Paul Gibbons (Gibby) was a man who made an impression. He had a magnetic presence, a wonderful sense of humor, and a gift for storytelling that could turn even the simplest moment into a story worth remembering. To know Paul was to love him. He brought energy, laughter, and life wherever he went. His absence leaves a space that will be hard to fill.

Paul grew up in Westwood, Massachusetts and was one of seven children. He loved riding horses with his father and siblings and during those younger years in Boston he developed the confidence, determination, and competitive spirit that would stay with him throughout his life.

A gifted and passionate hockey player, Paul played for Mount Saint Charles, St. Sebastian’s, Northwood, Boston College and the Red Wing Alumni Team. Hockey was an important part of his life, giving him friendships and memories that lasted long after his playing days were over. He loved the competition, but he loved the camaraderie even more.

Then Paul met Jane (Gigi) Underhill and his world changed forever. They fell in love and moved to Michigan, beginning a new chapter that would become the foundation of his life. Together they built a family and a life filled with love, friendship, laughter, and stories—lots and lots of stories!

Paul had a way of making people feel as though they had known him forever. He could walk into a room and somehow become part of the conversation, the laughter, and the story. His humor was effortless and his personality was impossible to forget.

And then there was golf.

For much of his life, weekends meant golf. He played with friends, family, and with people who, by the end of the round, often felt like friends. He loved the game but the real joy was the relationships he built along the way.

But as the years passed, something became even more important than hockey, golf, or the countless friendships he had made.

His grandchildren.

Matthew, Colby, and Andrew were Paul’s greatest joy.

They had his heart. To them, he was Pop. Whether he was proudly in the audience for Andrew’s musicals, sitting in the stands for Matthew’s hockey games, or just spending time with his favorite granddaughter Colby, Paul was happiest simply being their grandfather. Paul’s joy was to watch them grow, cheer them on, and to be part of their lives. He took enormous pride in each of them, and they knew, without a doubt, how much they were loved.

There is something especially difficult about saying goodbye to someone who made life feel bigger and more fun simply by being in it. Paul was that person. He was the person whose stories you wanted to hear one more time. The person who could make you smile when you weren’t expecting it. The person whose presence you might not fully appreciate until you realize just how quiet things feel without him.

Paul will be deeply missed by his beloved youngest sister, Mary Gibbons; his daughters, Barbara and Jeanne; his son-in-law, John; and his three cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Colby, and Andrew. He also leaves behind countless friends and extended family members whose lives were made brighter by knowing him.

Paul also leaves them something enduring: a lifetime of memories.

Paul lived 93 years, a full and remarkable life. He loved Gigi. He loved his children. He adored his grandchildren. He treasured his friends. He played hard, laughed often, told great stories, and made his mark on the lives of countless people.

He was, in every sense, one of a kind – and he will be missed tremendously.