Williamstown history stalwart Clifford ‘Cliffy’ Gibson has been remembered as a giant of a man, always keen to share his knowledge of the suburb’s maritime past.
Hobsons Bay council last week paid tribute to Mr Gibson and two other notable locals who have recently died – past Williamstown mayor Herbert ‘Bert’ Clancy and Hobsons Bay’s first Malta-born citizen of the year Paul Cassar.
The Williamstown Historical Society and Truganina Explosives Reserve Preservation Society were among groups that expressed condolences at the death of Mr Gibson, who was aged 86.
Mr Gibson’s family in Williamstown can be traced back to 1839, and he was renowned for his knowledge of local history.
Cr Angela Altair described him as a selfless and dedicated citizen.
“Cliffy was quite a slightly built fellow, but an absolute giant in terms of the encyclopedic knowledge of Williamstown’s history,” she said.
“He belonged to various sailing clubs, but in particular the Hobsons Bay Yacht Club, where he was Rear Commodore, and he was certainly involved with the Royals.
“He was part of the Fort Gellibrand restoration, and I can still recall when I first met him on council, Cliffy in his battered ute taking me down there and with great glee taking me down those tunnels … it was like going back in time – he was so colourful with his descriptions.”
Fellow historian Brian Haynes said he could always rely on Cliffy for an article in the historical society’s newsletter.
“Cliffy was a life member of the Williamstown Historical Society and a wonderful asset to many, with his depth of knowledge on our maritime history, and was always keen to share or assist others freely,” Mr Haynes said.
“Cliffy, never asking for favour, donated so much of his time and energies into many activities of his beloved Williamstown, and he will be sorely missed by so many around the town,” Mr Haynes said.
“His extensive historical collection will remain as his legacy for others to utilise and learn.”
The council also expressed condolences at the passing of Herbert ‘Bert’ Clancy, 96, who was a Williamstown councillor for 15 years and mayor from 1973-74, and Paul Cassar, 79, Hobsons Bay’s first Malta-born citizen of the year, and Maltese Bocce Club president, who was recognised for his work with migrants.
