Edwin Gibson passed away on March 23, a few weeks before his 94th birthday. He lived at St Anthony, Church Square for more than 30 years.
He served in India with the Royal Air Force during the last war and had since been an active member of the former Rye & Northiam Royal Air Force Association and the Rye Royal British Legion, taking part in the annual parade on Remembrance Sunday for all the years he was able to do so.
Following retirement from his father-in-law’s garage business at Blackheath, he came to live in Rye, preferring, perhaps, the slower pace of life here. He was an active member of St Mary’s Church, becoming church warden and honorary treasurer. His daughter Judith showed me one of his most treasured possessions, a battered New Testament that had been given to him when he first joined the Royal Air Force.
He joined and acted as treasurer to various voluntary organisations simultaneously, including the Rye Museum, the Rye Conservation Society and the Friends of St Mary’s. He was also ready to be counted on for door to door and street collections on behalf of the RAF Association, Poppy Appeal, Christian Aid and the RNLI.
He was the essential volunteer with the ready motto “might as well give it a go” followed by his characteristic short laugh. One unforgettable experience was of Edwin being strapped on a stretcher at the top of the church tower and being lowered gingerly over the parapet to the ground by some burly firemen undertaking an emergency evacuation exercise. He retained his enthusiasm for new experiences and it was well into his later years that he joined U3A and WEA classes, teaching himself how to cook.
A man with no enemies, with a cheerful smile for everyone and usually some remark about “keeping going”. Indeed, he took his own advice well and was always interested to learn more, particularly about historical subjects and the town’s architectural heritage. Into old age, he kept himself fit by perambulating around the churchyard several times a day on his walking-frame. In this he showed his determination and also a liking for routine.
Edwin was such a familiar figure in the town, he will be sorely missed. Judith became his devoted carer and earns all our sympathy. It is expected that the date of the funeral will be announced shortly.
Photo: Ray Prewer