Verne Gibbs — a man of gentility and kindness, dedicated public servant, contemplative, and dapper gentleman — passed unexpectedly Aug. 25, 2024 at his home in Kamilche, Wash.
Verne was born in 1942 and grew up in Ventura County, Calif., where he was a football hero at Camarillo High School. He developed an artistic, articulate, philosophical, and practical way of life. Verne worked hard and dedicated his career to helping Washington state residents access health care, particularly in rural areas. After retiring from the Washington State Department of Health, he earned a Masters degree in Transforming Spirituality and Spiritual Direction from Seattle University and became a spiritual mentor and guide.
Ever a lover of truth and beauty, Verne began taking art classes with his wife, Carole Washburn, at their winter home outside Tucson, Ariz. He rapidly excelled in pastels and beautifully captured glorious landscapes and sunsets surrounding their homes by the Puget Sound and Arizona desert.
Verne’s many talents and skills did not fully define him, though. He was a lifelong learner from the grand masters and teachers, prophets and philosophers, mystics and poets. His faith in the goodness of humanity was unshakable. People experienced his deep understanding and non-judgmental acceptance through his compassion, forgiveness, and grace. He worked hard (and found comfort in) his relationship with self, community, and his God. He had a tremendous heart of love.
Verne lived joyously until his last moments, and planned to continue his passions of art and travel. He treasured time with his friends, and most especially with his true love, Carole, and their three children and eight grandchildren.
Verne is survived by his wife of 26 years, Carole Washburn, his daughter Kristin Gorum (Jerry), brother Larry Gibbs (Nancy), stepsons Brandon Rosage (Vanessa), Tyson Rosage (Moira), and grandchildren Jaxon Gorum, Maddox Gorum, Hudson Rosage, Camille Rosage, Nolan Rosage, Vaughn Rosage, Kieran Rosage, and Lochlan Rosage — all of whom he loved very much.
Verne was contemplative, but also very colorful and whimsical. He always dressed to impress, and was up for a good dance, musical, or costume party. His spirit was much bigger than his body, and his family will always feel him in a hearty laugh, a truthful hymn, or a bite of chocolate chip cookies.
He assured his family that he’d crack a big smile as they asked that, in lieu of gifting flowers, you vote for Harris-Walz this fall. He also asked that any financial contributions in his memory be made to Planned Parenthood-Olympia.
Friends and family will celebrate Verne’s life — dressed just like him, in bright colors and fabulous clothes — at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024 at the Olympia Country and Golf Club, 3636 Country Club Rd NW, Olympia, WA 98502.
Funeral Home: Neptune Society, 3730 South Pine St, Tacoma, WA, 98409
Birth date: June 28, 1942
Death date: August 25, 2024
