four more sons Mark (Renee) Fortkamp, Dan (Kris) Fortkamp, Kevin (Sonia) Fortkamp and Troy (Kristin) Fortkamp into his life. They, too, survive him along with eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Cliff was employed for three years at Texas Instruments in Plano and 32 years in Lake Mary, Florida, with Siemens Stromberg-Carlson Telecommunications as product development engineer and manager.

Cliff and Cathie have made their home in Sun City Festival for the past five years, where he was involved with the Woodcrafters and served as their treasurer. He was a neighborhood watch captain and an ambassador for Sun City Festival.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Anita Kristie and his devoted little sheltie, Dari-Queen.

Cliff will be missed greatly by his loving family and dear friends.

A memorial service will be at the Camino del Sol Funeral Chapel located at 13738 West Camino del Sol, Sun City West, AZ.

You may leave a remembrance or condolence for the family at www.caminodelsol.com

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in his name will be distributed to the charities of his choice.