David John Gibson

David John Gibson, 68, of St. George, Utah, passed away on March 28, 2026, at his home. Dave was born on November 23, 1957 in Kingston, NY, to Albert Jack and Jean Hartfuer Gibson. Preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert T. Gibson. Survived by his children: Michelle (Chris) Hauck, Joshua (Megan), Matthew (Chelsie), and Michael; siblings: Cindy Gibson-Hancock (New York), Jamie (Wyoming) and AJ (Arizona); grandchildren: JP, Madison, Elsie, Theodore, Mila and Zela.

Dave was raised in New York but spent the majority of his adult life in Utah with brief stints in Hawaii, England and Maryland. He was married to Patty Young from 1977-1981 and Sherri Gibson from 1983-2004. He had several different careers paths that included: Navy diver (specializing in explosive ordnance disposal), fireman, contractor, bus driver, search and rescue, police officer, barber, scuba instructor, Aikido sensei, and ranch hand.

Dave loved his family and adored spending time with his grandchildren. He would frequently reply to family text messages with a heart, thumbs up or cowboy emoji, and “Awesomeness. Love you.” Dave was always very direct and never shied away from saying what was on his mind. However, for those of you lucky to get past the rough exterior, you would have met a man that had a big heart and a good sense of humor. Dave was a big fan of horses, Chuck Norris, westerns, martial arts, guns and knives. He was definitely prepared for whatever apocalypse the future held.

Dave always loved horses and dreamed of owning them when he was younger. That dream was realized later in life when he started working/living at a horse ranch/motel. He was even able to own a few horses of his own and spent his days caring for the horses at the ranch. He loved what he did and the freedom it allowed him. It seems like he was the glue that held the place together and he will be sorely missed by his friends and family.

A private family service will be held at Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park in Bluffdale, with military honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to wild-heart-sanctuary.com.

Love ya, see ya, bye!