
Robert ("Bob") Gibbs (poet, novelist, short story writer, professor emeritus UNB, editor, and critic) was born in Saint John, NB on February 3, 1930 and passed away peacefully on October 20, 2024. Robert began writing poetry as a child and declared himself a poet at the age of nine; however, he kept his early work secret. After graduating from Saint John High School in 1947, he immediately began his BA on a Beaverbrook Scholarship at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) in Fredericton, where he found a community of writers. He joined the Bliss Carman Poetry Society and was mentored by Don Gammon, Elizabeth Brewster, Fred Cogswell, and Alfred Bailey, the founder of The Fiddlehead magazine. Robert's poetry started appearing in The Fiddlehead in 1949.
After completing his degree in 1951, Robert began a Master’s program, but left for England after his first year. There, he attended Cambridge University on an IODE scholarship and graduated with another BA in 1954. Robert taught at rural New Brunswick schools for nine years as a teacher and an administrator in small communities and in Saint John. He returned to UNB to finish his MA and completed a PhD in 1970.
In his more than 25 years of teaching at UNB, Robert taught general undergraduate and Canadian literature courses and was the director of UNB’s creative writing graduate program. He also served for some years as both editor and poetry editor of The Fiddlehead.
Robert’s works were first showcased in Fred Cogswell’s Five New Brunswick Poets (1962) alongside Alfred Bailey, Elizabeth Brewster, Fred Cogswell, Alden Nowlan, and Kay Smith.
Robert's first collection of short fiction, I’ve Always Felt Sorry for Decimals (1978), along with Angels Watch Do Keep (1997), capture the adventures of two orphaned brothers, Pompman and Hutchie Killam. Many of the ideas for these stories stem from narratives he created with his mother and siblings when he was a boy.
Robert Gibbs was predeceased by his father, Robson Gibbs, Mother Bessie (Tower) Gibbs, brothers Donald and Raymond Gibbs, sister-in-law Grace (McDonald) Gibbs, brother-in-law Siva Sathanaandan.
He will be deeply missed by his sister Jean (Gibbs) Sathanaandan, nieces Wandah, Sylvia and Donna-Rae, and their children, nephew Graeme and his spouse Elizabeth. They will fondly remember his stories, his meals, his boundless love of family, his twinkly-eyed humour, his gratitude and his ever-present quick wit.
We his family, wish to thank all those involved with Robert's care throughout his journey to the Promised Land. Thank you to the wonderful and caring staff at the Moncton Hospital and Monarch Hall (Shannex) Riverview; he always spoke very highly of his caretakers. To Joe, who helped him remain at home a lot longer and to all those who have offered support during this time - your love and prayers have been felt and are very much appreciated.
Robert would prefer donations go towards Able Sail Shediac (http://www.ablesail.ca/support.html) and the Friends of the Moncton Hospital Foundation (www.friendsfoundation.ca) in lieu of flowers.
A celebration of life service in Fredericton will take place at a later date. Funeral arrangements are in the professional care of Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, Moncton (506-858-1900).
Words of comfort and donations may be made at www.frenettefuneralhome.com
