Gananoque mourns Roger Gipson

The Town of Gananoque is mourning the loss of former councillor and longtime businessman Roger Gipson, whose decades of service to the community left a lasting impact both in municipal government and beyond.

Gipson died on July 25 at the age of 72.

In recognition of his contributions to the community, the town lowered its municipal flag to half-mast from Tuesday through Wednesday.

Gipson served as a Gananoque councillor from 1989 to 1994, and again from 2001 to 2006, helping shape the community over two separate terms in office.

Born in Delta on Oct. 29, 1953, Gipson later settled in Gananoque after becoming a licensed electrician. He went on to establish R. Gipson Electric Ltd., operating the business for 47 years.

According to his obituary, Gipson had been looking forward to retiring because of declining health but remained passionate about his work and committed to serving his customers and the community.

His involvement in Gananoque extended well beyond his business and time on council.

Gipson volunteered extensively throughout the community, coaching local sports and serving for many years as entertainment director for the Festival of the Islands, a role his family said brought him great pride and enjoyment. He was also known for his generosity and his love of dogs.

His family said he will be remembered for his integrity, loyalty, wisdom, sense of humour and willingness to help others.

Gipson is survived by his wife of 18 years, Anne; his children, Kylie, Justin, Katie and Josh; two grandsons; stepchildren Jayme Older and Wade Strickland; five step-grandchildren; sisters Janice McBride and Mary Nelson; and several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ron and Joan Gipson, brother-in-law Vern McBride and uncle Lawrence Bell.

In his obituary, the family expressed its gratitude to the staff of the intensive care unit at the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital and to Dr. Onofre Moran-Mendoza and the respirology team at Kingston Health Sciences Centre's Hotel Dieu Hospital, for the care and compassion shown to Gipson during his final days.

Keith Dempsey is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Brockville Recorder and Times. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.