Edward Gibbs

Edward Gibbs, age 91, of Lakewood, Colorado, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2023. Ed was born on November 27, 1931, to Russell and Laura (Kendall) Gibbs in Collbran, Colorado, where he discovered his love of the outdoors including hiking, fishing, skiing, and hunting. Dad would say “we didn’t have a lot, but we never did without.” Moving from Collbran to nearby communities including Palisade and Grand Junction, Ed ultimately graduated from Glenwood Springs High School in 1949 and went on to Mesa State College and then to the University of Colorado where he received a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1953. This degree served him well when he subsequently joined the Navy serving three years as an Engineering and Executive Officer on the USS Brinkley Bass.
Following his Navy service, Ed began his career in the uranium industry working for Union Carbide, in Uravan, Colorado, where his mom introduced him to his future wife, Geraldene Johnston, whom he married in 1957. Ed was impressed not only by Gerry’s good looks and intellect, but the fact that she was working three jobs when they met. Moving from Uravan to Slick Rock, Colorado, they welcomed their first child, Debbie, in 1959 and after a move to Casper, Wyoming, their second child, Frank, in 1962.
Ed’s career continued with increasing responsibility with Union Carbide as the family moved from Casper, Wyoming to Rifle, Colorado; Hot Springs, Arkansas; Bishop, California; and ultimately to Ridgefield, Connecticut. In every new place, the family took advantage of the location – adjusting from snow skiing to water skiing or trout fishing to bass fishing and making long-time friends along the way. Ed’s professional travel took him around the world including South Africa, Australia, and Russia. After 21 years with Union Carbide, he accepted a job with Rocky Mountain Energy in Broomfield, Colorado, leading their Wyoming-based coal business. The family settled in nearby Boulder, Colorado. After 10 years with Rocky Mountain Energy, Ed retired in 1988, and Ed and Gerry began their travels to see the world. The next several years included bike trips throughout Europe, sightseeing in China, and more bike trips in Canada – leading to daily question from the kids – “I wonder where in the world mom and dad are today?” Ed remained active throughout his life running the 10K Bolder Boulder nearly every year until his was 74 and skiing with his family until he was 85.
Ed was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Above all else, he loved his family. He taught us all the value of hard work, education, and laughter. Perhaps one of his most lasting words of advice to his children and grandchildren was “illegitimi non carborundum”.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Russel and Laura; brother Frank Gibbs (Margaret); sister Barbara Patterson. He is survived by his wife Gerry; brother David Foster; children Debbie Tschudy (Tom), Frank Gibbs (Celeste); two grandchildren Christopher Tschudy (Sophia), and Laura Tschudy (Ryan).