Ronald Joseph “Ron” Gibson
August 27, 1951 – July 28, 2019
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Ronald (Ron) Joseph Gibson of Owings passed away suddenly at Calvert Memorial Hospital on Sunday, July 28. Ron was born on August 27, 1951 in Prince Frederick. He attended Calvert County public schools and received degrees in foreign language from Frostburg State University (BA) and Penn State University (MA). He taught French to middle-school students at both Plum Point and Calvert Middle Schools, retiring after 32 years. In 1978 he married his childhood sweetheart, Joan Ruth Hardesty. They celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary on July 1. Ron enjoyed cruising, fine dining, precious jewels and metals, and political discourse. He was admired for his sense of humor, his quick wit, and his mastery of the art of sarcasm.
Ron is survived by his wife, Joan, of Owings. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Sally Rosenberg (Ron), his nephew Alex, niece Kyla, all from Great Neck, New York; a special uncle, Billy Dowell, of Sunderland; a special cousin, Margaret Lee Dowell, of Sunderland, and many more cousins and friends. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Doris Mae (Dowell) Gibson.
Viewings will be held at Rausch Funeral Home in Owings on Thursday, August 1, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be held at Rausch Funeral Home on Friday, August 2 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Christ Church Cemetery in Port Republic.
Visitation
&
Services
- Funeral Service
Friday, August 2, 2019
11:00 am
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To our family “Mr.” Gibson was a teacher nonpareil. Our son loved his classes and learned French despite himself. It was evident Ron was an exceptional educator, both because of being a Francophile but moreover having a huge heart. We remember him fondly. The Chanteau family: Cody, Fred and Aurora
Mr. Gibson was my French teacher at PPMS. I remember sitting in his class when the 9/11 attacks occurred. None of us really knew what was going on, but he kept all of us as calm as possible. It was a totally different side to what I was used to seeing – very goofy and sarcastic! He’s one of the few teachers in middle school that I vividly remember the personality of and I appreciate all the memories that have lasted this long! I wasn’t the best French student, but he never made me feel like I was inadequate. Rest In Peace Mr. Gibson! I’m sure none of your students will ever forget you or your sense of humor you brought to class!
Joan, I am so very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing and your loss. I have such vivid memories of Ron’s chuckle and wicked sense of humor over the many years we taught together. Hoping you will find peace in the amazing memories of your many years, devotion, and adventures together . In sympathy and friendship, Kathy
I’m saddened to hear of his passing. Mr. Gibson was an awesome teacher in all respects. I was a student of his at Plum Point, way back when it first opened. He spurred my enthusiasm for language education, and I continued French through college. I am positive he had the same impact on countless other lucky kids over the years. I hope he inspired a new generation of educators as well. We need more like him. Rest easy Mr. Gibson, and thank you.
My deepest condolences to Mr. Gibson’s wife, family, and loved ones.
Like many others on this page, I was taught by him years ago. I have nothing but fond memories of his wit and humor. His playful attitude made learning such a delight, and I have him to thank for countless joyful experiences with French in my subsequent studies and travels.
Adieu, Monsieur. Merci pour tout.
I am so saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. I was thinking of Ron last week when my grandchildren were visiting. When someone would say, “ I’m done.” I would answer, “Turkeys in the oven are done. People are finished.” One of Ron’s favorites. I so enjoyed working with Ron at Calvert Middle School. He had such a fun wit, a sense of humor, and a contagious laugh.. My condolences to you, Joan, and his family.
I am so saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. My deepest condolences to Joan and his family. He was such an amazing person ! world will be missing amazing person. He always smile , always appreciate and love live. He will be miss very very much. My hart going to you . Polina price
Joan – We just heard about Ronnie. I can’t tell you how sorry we are. Though I didn’t see him much he was often in my thoughts. I spent a lot of time at his house with Uncle Joe and Aunt Doris during the summers. My prayers are with you.
Debbie Cormier Ellis and Terri Cormier Muench
It is impossible to honor Ron Gibson in the way he deserves to be honored and remembered. He was the most unique individual. A character. A personality. He told the truth as he saw it. Irreverent and kind but unwilling to tolerate stupidity or a lack of social graces. How many wonderful times have we had with Ron and Joan? Laughing, teasing, playing trivia pursuit and drinking martinis…for Ron, very cold, a twist of lemon. Ron understood me. We have similar senses of humor. He tolerated my silliness. He condoned my idiosyncrasies with playful rapport, challenge, and banter. He questioned how in the world my husband could possibly tolerate me… but he understood because Joan “tolerated” him. I can go on and on but can never capture the wonder of this wonderful man. We will miss you dear Ron. Until we “Rondevous “again and have the great pleasure to toast each other as the Martinis. Rip in Peace my friend. We will keep watch over your sweet Joan.
Mr. Gibson had a huge impact on my family’s, my friends’, and my education at Calvert Middle School in English and French. I will always remember the trip to Quebec and many fun times in the classroom that was located in the North Field area of Calvert Middle. Mr. Gibson was a wonderful educator, mentor, and good friend to us all.
Mr. Gibson, our class was allowed to call him Mr. Gibby, was a wonderful man inside and out. He was my French teacher at PPMS and was without any doubt one of my favorite teachers. Middle school was rough but he always made each day better. I remember him letting us watch Lord of the Rings, in French, and making us laugh about everything. He always talked about retiring, moving to Paris and owning a Rolls Royce. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. He is very loved
Mr. Gibson was a beloved French and English teacher when I was at Calvert Middle in the late 70s. In French class especially, he broadened horizons and introduced us to the world beyond Calvert County. But what I remember most is how Mr. Gibson was the first teacher to treat us like adults. That was huge for a bunch of 13 year olds. While I hadn’t seen Mr. Gibson in many years, I can honestly say that I think of him and what I learned from him often.
