Harry Gibbons M.D., M.P.H.

Harry Leon Gibbons M.D., M.P.H.

5/21/1930-11/3/2015

Harry passed away the early morning hours of Tuesday the 3rd of Nov. 2015 surrounded by his loving family. He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Marjorie Ann Jones Gibbons (Sept.10,1934 – Nov.17,2012).

He was born May 21, 1930, in Kanab, Utah to Andrew and Lola Heaton. Harry married his eternal sweetheart, Marjorie Ann Jones on August 29,1957 in the Logan Temple. Harry was born the third of seven children. His siblings are Andy (deceased), Eileen Kump, Barbara Workman, Nanette Nelson, Larry and Ted. Harry’s children are Scott, Mark, Bonnie (deceased), Meri, Jon and Larry. Papa is proud of his ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Harry had many accomplishments in his amazing lifetime, the biggest one being his wife and family. He was a very gifted and talented man but most of all an amazing husband and father. The family enjoyed skiing, Lake Powell and many more outdoor activities. Harry made every one of the kids feel like their hobby was his favorite.

Harry attended Logan High School, Utah State, and started his medical education in 1948 at the University of Utah until 1950, at which time he dedicated the next two years of his life to the service of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on a mission to Germany. After returning from his LDS mission he received a B.S. degree from Utah State and then continued at the U of U College of Medicine receiving his M.D. in 1958. He then continued at Harvard School of Public Health in Boston receiving his M.P.H. (Masters of Public Health).  He then attended the school of Aerospace Medicine from July 1963 to 1964. He then became Board Certified in Preventive Medicine, sub-specialty in Aerospace Medicine in 1966.

He served the FAA as Regional Flight Surgeon and later as Chief of Aeromedical Research in Oklahoma City. He then returned to SLC in 1971 to become Executive Medical Director of newly combined SLC and SL County Health Department and served the residents of the city and county for 22 years. As the director he was responsible for all public health programs in Salt Lake County.

Harry was an extremely accomplished man to say the least, with having at least 40 appointments and elected positions. He received at least 23 Certificate of Achievements and Honors. Just to mention a few: the FAA Quality Assurance Award, Honorary Chief by the Otoe Indian Tribe for the "Happy Man of Air Medicine"; a US Patent; Honorary Life Membership, Utah Congress of Parents and Teachers for devoted and distinguished service to children and youth. He was named "A Friend of the FBI"; awarded the "American Red Cross Lifesaver Award”..... The list goes on and on!  Dr. Gibbons has traveled all over the world and has made over 560 presentations to various medical groups, aviation groups and general public groups.

He was a devoted servant to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many callings, including serving on six High Councils in two Stake Presidencies and as a Bishop. Harry and Marge served a mission together, living in Germany, covering the Europe East Area, responding to medical problems in over 40 missions from Portugal to Siberia. For approximately four years they served in the Friendship Mission, driving a van between the Salt Lake airport and Temple Square for visitors with a layover. His Church callings came second only to his family. After Marge passed away he always said he couldn’t wait to be with his one true love, Margie, and now they are reunited.

A special thank you all the doctors and nurses who lovingly cared for Harry throughout his life, especially his nephew, Dr. David Workman, caregiver Rachelle Harris, and hospice nurses, who comforted and eased his pain in the last part of his life.

Harry’s service will be held at the Cottonwood Stake Center, 1830 East 6400 South at 10:00 a.m., Sat. November 7, 2015. The viewing will be Friday November 6, 2015 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Cannon Mortuary, 2460 E Bengal Blvd. (7600 S.) and at the Stake Center on Saturday, November 7, 2015 from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. Interment: Logan City Cemetery.
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