Charles Ray (C. R.) Gibbs, 63, died suddenly but peacefully at home January 12, 2005, under a beautiful winter's night sky. Charles was born August 10, 1941 in Laramie, WY, the only child of Charles A. and Dorothy Gibbs.
He grew up in the Cowboy State and his early years saw him active in 4-H and scouting where he attained the rank of Eagle. A very proud member of Sheridan High School's class of '59, he was active in athletics, theatre and journalism. It was there that he met Frankie Gillen, though their romance would wait to blossom until they both attended and graduated from Sheridan College, where he was student body president from 1960-61. After honorably serving a Mormon mission to southern California and Arizona. Charlie would later graduate from BYU in 1965 as the honor student in Communications.
On August 23, 1963 he married Frankie and 11 months later they became a family of three with the birth of their son, Chad. In 1971, the family added another member when Scott Breen came to live with them, who Charlie loved as another son.
An avid scuba diver, Charlie led an active and adventurous life that included whitewater rafting throughout the West, skydiving and motorcycling. When it came to driving, he was forever a truck man, with Willie Nelson usually playing on the stereo. Children were drawn to his puckish nature and he was always the willing jester of their court.
Truth be known, Dad was a bit of a nudist (just around the house, mind you), but when he did dress for the outside world he thought yellow, purple or orange socks were the height of fashion. He refused to wear white dress shirts and saw no problem with sporting a propeller beanie to formal dinners.
He was a ready volunteer to anyone needing assistance. He was a friend to stalled motorists. He loved to help others with their remodeling projects and was a handy electrician.
Charlie was never afraid to point a finger in the eye of the powerful. Dad's talent for refusing to blindly bow to authority was maddening, yet inspiring. He taught those around him to ask questions, to read between the lines, be ever observant, to take a risk, but never take the little things for granted. Governors, senators, even a prophet knew that Charlie would tell them what they needed to know, not what they wanted to hear.
He excelled in his career and many sought his advice when it came to marketing new ideas. For several years he hosted "Seven Scene," a weekly program on KUED where he interviewed everyone from Alex Haley and Joyce Brothers to Benji the Dog. During his tenure as a spokesman for the Mormon Church, he was instrumental in bringing them positive national media recognition and publicity. Journalists from around the country trusted and respected him. He met with three U.S. Presidents and was active in both Republican and Democratic campaigns. Candidates mattered more than parties.
Dad's spirituality went through a grand evolution. During the last 14 years he helped others work through their addiction, and was thankful for all who helped take those 12 steps. He said if you wanted to better understand a higher power, skip church and find someone to help. He ended every nightly prayer with, "Please help me do the next right thing, and lead me to that person in need.'
We miss C. R. and he is gone too soon, but we were blessed to have him as part of our small family. He is survived by his mom, Dorothy (Sheridan, WY), wife Frankie, son Chad (Quebec, Canada); Scott Breen and his sons Jake, Adam and Chris (SLC). He is also survived by half sister Shirley Schmidt (Florida), and many cousins. Hattie will miss her best friend and afternoon storyteller. He is preceded in death by his father, Charch, and his favorite adopted yellow lab, Max.
A celebration of his life will be held Monday, Janaury 17 at 11 a.m. at Grand America in Ballroom A (555 S. Main St, SLC, UT). Please avoid wearing white dress shirts, though brightly colored socks are encouraged. A memorial service will also be held in Sheridan, Wyoming at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to The Haven, Intermountain Therapy Animals, or to the Sheridan College Foundation, P.O. Box 6328, Sheridan WY 8201.