Obituary of Craig Chandler Gibson

Craig Chandler Gibson was born on September 11, 1959 in Newport, Rhode Island to Navy parents Robert Carey Gibson and Sybil Space Gibson. By the time he graduated in 1977 from Bend (OR) Senior High School, Craig had lived in four states plus the Philippines and attended eight separate schools (not unusual for a Navy brat). He valued the relationships made in each place, developed a strong faith, and learned to love the outdoors through Scouting. While in high school Craig developed a passion for music that would shape his future, inspired by his band director Kevin McGillivray. Craig then attended Lewis and Clark College in Portland, where he met his future wife Sarah Clarke, graduating in 1981 with a Bachelor’s in Music Education. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Trumpet Performance from Indiana University, studying under the renowned trumpet instructor, the late Bill Adam. Craig had amazing breadth as a music educator, teaching students of all ages from kindergarten through college--teaching private trumpet lessons, guitar class, general music, music appreciation, and conducting bands and orchestras. He embraced new challenges such as the one presented this past Fall: teaching a music class to elementary students with various hearing impairments. He had a particular passion for teaching middle school band, and was able to tap into his students’ desire to belong by giving them the opportunity to play in a band and be a part of something larger than themselves, while developing them both as muscians and people. He felt humbled when former students told him how his teaching had positively impacted them in their music studies and their lives. A fixture of the classical music scene in Portland, Craig founded the Columbia Brass and at one time or another played in nearly every professional classical music group in the Portland metro area as well as many Oregon summer music festivals. Two groups that were especially important to him were the Big Horn Brass, which he had played in since its inception, and the Oregon Coast Music Festival. Craig played principal trumpet for this festival for decades, and valued its community of exceptional music-making and friendship. Craig was a man of faith and continually sought God’s guidance in the course of his daily living. He was a faithful member of All Saints Episcopal Church since 1999 and held leadership positions there as a Vestry member, serving as both Junior and Senior Warden. Under his leadership Craig helped solve a variety of difficult issues with church maintenance and was the go to person to solve many day-to-day challenges. His knowledge of scripture and his deep thinking about life and theology enriched church forums and discussions. When talking about Craig, inevitably the topic of humor will come up. His humor could be deemed hilarious or cringeworthy, depending on the audience and situation, but was always memorable. He used his quick wit and dry sense of humor to add levity to tense situations, show affection by gently ribbing family and colleagues, and instill learning in his students-"if you just play what is written on the page, everything will be rainbows and unicorns”. The most important thing in Craig’s life was being a father and husband. He loved his family above everything and put their needs before his own. It was very important to him that his children respect themselves and others so they would contribute to the world in a positive way. He made sure they knew he was proud of them, and took pleasure in sharing their accomplishments with others whenever he got the chance. From his playful interactions with his children, to doling out wisdom such as, “do it right or do it twice”, Craig will be remembered by his family as being their tireless advocate and the person they could rely on in any situation. Craig is survived by his wife Sarah Clarke Gibson, children Daniel (23), Margaret (21) and Thomas (15); brother John Gibson and wife Gail of Bend, OR, sister Catherine Gibson of Clinton Township, NJ, and niece Jacqui and nephew Ben. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 24, 3 pm. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4033 SE Woodstock Blvd. A reception and opportunity to share memories of Craig with family and friends will follow at the church. A memorial has been established to help with post-high school plans for Thomas Gibson through an Oregon ABLE gifting page. For details contact All Saints at 503-777-3829 or office@allsaintspdx.org. Gifts can also be made to help Portland area music students through Portland Brass Society, 6424 NE Copper Beech Dr., Hillsboro, OR 97214, Attn: Dave Crow, treasurer.