Howard “Britt” Gibson September 10, 1946 - September 10, 2025

Howard Francis (Britt) Gibson passed away 10 September 2025 at home in Santaquin, Utah. Heartfelt thanks to the care and support of our daughter and son-in-law Naomi and Dennis Evans, son Sean Gibson, and Maple Creek Home Health and Hospice.

He was preceded in death by his youngest son Tyler, his parents, sister LeAnn, and brother Rick. He is survived by his wife Judy; sons, Sean and David (Ariel); daughters, Chiska (Wade), Naomi (Dennis), Kristina (Bryan), and Lacey (Patrick); 19 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; his brothers, Ed (Marlene), Phil (Julie), Tim (Anne), and Tom (Lynda).

Howard Francis Gibson was born 10 September 1946 in North Seattle, Washington to Helen Elizabeth Hanson and John Russell Gibson. He was named for his mother’s favorite brother (who had died) and his Grandpa Gibson. Howard acquired his nick-name Britt in the United States Air Force while stationed in Okinawa, but it didn’t attach firmly until he spent time in Thailand. They couldn’t wrap their tongues around his name, so he took pity on them and had them call him Britt and it has stayed ever since.

Howard was a tall, gangly, clumsy child, which also made him accident prone, so his parents enrolled him in ballroom dance lessons, which helped a lot. He played basketball in junior high school but gave it up in high school for other things.

Although he is very much a city boy and familiar with “Big City life,” Howard spent enough time on his parents “mini farm” to learn to milk a cow and drive a tractor.

When he left high school, he joined the Air Force hoping to fly which he says he did for eight years, only it was typewriters he flew instead of airplanes.

Howard started his working education in a department store through a High School Consumer Education class that led him into Television Commentator work with a men and women’s fashion talk show called “High Ways.” He later worked in men’s and family clothing and shoe store sales. He tried outside sales for a while and worked in the Hospitality business and as office manager in a plumbing business and again at a gas company.

Howard was activated into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a military stint in Florida through the kindly efforts of Walt Palama, his First Sergent. He was active in a young adult group there as well as another one in Thailand and remained active and faithful for the balance of his life. He served in many capacities: taught youth and adults, was a liaison between the church and the community on the inter-faith council, served in branch presidencies and  bishoprics, as branch and ward Mission Leader several times, Payson Temple ordinance worker for five years, and as assistant coordinator for three of those years.

He was an active supporter and participant in the Boy Scouts of America and in Toast Masters for many years in Juneau, Alaska.

He met Judy Tanner in his parent’s living room in Juneau, Alaska while he was home on leave from the Air Force. They corresponded for five months. He proposed to her on Valentine’s Day at Lake Tahoe, and they were married two weeks later in the St. George LDS Temple on 28 February 1970. They have seven children, 19 grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.

He will be remembered for:

• His cheerful smile and friendly “Hello” and his willingness to help and serve others.
• His love of books, reading, music, photography, the beauties of nature, and his beautiful and legible penmanship.
• Hikes in the rain and his love for family.
• His love and testimony of Jesus Christ and His church on earth.

His sayings:

• “I don’t care what you say, I still think you’re neat.”
• “Have a great day. Better yet Make One!”
• “Oh, wow, would you look at that!”
• “I’m in super shape for the shape I’m in.”

Some of the most important lessons he learned in life:

• When Mamma’s not happy; nobody is happy.”
• Don’t pet newborn puppies when their mother is anxious, especially a collie.
• Never tie up a dog on a clothesline that’s close to garbage cans.
• Don’t use CO₂ cartridges for firecrackers on dry grass.
• If you don’t know somebody personally, don’t talk about them. The people you hurt could be among your friends.
• Don’t rough-lock a John Deere tractor.
• Don’t trust Shetland ponies.
• Don’t ever take your fingers near the mulcher. That’s how my grandfather Hanson lost three of his fingers (he was a farmer but couldn’t make anything grow).
• Don’t hang fish outside the cabin in the woods. The bear will get them.
• The gospel of Jesus Christ is real, and His gospel is true.

Though we miss Howard (Britt), we know he has been welcomed by family and friends that have gone before him. He is loved on both sides of veil. Because of the atonement of Jesus Christ and wonderful plan of salvation, it is not goodbye, it is more like, we’ll see you soon. We love you Howard (Britt)!

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 548 South 400 East in Santaquin, Utah. A meet and greet will be held prior at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be in Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah.

In Lieu of flowers, please donate to Howard’s chosen research foundation in honor of his son, Tyler:

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation

747 Third Ave, 33rd floor

New York, New York 10017

donate.bbrfoundation.org

or

Maple Creek Home Health & Hospice

691 West 1200 North, Suite 150

Springville, Utah 84663