It is with tremendous sadness that we share the news of the passing of Eric Gibson on June 4, 2020. Eric spent much of the last 40 years giving back to his community – first here in Mississauga, and then in Paris, Ontario. Eric was in his 86th year.

Eric Gibson was born in South Wales and came to Canada from Derby, England in 1964. Early in his working career, Eric was employed with the aircraft engine division for Rolls Royce in both England and Canada, and for 27 years he worked for Pratt & Whitney as an Engineer and Senior Designer, first in Montreal and later in Mississauga.

Eric’s many interests included philately, local history, reading and freelance writing. Eric published Mississauga Moments: An Anthology of Local Fact, Fiction, Legend … in 1999.

Eric is fondly remembered for his dedication, countless hours of commitment and support of local history, a humble and gracious nature, and a great sense of humour. He was a valued volunteer and member of Heritage Mississauga, a multi-term Past President of the Mississauga South Historical Society, published author, and regular contributor to both the Heritage News publication from Heritage Mississauga and The Lighthouse newsletter from the Mississauga South Historical Society. After his move to Paris, Eric became a dedicated member of the Paris Museum and Historical Society. Eric was also a past Chair of the Mississauga Stamp Club (Credit Valley Philatelic Society) and of the Mississauga Camera Club.

As a remarkable contributor to the efforts of HM, MSHS and PMHS, Eric participated in fundraising and awareness events, exhibits, speaking engagements, research projects, membership drives, as an actor, and as a script-writer for historic plays and tours. For many years Eric took part in the annual “Haunted Mississauga” evening, where he portrayed a multitude of historic personalities, and always with a great combination of presence, humour and respect for the story of our past. Eric had a particular affinity for things that flew or floated, and delved deeply into local history subjects ranging from the AVRO Arrow, Airships, trains, and boats on the Great Lakes. Many happy hours were spent wandering down memory lane with Eric.

Eric was presented with a Lifetime Membership Award from Heritage Mississauga in 2008. He is also active and highly respected in the heritage world in and around Mississauga, both as an accomplished speaker and a knowledgeable historian.

Eric was predeceased by his wife, Marian, who was a long-serving member of the Board of Directors for Heritage Mississauga. Eric will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by many, including his cherished friend, Linda Charlton.