Patricia Anne Gibb

Patricia Anne Gibb, age 72, passed away at her home in Victoria, BC with her husband by her side after a second major battle with cancer. She won the first one hands down more than twenty years ago and made the absolute best of her extra borrowed time. Cherished as a loving wife, stepmother, and grandmother, sister, friend, and aunt, and dearly beloved by many – this fine, intelligent, and cultured soul brought life to any room or group. This world traveler who lived in the UK and Australia, but ultimately chose Canada as her permanent home.

Born in Lincoln, England to Peter Gibb and Betty (Newton) Gibb. Patricia is survived by her husband of thirty-one years, Bruce Douglas Gillespie, stepchildren Sara Baxter (Jeremy) and Duncan Gillespie (Felicity). Adored by her grandchildren Lauren and Whitney Baxter and Henry Gillespie, Grandma Trish is now sorely missed. Equally missed by her close family in England sister Jen Davies (Michael) and brother John Gibb (Ann) who were sadly unable to visit this year; as well as niece Emily Gibson (Matt) and great nephews Henry, Natty and Sam, nephews Tom (Maurice), Alec (Kate), Sam and James.

On the home front she was quickly named ‘Trish Delish’ by Sara and Duncan; a point never questioned by her many dinner guests who recognized her incredible culinary talent in executing fine meals that would thrill any table. In this she was greatly influenced as a child at Welbeck Farm in Lincolnshire by her maternal grandmother’s wisdom and generosity in the art of cooking. Patricia was an intrepid ‘foodie’ and recognized supporter of wine regions in BC and of local organic producers on Vancouver Island. Her influence, spirit and flavours can be felt at Little Jumbo Restaurant and at Café Jumbo in Victoria, projects that she influenced, and are carried on by her husband Bruce.

Professionally, Patricia was an inspirational leader in Canadian human resources and known for supporting fairness and justice in employee relations and a highly effective coach and mentor to many rising stars in this field as well as organization leaders. In both life and work, she showed what true leadership is in its highest form, ‘wanting more for others than for yourself’.

Her wonderful life was cut short by a tough battle with an incurable cancer. She lived with grace and died peacefully at home with a view of her beloved garden that she worked so hard to develop over a fourteen year period. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victoria Hospice  https://victoriahospice.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-donate/donate/ in Patricia Gibb’s honour to help their teams in doing such great work supporting spouses and family members in allowing dignified death at home. A final footnote is a quote from Anthony Bourdain, who she loved: “The way you make an omelet reveals your character”. To have one of hers was a true gift full of love and mastery.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com