Obituary of John Taggart Benaiah Gibb-Carsley
Gibb-Carsley, John Taggart Benaiah
June 26, 1936 – April 26, 2024
It is with profound sadness that the family of John Taggart Benaiah Gibb-Carsley announces his passing. John died peacefully, on his own terms, surrounded by his loving family. John is predeceased by his wife of over 50 years and the love of his life, Natalie (née Crawford.) He is survived by his three children, Althea Gibb-Carsley (May Mikhail), Victoria Gibb-Carsley (Michael Desautels), John M.L. Gibb-Carsley (Jennifer),and his four grandchildren, Zander Machan, Anna Carsley-Jones, Evan Carsley-Jones,and Parker Gibb-Carsley.
John was the eldest of five children born to Mary Gibb-Carsley (née Taggart) and John Lachlan Gibb-Carsley. He grew up in Montreal and Hudson, Quebec and had close and meaningful relationships with his siblings, nieces, and nephews. He attended Bishop’s College School and McGill University, where he met Natalie in first year. They married on April 16, 1960 and moved to Perth where they began their long careers as teachers at Perth and District Collegiate Institute. John was an adventure-seeker and, in 1965, he and his young family left Perth for France and later Germany where he taught on Canadian Forces Bases until 1968. The family spent weekends and holidays of those years travelling throughout Europe in a VW camper. Memories of those times were some of John and Natalie’s favourites.
John was a well-loved business teacher and his positive influence on the community did not end when he retired. His dedication to service showed in the active roles he played in several local groups. He was particularly committed to the Rotary Club of Perth. He helped organize many Rotary events, including the annual Strawberry Social and, over the last several years, collected, counted, and returned thousands of bottles and cans, donating the proceeds first to the Rotary Club and later to the Perth and District Community Foundation. John`s ethic of work and service translated into the hours he spent in his beloved vegetable garden. John gave much of his crop to The Table Community Food Centre and a few lucky friends.
John took joy and pride in pushing his physical limits. As soon as the winter snow melted, he would take long rides down the back roads of Lanark County. In his mid-50s he biked across the Rocky Mountains. He used his bike for local errands and to travel to the family cottage on Otty Lake. After arriving, he would not slow down, caring for the place that was so important in his life. Before the sun set, he would be off for a long swim, often to the concern of his amazed and adoring family watching from the shore as he disappeared down the lake!
John’s hardworking but kind and gentle nature was matched by his sense of humour and encyclopedic knowledge. He could always be counted on equally to share a joke or engage in a deep conversation of world history or current events. He approached both people and new ideas respectfully with an open mind and open heart. His positive energy and integrity will be deeply missed by his family and the community of Perth that he loved so well. We are all so grateful to have been part of his well-lived life.
As a devoted father and grandfather, John would often say that his greatest accomplishment was his family. His children, however, know the truth: that the achievements and joy in their lives are a direct result of John’s unwavering love, care, and generosity.
Visitation will be held at the Blair & Son Funeral Home, 15 Gore St. W., Perth on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. A short Service of Remembrance will be held on Friday, May 3rd, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. followed by a reception and sharing of memories. John wished to express his gratitude for the respectful care he received from the staff at the Perth Hospital in his final days. In lieu of flowers, John requested that donations be made to the Perth and District Community Foundation, The Table Community Food Centre or the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation.
