Obituary of Varney Ford Gibson

It is with great sadness that the family of Varney Ford Gibson announce his passing on November 25, 2020 after a brief illness at the age of 83 years.  Born in 1937 in Taxis River, NB he was the son of the late Charles and Laura (Davis) Gibson.   

He is survived by his daughter, Karen (David) Agnew and son, Darren Gibson both of Fredericton; grandsons, James (Tiffany) Agnew of Quispamsis and Stephen Agnew (Bridget McAleenan) and his great granddaughters, Molly and Phoebe of Bayside NB.  He had a very special friend, Hazel Norrad, who brought many smiles to his face.  He is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law as well as many nieces and nephews.  Varney was the 11^th child of eleven children and was the last of the siblings to pass.  He was pre-deceased by his wife, Floris (Hunter); his son, Michael; his brothers, Clarence, Kenneth, Melvin (Wimp), Ross, Stafford; and sisters, Nellie, Lorena, Phyllis, Marguerite, Eileen. 

Varney was always the happiest when he had a project on the go and there were many over the 27 years of his retirement.  When he and Floris moved back to the Fredericton area, they spent the first few months building a house and from that time on always seemed to be busy building something, in his shop, a second home and a beautiful camp at the mouth of the Taxis River. 

Varney had a lengthy career with CN Rail and worked in many locations finishing his career in Montreal.  He began work as a Telegrapher and would often travel down the line on freight trains to remote locations and stay for days at a time.  He finished his career as the National Manager of Rules for CN. 

The family would like to thank his family physician Dr. Karen Vanmiddlesworth for all her compassionate care and the staff at the DECH for making Varney’s final days more comfortable. 

A Celebration of Life Service will take place from York Funeral Home’s T. Gordon MacLeod Memorial Chapel on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 11 am with Rev. Paul Thompson officiating.  A reception will follow the service in the Fireside Room.  Family would appreciate that those who are able wear masks.  Interment will take place in Astle Community Cemetery. 

We come into life so easily.  Why should it be any harder when we leave life?  We come from a good place.  We leave and go to a good place.  It shouldn’t be hard – it’s all about the cycle of life.  We have been so blessed to have been a part of Varney’s life. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to a charity of the donor’s choice.  Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com