The son of a general practitioner in London, Gibson was born on 1st May 1927 in London, and was educated at Charterhouse, St John's College Cambridge and St Mary's Hospital Medical School, being influenced at St Mary's by Arthur Dickson Wright FRCS (q.v. *Lives* 1974-82: 424-5). After qualification he had house appointments at King Edward's Hospital, Ealing, and Putney Hospital, before obtaining a registrarship at Guy's Hospital. In 1966 he became consultant surgeon at Pembury Hospital. A careful and conscientious surgeon, he gave much time to teaching his junior staff and was most supportive of nursing and non-medical staff at all levels. He also worked hard to improve the surgical services and facilities, taking on many administrative duties, including being the consultant representative on the district management team and serving on the district health authority. Unfortunately he had to retire at the age of 58 when a carcinoid tumour was diagnosed, though he managed to keep up his pleasures of golf and sailing. He died on 22nd November 1996, survived by his wife, five children and eleven grandchildren. One of his daughters was one of the first lady liverymen of the City of London.