Ronald James Gibson (Ron) passed away on September 27, 2022, at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital, after a brief illness from heart disease.
Ron was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 4, 1943, to Norman and Helen (Sweeney) Gibson. In 1952 the family moved to Holland, Michigan. Ron graduated from Holland High School in 1962 and attended Grand Rapids Jr. College. Ron was drafted into the Army in 1967 and served in Vietnam for 18 months.
The 1960s were a special time in Ron’s life—truly a “Happy Days” kind of life. He along with other musically inclined buddies formed several bands and played in many locations in southwest Michigan, with a large following of fans. Most notably was their group, The Sheffields. The group opened concerts for Tommy James and the Shondells at the Holland Civic Center in 1969 and again in the 1980s, which was their final appearance as a group. The Sheffields cut records which made top rankings on local stations and can still be found on streaming media.
Ron always had great ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit. He used his talents and creativity during his years at Lear Siegler and Herman Miller. It was during his employment at Herman Miller that his entrepreneurship really came to life. He spun off a company to develop and expand architectural signage to a level that wasn’t achievable in a large furniture-based corporation. He started Appenx, Inc which has continued to grow despite the economic challenges over the past 37 years.
In 1991 Ron married his soulmate, Beverly (Bev). Together they embarked on many adventures. Traveling to Scotland and Ireland to visit the land of his heritage, traveling to the Caribbean, sailing on Lake Michigan, making friends at Anchorage Marina Yacht Club, and serving as Flag Officer and Commodore were just a few of the many things that brought him joy. His family and the grandchildren that came along really made his joy complete. So many memories were made. For the past 9 years, Ron and Bev were able to spend the winter months in Florida, where they continued boating and making new friends, as well as visiting friends from Michigan who also spent their winters in the sunshine state.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Wayne Hossink. Ron is survived by his wife, Bev; his sons Tim (Laurie) Gibson and Ryan Gibson; along with grandchildren Mitch (Maggie) Castanon, Nick (Brittany) Castanon, Alyssa Gibson, and Max Gibson. Also surviving are Ron’s sisters, Pat Hossink and Sue (John) VanWieren, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Monday, October 3, at 11:00 am, at the Dykstra Funeral Home-Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue, Holland. The family will receive visitors on Sunday, October 2, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Dykstra Funeral Home-Northwood Chapel. Interment will be in Lakewood Cemetery. Reverend Nate Schipper will preside over the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Norman and Helen Gibson Geology Field Study Scholarship at Grand Valley State University.
Funeral arrangements are under the auspices of the Northwood Chapel.
