Obituary of John Gibson

Peacefully at Chester Village on Saturday, July 23, 2011. John in his 84th year, beloved husband of Verna (nee Burroughsford). Loving father of Julie Lee (Jacquie), Peter Leigh (Elaine), John Gibson (Kelly), David Gibson (Terry) and Janet Morgan (Sean). Lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Ryan (predeceased), Sandi, Sean, Max, Gregory, Nicole, Natalie and Crystal and his great grandchildren. Predeceased by his sisters Maisie and Rose and his brother, George. John Gibson was introduced to graphic design at the London School of Printing & Graphic Arts in London, England, where he served a seven-year apprenticeship as a typesetter. While attending the school, he obtained the Full Technological Certificate from the City & Guilds of London Institute, eventually teaching typography at the school and also at the South East Essex Technical College. In 1954, two years after immigrating to Canada and now living in Toronto, John met Leslie (Sam) Smart. They both held similar design positions with advertising typographic companies and soon became fast friends. They eventually met and joined with Frank Davies and Frank Newfeld, and, with the intention of promoting good typographic practice, formed the Society of Typographic Designers of Canada. From that group of four, all fairly new immigrants from England, the Society grew rapidly, and in 1960, John, then representing Cooper & Beatty in Montreal, was influential in forming a Quebec chapter of TDC. In 1958, the TDC had joined with Rolland Paper Company to organize the first in a series of competitions and exhibitions to promote good graphic design in Canada. John worked hard encouraging Quebec designers to enter to avoid this becoming a 'Toronto' show, and it worked. Typography '58 had entrants from across Canada and was the first in a very successful series. In 1969 John was invited to join Young & Rubicam in New York. This was a time when photographic composition systems were fast overtaking hot metal and John's knowledge of hot metal, added to his exposure to film setting at the London School of Printing, was seen as an important bridge. The position of Director of Typography, where he worked with top art directors and designers, was an exciting time for John, but Canada called and he returned to Toronto in 1970. Through the years John has worked with major advertising agencies and typographic companies, spending the last fourteen years of his career as Vice-President, Graphic Services, with MacLaren Advertising, one of Canada's largest agencies. One recognition that was particularly enjoyed by John was in 1984 when he was invited to return to New York to be a judge for the prestigious Type Directors Show. In retirement John played snooker and golf, and griped about illegible advertising and signage. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26, 2011. A service will be held in the chapel on Wednesday, July 27 at 1 o'clock. Reception to follow. Cremation will follow. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Chester Village, 3555 Danforth Ave., Toronto, ON. M1L 1E3, or Design Education in Canada in care of the Graphic Designers of Canada. Cards will be available at the funeral home.