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UTAH PRESS ASSOCIATION Abe was married on September 20, 1919 to Geneva Drucil-la Park, who maintained a lifelong interest in his many activities, travelled extensively with him and was, in fact, injured in the accident that claimed his life. They were parents of daughters Afton (Mrs. Jack Pace); Genevieve (Mrs. Gene Nielsen) and Clela (Mrs. Max Radmall) and also provided a home for Sharon Park (Mrs. Michael Smith), who was Mrs. Gibson's niece. Certainly Abe was giving no thought to retiring from newspapering on Saturday, February 7,1976 - the date of his death in an auto-truck collision only a few miles from his home. During the previous year, he'd been the recipient of four laudatory recognitions. One was the Freedom and Patriotism Award for his work in the American Legion; another the commemoration from UVIDA, and a third, the John E. Jones citation of UPA. In addition, he'd been singled out as Grand Marshall of the community's Strawberry Days parade. It was the first time a resident of Pleasant Grove had been so honored; previously a dignitary from elsewhere in Utah was selected. Looking back on the year, he'd somewhat prophetically said: "I'm beginning to worry a little. I've had so many awards that maybe they're saying goodbye to me and I don't want to leave yet." Then he added, "I want to live to be at least 100 years old." Perhaps a fitting summation of his career and his personality was editorially provided by the neighboring Provo Daily Herald two days after his tragic death: "Congenial, friendly and energetic, Mr. Gibson had made many friends in central Utah and across the state. His public service extended into church and civic fields and he never hesitated to support causes for growth and progress." Reflected in the life of Abe Gibson are all the basic requirements for success in community newspapering: Producing the best possible product in order to attract wide readership and, consequently, solid financial support; then dedicating this voice to the ongoing betterment of the area it serves by diligently pursuing those things which improve quality of life. Because he did that so ably, and with unconcealed affec- 530 |
