Robert Gibbs

Robert "Bobby" Gibbs, a beloved figure in Albuquerque's sports and youth community, passed away on October 16, 2024, a day after his 88th birthday. Bobby was born to Mary and Charles Gibbs, in the small mining town of Madrid, New Mexico. Bobby was a proud New Mexican and lived there until his eighties, when he moved to Denver to live with his daughter Lesly in the final years of his life. He attended St. Mary's in Albuquerque playing basketball and football and earned an athletic scholarship to play basketball at the College of St. Joseph's, graduating with his bachelor's degree in 1960. He furthered his passion for education and sports by earning his master's degree from the University of New Mexico in 1963.

Bobby began his career in 1961 at Highland High School, where he taught history and coached football and basketball. Under his guidance, the Highland football team secured two AAAA State Championships, and the basketball team reached the AAAA runner-up title twice. More than just a coach, Bobby was a mentor and inspiration to countless young athletes.

In 1970, he became the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Albuquerque, positively impacting over 4,000 youth annually through its three branches. He was instrumental in opening the Rio Rancho Boys and Girls Club, spearheading the fundraising and construction. After 28 years of service, Bobby retired from the Boys and Girls Clubs in 1999. In 1975, he expanded his leadership role, becoming the Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the New Mexico High School Coaches Association (NMHSCA). Bobby's vision and dedication were instrumental in the growth and success of both organizations.

For the City of Albuquerque, Bobby founded and organized the first juvenile and adult summer basketball program, the first girls' summer high school basketball program, and the first youth developmental basketball program which started in 1972.

Bobby was recognized for his contributions and devotion to youth and sports in Albuquerque and New Mexico through his induction into the Albuquerque Sports Hall of Fame in 2006 and the New Mexico High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor in 2002. He was inducted into the National High School Athletics Association Hall of Fame: received the National High School Distinguished Service Award and the ASHOF Board of Directors honored him with their distinguished Service Award. He was also honored with the Notre Dame Club of New Mexico's Community Service Award in 1996, reflecting his deep commitment to the community and his loyalty to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Bobby was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Virginia "Ginny" Gibbs; son-in-law, Jonathan Stern; and sisters, Alice, Helen, and Patricia. There is great peace in knowing that Bobby's spirit lives on forever by his daughter, Lesly Stern and granddaughters, Taylor and Alexandra Stern; his son, Robert Gibbs; and his grandchildren, Ashlynn, Tyler, and Kassidy; as well as his brother, Charles Gibbs; and other family and many friends who loved him greatly.

Bobby Gibbs leaves behind a legacy of dedication, passion, and love for the youth and sports communities of New Mexico. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of the countless individuals he inspired and the lives he touched throughout his life.

A Rosary will be recited on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. A Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. Services will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 619 Copper Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102.

Bobby's family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to your favorite charity in honor of his lifelong commitment to continuously give back to the community.