Guy Gibbs

Guy enrolled at Regis Jesuit High School during a time when the world was at war and graduated just as the U.S. was determining its path forward following World War II’s conclusion. A natural born athlete, he exceled in high school on both the basketball court and baseball diamond, earning his spot on the Regis Jesuit Athletics Wall of Excellence in both sports.

Following high school, Guy matriculated to Colorado College, where he continued playing both basketball and baseball. He earned his bachelor’s degree and then went on to serve in the Marine Corps before spending a few years in the insurance business. Remembering the influence of Lou Kellogg, his Regis coach and mentor, drew him back to his alma mater in 1956 when a basketball coaching job opened. Turns out, he unknowingly signed on to coach football and track and field for the school as well. Thus, a career in education began.

During his 41 years at Regis Jesuit, Guy made his mark as a coach and mentor, especially in basketball where his teams posted a 473-156 record over 28 seasons. Described by his coaching peers as a “gentleman coach,” Guy was known for the discipline of his teams and his composure on the sideline, reassuring his players of his confidence in them.

Beyond the courts and fields of RJ, Guy served as a prominent basketball and football official for the Rocky Mountain Athletic, Western Athletic and Mountain West (Collegiate) Conferences. Moreover, he was instrumental in the decision to bring private schools under the jurisdiction of the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) in 1968. Catholic high schools in the Parochial League, including Regis, made the move to the new structure seamlessly. Gibbs’ basketball teams won 12 League titles, qualified for the State playoffs nine times and was edged for a state title in 1979, after moving to CHSAA.

Guy’s prowess as a coach did not go unrecognized, and he racked up a slew of accolades recognizing his dedication. He was named to the Colorado High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1985 and was inducted to the CHSAA Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2003, Coach Gibs was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, an honor that reassured him he had chosen his life’s vocation wisely. Colorado College added him to their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013 in recognition of his being the winningest prep coach in the state of Colorado at that time.

After decades of teaching math and, of course, coaching, along with stints as a counselor and athletic director, Guy retired from Regis Jesuit in 1997. Even so, up until the pandemic, he remained an active member of the Regis Jesuit community and regular visitor to campus.

Guy was a proponent of the 2003 founding of the Girls Division stating presciently that "If a girls' school is built, it will be a success," and, "The boys need the interaction with the girls." In 2008, Guy was appointed to the Regis Jesuit Council of Regents. He continued to visit campus regularly in the years following, including as part of the Alumni Mentorship Series where he shared his life lessons with students. Most recently, Guy and his wife Joan attended LARK in 2019, sporting Hawaiian shirts and leis to align with the theme.

When the new building for the Boys Division opened in 2004, it was only fitting that the gym was named in honor of Guy Gibbs and what he represents as a coach and mentor and more importantly as a man of faith and a friend. Though he has gone on to his eternal reward, his legacy at Regis Jesuit High School will live on for years to come in those who knew him as a colleague, coach or both, as well as through his family – his wife Joan; children; Georgeann (Bob), Greg, Geoff (Lisa), Gretchen (Mike), Genny (Eric); grandchildren, Bob (Angie), Zach (Danielle), Josh, Megan (Andrew), Emily, Natalie (Travis), Sam, Grace, George, Ann (Andrew) Ian, John, Bryon, Andrew; and great grandchildren, Banks, Boyd, Jones, William, Lennon.

A Mass will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 2:00 pm at St. Joan of Arch Catholic Church, 12735 West 58th Avenue, Arvada, Colorado 80002. Family invites everyone to join them at reception following the Mass. A private burial will take at Fort Logan National Cemetery on a later date.

We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of Guy's soul and the consolation of his family and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers to please donate to Regis Jesuit Highschool