Rockhurst Sentinel

Issue date: 3/6/08 Section: News

"Dr. Gibbs was a man who gave too much to his students." -David Scott

"I held a great deal of respect for him and all the work and research he was doing - he was truly a brilliant man." -Mark Wooley

"He really loved what he was teaching, and he wanted us to love it, too." -Rachel High

"I found Dr. Gibbs to be the consummate gentleman...a man of extraordinary enthusiams." -Dr. Margaret Wye

"Life is made up, not of great sacrifices or duties, but of little things, in which smiles, and kindnesses, and small obligations, given habitually, are what win and preserve the heart and secure comfort."

-Humphrey Davy, English chemist.



Dr. Gibbs may have never heard this quote, but then again, he most likely had. A man possessing such great intellect did not soon pass by such words as these. A scholar like Gibbs embraced and lived these words. Those who knew him can attest to this.

Gibbs began his career at Rockhurst in 1979. Before arriving here, he worked at several other universities, though it was not until he came to Kansas City that he truly felt home.

Carrying a B.S. and Ph.D. in Chemistry from Oklahoma State University, Gibbs instituted a very active student-accompanied research program. Research was near and dear to Gibbs, who spent many hours fascinated with the various annals of not only his specialty but all subjects.

"The world was always a wonder to him," remembers Dr. Margaret Wye, a close friend. "He knew so very much about so many areas of expertise - forensic science, the 17th century, sailing and of course his precious chemistry - and I know that barely skims the surface."

Gibbs shared his passion for knowledge with all those willing to delve into the experience with him. He challenged not only his students through the rigors of organic chemistry, - one of the most difficult courses - but also his fellow faculty, setting high standards for Rockhurst as a whole. Gibbs expected the best from those around him; more often than not, his dedication and persistence led to success for those he guided.

Gibbs did not extend an invitation to education to only those at Rockhurst. Frequently a visitor to the Linda Hall Library, he studied the history of science while offering his time as a consultant - his research work prolific. Those unfamiliar with Gibbs would fall subject to his uncanny wit and humor.

Perhaps the time he cherished most was the time spent with his grandchildren. Devoted to his family, he could often be seen around Rockhurst engaging in exciting experiments with his beloved grandchildren.

A researcher, a professor, a scholar, a father, a grandfather, a gentleman. A true Renaissance Man, these roles did not define Dr. Gibbs. Words cannot encompass the spirit of this man admired and loved by so many. Gibbs lived life, enjoying every second.

American chemist Dr. Linus Pauling said, "Satisfaction of one's curiosity is one of the greatest sources of happiness in life."

Perhaps this was never truer than in the life of Dr. Don Gibbs.





Funeral services for Dr. Gibbs will be held Saturday, March 8. A memorial at Rockhurst will be held after Spring Break in late March.

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