Many of you, like me, will have fond memories of Joey Gibbard, who passed away recently. Because of Covid restrictions only a few family and close friends could attend his funeral at St Matthew’s – otherwise the church would have been full. So for those of us who couldn’t be there in church to send Joey off here is the moving eulogy given by his nephew Sean.
As a memorial to Joey we are planning to place a bench on the grass area just outside his house at the entrance to The Elms. I know lots of people will want to donate towards the bench – more details soon on how you can contribute.
Colin Gibbard – A Message to Doe!
However you know my uncle; Colin, Joe, Joey or as I called him Doe, you will agree that he was one of the most kind and generous people there was to meet.
Doe was hard-working and as a young man he started off at Hooks Farm. In 1965 he joined the Environment Agency to work on the River Thames. He retired in 2009 (after over 40 years of service) and enjoyed many hours in his garden. He grew flowers and large amounts of vegetables (his pickled onions are much loved by all). Afterwards he would sit on the bench at the front of his house and put the world to rights with whoever walked past.
My uncle was very generous and enjoyed spending money on family meals out. Laura and myself will forever be indebted to Doe for lending us money to help buy the canal boat we live on. He was first at the bar and would enjoy a few pints of John Smith’s with friends & family. A cabinet full of trophies at home proves that he could throw a Dart or an Aunt Sally stick when he wanted to. He also enjoyed playing dominos and watching Speedway at Blunsdon. He also enjoyed playing dominos and watching Speedway at Blunsdon. He was however very serious with family games of pool at the pub, it wasn’t so much Doe was a bad looser, he just wanted to win!
Colin Albert Gibbard left a legacy of hard work, respect and love (and also a greenhouse full of onions!). He taught me the integrity to be true and honest but to always be yourself! Thank you Doe for everything that you have done for us. Rest easy now, the hard work is over…xx
One thought on “COLIN “JOEY” GIBBARD”
I shall miss Colin’s help in my garden, he was always ready to lift and carry pots and tables. I shall also miss him cycling down the road from the Elms, and stopping for a chat.