200608 | bsmttc

News Release - BSMTTC News 109

Dateline: 8 June 2020

Journey's End for Great Encourager

We were saddened to learn of the passing of ‘Life Member’, Don Gibson, on Friday 5 June, aged 88.

Don was a keen member of the social arm of the club especially since his mobility in recent years limited the amount of table tennis he could play.

Don, who spent much of his working life as an electrician at Courtaulds, took up table tennis in the 1970’s having previously been an accomplished footballer. He played at the lower levels of league play in the Business Houses League and then in the Liverpool League. In his day he had a pretty decent backhand and was always willing to volunteer his services to help other teams if they were a player short.

Don Gibson (far right) stands proudly in his club T-shirt outside Marine on National Table Tennis Day with a group of fellow Octogenarians. Displaying for the world to see some of the silverware won by the Club's teams in the previous season. Don and his fellows in the picture (from left to right - Billy Clayton, Albert Parker, Des Logan, Tom Bell, Barbara Alcock & Don Gibson) are absolute proof that table tennis is a sport for all from 8 - 80!

Don was a great encourager, always supporting junior table tennis at the club. He introduced his own daughter, Karen, to table tennis. Karen went on to become a member of the club playing regularly in the mid divisions in the Liverpool League until a move to Manchester limited her travel back to Liverpool. Karen still plays regularly in the Southport League.

In more recent years when Don’s mobility became restricted, he concentrated on playing doubles at the weekly social sessions, which provided him with a good opportunity to meet up with friends old and new. Don enjoyed the company and conversation, he even liked to greet the ladies with a kiss on the cheek! Don was the absolute proof that table tennis is a sport for life, and that it truly is a sport that can be enjoyed from 8 – 80! A loyal and supportive member of the club, he passed away peacefully having played his final game.

We extend our sincere condolences to his wife Joan, daughter Karen and son Warren.

Rest in peace Don - 23 July 1931 to 5 June 2020

Don loved to meet with his friends at the Club, he would enjoy the occasional game of social doubles, and liked nothing more than the regular parties at the club celebrating birthdays and special occasions.

Below, from one octogenarian to another. As one of the elder statesmen of the Club Don presents Club President Billy Clayton with a birthday gift on the occasion of Bill's 85th birthday in 2017.

Don loved to sit and chat with his friends at Marine, and the final picture is a selection of shots showing Don doing just that! And if you look closely, you will see that he usually has a smile on his face too!