Paul Douglas Gibson

Paul Douglas Gibson, age 63 of New Philadelphia, passed away Friday, July 22, 2011 at his home. Born in New Philadelphia, Ohio, on November 6, 1947, Paul was the son of the late Dorothy and Matthew Gibson. Paul graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1966 where he excelled in cross country and track. He still holds the 1966 Quaker record in the 1600 meters with a time of 4:23.5. Also in 1966, he was named the V.F.W. Ohio Athlete of the Year. Paul received an athletic scholarship to attend Tennessee Technological University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education English in 1971 while lettering in both track and cross country. He also received a Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling from Tennessee Tech in 1972. Paul began his Ohio teaching career at Amelia High School in 1972. In 1973 he would accept a position as guidance counselor and cross country and track coach at Jewett Scio High School in Harrison county. At Jewett Scio he would coach state qualifiers in both boys and girls track and cross country. His legendary role in initiating girls cross country and track onto the high school sporting scene at Jewett Scio began his lifelong commitment to the importance of every student athlete. From 1983-2007 Paul worked as guidance counselor at Tuscarawas Valley and coached both boys and girls cross country and track. Paul’s work with Tusky Valley athletes would result in district, regional, and state qualifiers in both girls and boys cross country and track. Paul was named District Coach of the Year in 1988, 1989, and 1993 and PAC Coach of the Year in 1999. His stellar 31 years of coaching track and field and cross country in Ohio produced some of the most outstanding athletes in Tuscarawas and Harrison counties. He retired from Tusky Valley in 2007. Paul’s interests were numerous. From sports trivia to movie and music knowledge, Paul was a master of statistics, dates, names, and quotes. His love of newspapers and sports programs reflected his passion for the “facts” and his joyous and humorous nature touched everyone who knew him. His genuine innocence, infectious laugh, and quick wit would brighten any day! His love and devotion to his cat, Sassy, is a tribute to his concern for all living creatures. Paul attended the First United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia. Paul will be deeply missed by his family and his many friends. During his travels to stadiums, arenas, gymnasiums, or events, Gib was recognized as a generous teacher, coach, and friend who had a knack for assessing talent and watching it develop. He knew and understood the importance of hard work, determination and perseverance in any athletic career. He is survived by his brother-in-law, Michael Barnes of Aurora, Ohio, his nephews Greg (Andrea) Barnes and Steven Barnes both of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, his aunt June Howie Bullock of Oshawa, Ontario and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy Gibson Neely, his father Matthew Gibson and his sister Karen Gibson Barnes.The family will receive friends on Friday, July 29, 2011 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A memorial service will follow at 6 p.m. in the funeral home. Following the service, a memorial reception will be held in the Geib Family Center adjacent to the funeral home. Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and view an online memorial by visiting the funeral home website. Memorial contributions in Paul’s memory may be directed to Tuscarawas County Humane Society, 6895 Dover-Zoar Road, Dover, Ohio 44622 or the Quaker Foundation, P.O. 627, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.