ELLENBURG DEPOT--- Kelley J. Gibson, 70, of Bull Run Road, Ellenburg Depot died January 14th at his residence surrounded by his wife and children.
He was born October 4, 1941 the son of Joseph and Bernice Drown Gibson.
Kelley married Shannon Finlayson on April 27, 1967. This spring they would have celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.
Kelley is survived by his wife, Shannon; his sons, Eric and his wife, Corina, of Brainardsville, NY; Leigh and his wife, Alison of Scotia, NY; and his daughter, Erin and her husband Matthew LaClair of Ellenburg Center, NY. He is also survived by his brother, Robert and his wife, Linda, of Long Lake, NY; and his three sisters- Margaret "Peggy" Bilow and her husband, Jack of Plattsburgh, NY; Helen "Joy" Legacy and her husband, Bruce of Burke, NY; and Bethany Page of Bourg, LA. Kelley also leaves behind his eight beloved grandchildren who gave him tremendous joy- Kelley and Kieran Gibson; Jack, Annie, and Joey Gibson; and Keller, Scotlyn, and Emmett LaClair. He was loved by his large Finlayson, Drown, and Gibson families and leaves many behind.
Kelley graduated from Ellenburg Central School in 1959. Kelley was a fourth generation dairy farmer who worked the land his ancestors settled on, also known as The Gibson Homestead, until 2000. An ethical, loyal, and kind man, he instilled in his children the value of hard work and honor. One of his favorite activities was listening to his children play music and sing. Kelley loved bluegrass music.
A man possessed with a great sense of humor, he loved to tease and share stories. He enjoyed researching family genealogy and had a wealth of knowledge to share with family and other community members. His most treasured times were spent with his family. He was a bright, interesting, and insightful man who will be greatly missed and forever loved.
At Kelley's request, there will be no public calling hours.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 11 a.m. in the Rabideau Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will take place in the spring in Sheldon Hill Cemetery in Ellenburg Depot.
Donations in his memory may be made to Hospice of the North Country.