Kevin Gibson: May 17, 1928 – November 6, 2012
TRIBUTES have been pouring in for Kevin Gibson, a “loveable larrikin” well known in the Footscray community.
Mr Gibson (pictured with a partner) cut a dashing figure on the dance floor. He left football behind to become a 16-time Australian ballroom dancing champion.
Following a short battle with cancer, the avid horse-racing fan died on Melbourne Cup Day, November 6, and his funeral was held in Altona last Wednesday.
He was 84.
Mr Gibson dominated ballroom dancing for more than a decade.
He placed highly in three world championships and was inducted into the Australian Dancing Board inaugural hall of fame in 1988.
After he retired from the dance floor in 1966, he became involved in training, coaching more than a dozen Australian champions.
Mr Gibson ran the much-loved Fiesta Bingo in Paisley Street, Footscray.
Wife Sandra said friends and family at his service had many tales to tell.
“He was just such a character. Everyone had a story about him; some I hadn’t heard before.
“I was his fourth wife and one of his sisters said that she had now been to four weddings and a funeral.”