My condolences and sympathies to Joan and the rest of Mr. Gibson’s family and friends.
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To our family “Mr.” Gibson was a teacher nonpareil. Our son loved his classes and learned French despite himself. It was evident Ron was an exceptional educator, both because of being a Francophile but moreover having a huge heart. We remember him fondly. The Chanteau family: Cody, Fred and Aurora
Mr. Gibson was my French teacher at PPMS. I remember sitting in his class when the 9/11 attacks occurred. None of us really knew what was going on, but he kept all of us as calm as possible. It was a totally different side to what I was used to seeing – very goofy and sarcastic! He’s one of the few teachers in middle school that I vividly remember the personality of and I appreciate all the memories that have lasted this long! I wasn’t the best French student, but he never made me feel like I was inadequate. Rest In Peace Mr. Gibson! I’m sure none of your students will ever forget you or your sense of humor you brought to class!
Joan, I am so very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing and your loss. I have such vivid memories of Ron’s chuckle and wicked sense of humor over the many years we taught together. Hoping you will find peace in the amazing memories of your many years, devotion, and adventures together . In sympathy and friendship, Kathy
I’m saddened to hear of his passing. Mr. Gibson was an awesome teacher in all respects. I was a student of his at Plum Point, way back when it first opened. He spurred my enthusiasm for language education, and I continued French through college. I am positive he had the same impact on countless other lucky kids over the years. I hope he inspired a new generation of educators as well. We need more like him. Rest easy Mr. Gibson, and thank you.
Mr. Gibson, I remember more of your wit and wisdom than anyone who ever taught me. You were a living example that the best teachers care about their students first. Your memory will forever live on in my heart.
Ron was indeed a special man-always had a twinkle in his eye and a kind word. His sense of fun and sharp wit were contagious. He will truly be missed. Joan, our hearts go out to you.
My deepest condolences to Mr. Gibson’s wife, family, and loved ones.
Like many others on this page, I was taught by him years ago. I have nothing but fond memories of his wit and humor. His playful attitude made learning such a delight, and I have him to thank for countless joyful experiences with French in my subsequent studies and travels.
Adieu, Monsieur. Merci pour tout.
I am so saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. I was thinking of Ron last week when my grandchildren were visiting. When someone would say, “ I’m done.” I would answer, “Turkeys in the oven are done. People are finished.” One of Ron’s favorites. I so enjoyed working with Ron at Calvert Middle School. He had such a fun wit, a sense of humor, and a contagious laugh.. My condolences to you, Joan, and his family.
Mrs. Gibson-I was shocked and saddened to hear that Mr. Gibson passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am so saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. My deepest condolences to Joan and his family. He was such an amazing person ! world will be missing amazing person. He always smile , always appreciate and love live. He will be miss very very much. My hart going to you . Polina price
Joan – We just heard about Ronnie. I can’t tell you how sorry we are. Though I didn’t see him much he was often in my thoughts. I spent a lot of time at his house with Uncle Joe and Aunt Doris during the summers. My prayers are with you.
Debbie Cormier Ellis and Terri Cormier Muench
It is impossible to honor Ron Gibson in the way he deserves to be honored and remembered. He was the most unique individual. A character. A personality. He told the truth as he saw it. Irreverent and kind but unwilling to tolerate stupidity or a lack of social graces. How many wonderful times have we had with Ron and Joan? Laughing, teasing, playing trivia pursuit and drinking martinis…for Ron, very cold, a twist of lemon. Ron understood me. We have similar senses of humor. He tolerated my silliness. He condoned my idiosyncrasies with playful rapport, challenge, and banter. He questioned how in the world my husband could possibly tolerate me… but he understood because Joan “tolerated” him. I can go on and on but can never capture the wonder of this wonderful man. We will miss you dear Ron. Until we “Rondevous “again and have the great pleasure to toast each other as the Martinis. Rip in Peace my friend. We will keep watch over your sweet Joan.
His kindness, aforementioned twinkle in his eye, wit, apron, and grace, will never be forgotten!
My condolences to Joan and family. Though I have not seen him for many years, he was in many of my high school classes. I always knew him to be a gentle, funny, really nice person. Rest in peace Ron.
Mr. Gibson had a huge impact on my family’s, my friends’, and my education at Calvert Middle School in English and French. I will always remember the trip to Quebec and many fun times in the classroom that was located in the North Field area of Calvert Middle. Mr. Gibson was a wonderful educator, mentor, and good friend to us all.
Mr. Gibson, our class was allowed to call him Mr. Gibby, was a wonderful man inside and out. He was my French teacher at PPMS and was without any doubt one of my favorite teachers. Middle school was rough but he always made each day better. I remember him letting us watch Lord of the Rings, in French, and making us laugh about everything. He always talked about retiring, moving to Paris and owning a Rolls Royce. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. He is very loved
Mr. Gibson was a beloved French and English teacher when I was at Calvert Middle in the late 70s. In French class especially, he broadened horizons and introduced us to the world beyond Calvert County. But what I remember most is how Mr. Gibson was the first teacher to treat us like adults. That was huge for a bunch of 13 year olds. While I hadn’t seen Mr. Gibson in many years, I can honestly say that I think of him and what I learned from him often.
My condolences and sympathies to Joan and the rest of Mr. Gibson’s family and friends.
You never knew what Mr. Gibson had in store for French class. He instilled a love of language and culture. Truly an influential educator.
Oh I am so sorry to hear of your lose. Mr.Gibson taught both my girls French at PPMS. He was their absolute favorite teacher during their time in middle school. He will always be remembered as ”Mr. Gibby”