William L. “Bill” Gibbs
December 15, 2018
Funeral services for William L. “Bill” Gibbs, 68-year old Buffalo resident who passed away Saturday in Littleton, Colorado, will be held Friday, December 21, 2018. Father Pete Johnson, Celebrant, will conduct the funeral ceremony at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, December 20, 2018, at Harness Funeral Home, from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Internment will take place following the Liturgy of the Word service at Willow Grove Cemetery. Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the Bill Gibbs Memorial (funds to defray the educational costs of local students), in care of the funeral home, 351 North Adams Avenue, Buffalo, Wyoming. Online condolences are to be directed to www.harnessfuneralhome.com
William Langdon Gibbs was born in Billings, Montana, to William and Sophia Gibbs on June 8, 1950. Bill was the oldest of three children, all of whom were raised in Gillette, Wyoming. Following his graduation from Campbell County High School, Bill attended Casper College, prior to returning to Gillette to continue ranching operations at the Wagonhammer with his father. On September 16, 1972, he married Mary Grace Long of Buffalo. Bill and Grace resided for several years at the Wagonhammer Ranch, and later moved to the Bitter Creek Ranch. Aside from ranching, Bill was quite involved in various family businesses, while pursuing his passions for flying, training sheep dogs, cattle dogs and extensive reading. In 1982, the family moved to Buffalo, where they currently live.
Bill was an avid self-educator, consummate teacher, and adamant in delving into subject matters including history, theology, and philosophy. He was very inquisitive, and always welcomed a healthy debate. Bill never missed viewing his sons, nieces and nephews participating in numerous sporting events, including rodeo, throughout the state and nation. He was even known to obtain a press pass or two for closer observation and acquisition of photos.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Grace; two sons, Mark Gibbs (Carrie, Hannah Walters), of Denver, Colorado and Keven (Nichole) Gibbs of Dallas, Texas; two granddaughters, Kathryn Gibbs and Madelyn Gibbs, on whom he doted unendingly; and sister, Deanne Brown, of Grayslake, Illinois. Bill also leaves behind a community of friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother.
