Lee Morris 'Slim' Gibson, 60

Lee Morris "Slim" Gibson of Rathdrum, Idaho, passed away Aug. 5, 2026, at the age of 60. He was born April 11, 1966, in Sonoma, Calif., to Gilbert Lee Gibson and Lorna Claire (Jones) Gibson. Lee grew up in Napa, Yountville, and Sonoma, Calif., but his heart has been right at home in North Idaho since moving there with his family in 2005. 

In his early 20s, Lee proudly served four years in the United States Navy onboard the U.S.S. Samuel Gompers, a destroyer tender-class vessel, where he became recognized as the top Patternmaker in the Navy. He took great pride in his profession and in doing things well. He was an extremely funny and talented artist who loved to draw and to create beautifully hand-crafted things made from wood or leather.

"Leeboy," as he was sometimes called, had a huge personality and loved many things, but he was especially fond of motorcycles (as he always said, he was "Born to Ride"), guns, woodworking, a good joke and, most of all, his children and grandchildren. He had a storytelling spirit and a strong sense of individuality. He could be generous to a fault and had a tender heart beneath his sometimes-rough exterior.

Lee was a very loving father and grandfather. Unfortunately, since the loss of his daughter, Jennifer Addie Gibson, who passed away three decades ago at the age of 2 years, 8 months, he struggled deeply with grief. He is survived by his children, James Lee Gibson and Kaytlyn Jo (Gibson) Brister, and by his beloved grandchildren, James, Carter, Evelyn, and Alexander Gibson, and Grayson and Brody Brister. Lee is also survived by his siblings, Julie (Gibson) Bragg, Mike Gibson and John Gibson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who all loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, James (Jim) Gibson.

In recent years, Lee accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and his family finds comfort in knowing that he is now with Him. The hope of Christ gives his family peace amid their grief and the assurance that death is not the end.

Lee leaves behind a family who will carry his memory with them — the stories, the laughter, the things he taught them, and all the little reminders of him that will continue to appear throughout their lives. He was definitely one of a kind, and there will never be another Lee. He will be deeply missed, deeply loved and never forgotten.  

Lee's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the members of Kootenai EMS for their prompt response and compassionate care for Lee that day, as well as for their dedicated service to our community every day.

Graveside services honoring the life and memory of Lee will be held in Potter Valley, Calif. Please contact the family for service details.

    Gibson