Belmont---Bruce E. Gibbs, 71, of Belmont, N.H. died suddenly, Saturday, November 30, 2013. Bruce was born June 18, 1942 in Saugus, MA, the eldest son of Ralph and Marion (Smith) Gibbs.
Bruce is survived by his wife and best friend, Maggie Gibbs; his three daughters and sons-in-law, Stacey and Alan Jope of Laconia, N.H., Ginny and Billy Desmond of East Wareham, MA and Kimberly Gibbs of Belmont, N.H.; his two grandchildren, Nicholas & Allison Jope of Laconia; his sister, Virginia Adams, and her husband, George, of Barrington, N.H. and his sister, Linda Chartier, of Laconia, N.H.; his brother, Alan Gibbs, and his wife, Anna, of Concord, N.H.; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Cleo Gorman and Ron Ackerman, of Northampton, MA; his sister-in-law, Marty Gorman, of Springfield, MA and sixteen nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his brother-in-law, George Chartier; and his parents Ralph and Marion Gibbs.
Bruce was employed with Imperial Distributors for twenty five years. He served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years and formed a life long passion for cooking. He enjoyed his retirement immensely spending time fishing, doing puzzles and creating Halloween and Christmas "villages". He was a loyal Red Sox and Patriots fan.
Family time and family vacations brought him much joy and pleasure; camping vacations at Hermit Island, time in Maine and the Cape as well as many spur of the moment day trips. He was an awesome partner, the love of Maggie's life, Dad, "Bumpa", brother, uncle and friend. He surrounded his family with laughter, love and his unique sense of humor.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday, December 5, 2013 from 5:00-7:00p.m.in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 6, 2013 at 11:00a.m. at St. Andre Bessette Parish at St. Joseph Church, 30 Church St., Laconia.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Holy Trinity School, 50 Church St., Laconia, NH 03246 or Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 7312, Gilford, NH 03247-7312.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.