With deep sadness we announce the sudden passing of MIKE “MICHAEL” DEAN GIBSON of Picture Butte on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at the age of 61 years.

Mike was born on June 10, 1964 in Calgary, AB and was a devoted and loving husband of Carol. Mike also leaves to cherish his memory his boys, Jordan (Janelle) Gibson and their children, (Natalie, Cameron and Wyatt); and Adam Gibson. Mike loved and was deeply loved by his family.

He is also survived by his mom Valerie Gibson, brother Brent and Sheila Gibson (Kirsti and Dwight, Jillian, Hayley), sister Jodi and Pete Brizinello (Justin) mother-in-law Pat Bodnar, sisters-in-law Jodi and Alan Bartz (Deanna and James, Katarina and Josh) and Tammy and Brent Reimer (Bailey and Taylor, Kassidy and Logan, Mackenzie and Wade) and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Mike completed most of his elementary school education in Calgary and then in 1974 his family relocated to Lethbridge where he continued his education at Westminster, Hamilton Junior High and later LCI. There he participated and excelled in a variety of sports but found his passion for hockey and played on many teams, including the AAA Lethbridge Midget Elks Broncos, the Lethbridge Native Sons Junior B and the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns. It was during his time here he was encouraged to pursue a Teaching degree by a drama professor.

While attending the U of L this was where he met Carol, a teacher too, and their love for each other bloomed into an amazing adventure full of love and happiness beyond both of their expectations. They both found the love of their lives. Mike lived a life full of love, laughter, and kindness. He was a generous man that would do anything to support those around him. He was a devoted husband and father; always placing family at the center of all that he did. Sports were a big part of Mike’s life. He not only coached a variety of school sports he made sure to dedicate time to coaching both of his children, Jordan and Adam. There were many life long memories made with the boys in soccer and hockey, including league and tournament championships as well as Alberta and Canadian individual and team play in golf which he was so proud to be a part of. When he wasn’t coaching his boys, he was their greatest and loudest cheerleader on the side.

Mike was a teacher who loved his career and the people that he worked side by side with every day. He taught briefly at LCI, before becoming part of the Palliser Regional Schools Division and taught at Noble Central, Coalhurst High and Kate Andrews High School. He had a unique way of making anything he taught interesting and fun but his passion was bringing Social Studies alive to the hundreds of students that entered his classroom door through his 35-year career. One of Mike’s favorite quotes was from Ghandi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world” and he was proud of the students who challenged themselves to be a “difference maker”.

Mike will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, friends, community and the Keho Lake Golf course as he has left a lasting impact on all who knew him. His memory will live on in Carol and the hearts of his children, grandchildren, relatives, friends and all those whose lives he has touched. Besides his boys, Mike’s greatest pride and joy were his three grandchildren, who affectionately called him, “Papa”.

Over the years Mike played hockey for KB Heating, the Rustlers and eventually the Old Timers in Picture Butte where his “circle of friends” continued to grow and he would reminisce about the “good ole days”. He also served two years on the Picture Butte Minor hockey board and just three years ago Mike became a Board member of the Keho Golf course, where he spent many hours trying to give back to the club. He made sure he was available to help out in any capacity becoming the liaison for the proshop, kitchen, campground and fostered many lifelong friendships.

Mike was predeceased by his dad, George Gibson, his father-in-law Bill Bodnar and his Auntie Berna Sherrington. A very special thank you to the Picture Butte Fire and Emergency Services for their great care of Mike.

Rest peacefully Mike, keep cheering on those Oilers and enjoy yourself on the 19th hole.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to, may donate to a charity of one’s choice.

A Celebration of life will be held at EXCITE LETHBRIDGE, 101 Exhibition Way South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, May 29th at 2:00 P.M. Family and friends are invited to watch the service via livestream, it may be viewed through Mike’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2026-05-03
• Location : Picture Butte, Alberta