Richard 'Rick' C Gibson, 85

Rick Gibson passed away peacefully Aug. 14, 2025. When he was freed from his broken body, he ran home to be with his dad, mom, sister and others who preceded him to the other side of the veil. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon; sons Ken and Craig; brothers Ed, Howard, Phil, Tim and Tom; stepsons and daughters; nieces and nephews; and all their families.  

He was born in Burley, Cassia, Idaho. He was the third child and second son of six boys and one girl born to John Russell Gibson and Helen Elizabeth (Hanson) Gibson. Rick was an energetic boy always having the normal adventures and misadventures of youth. He had a happy childhood and very early in life showed an interest and a talent for mechanics. After high school he joined the Army and worked in the motor pool. Stationed in Heidelberg, Germany, he was often assigned to drive for their officers. He had that on-call assignment one night and didn't expect any calls. He was called upon and, in his hurry to pick up his charge, missed a corner and ran the military jeep into a building. The accident broke nearly every bone in his body, crushing his legs, chest and head. He was not expected to live. Over the next year they worked to pull all his parts back together and he had to be in traction most of that time. Finally, they were able to transport him from Germany back to the United States where he continued his recovering for many months.   

For over 60 years Rick suffered near constant pain. He had an incredible will to live, to contribute and strove to build a life of purpose. For example, he worked at one time for a small company crafting rowing shells for the University of Washington, where his finely tuned sense of touch — sharpened by impaired eyesight — allowed him to detect minute imperfections on the outer surface of the hulls that others couldn't, creating shells that glided more smoothly through water. He took great pride in being creative and useful.

He lived with LeAnn and her family for a time. Her children recall he was always working, always around. He worked for days smoothing their yard preparing it for sod. Years later they recall how Rick had helped to make this lawn so perfect for their family.   

Rick married Sharon Jankowski. They lived in the Seattle area. Ken and Craig were their two sons. They had happy years, but the marriage ended with Rick's struggle with alcoholism.

He was a devoted son to his parents, Helen and Russ, living with and caring for them in their later years, especially in the home and garden. It was while living with his parents he rediscovered his faith, overcame his addictions and re-devoted his life to God and family. He found love again and remarried. He and his wife, Sharon (Olson), remain devoted to each other after 21 years together.

Rick was always moving, working and helping — driven by a deep desire to matter to others. Whatever he did he wanted to be of use.

He will be remembered for his positive outlook in life that was infectious, for his kindness, especially to children.    

He will be remembered for all the advice he tendered to those who needed it.  

He will be remembered for his quiet joy of watching "Perry Mason."

He will be remembered for his resilience, devotion, his unconditional love for life, and the quiet strength with which he strove to live his life.  

He will be remembered because he never gave up and, with all he had to endure, he endured to the end. 

Though we will miss Rick, we know he has been welcomed into the waiting arms of the family that went before him. 

He is loved on both sides of the veil.

Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the wonderful plan of salvation, it's not goodbye, it's more like, we'll see you later. We love you, Rick.    

A viewing will be held at 10 a.m. today, Aug. 20, 2025, at Yates Funeral Home — Coeur d'Alene Chapel (744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, 83814). A funeral service will then be held at 11 a.m. Please visit Rick's online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.