Marlin Robert (Sam) Gibbon

March 27,1927 – November 17, 2015

Marlin Robert (Sam) Gibbon was born in Milnor, North Dakota. He was one of eleven children.

Sam moved to California in 1951, where he met his wife Zella Blanch Billups. They were married in 1953. They moved to Auburn, Washington in 1963 where they raised their 11 children. Sam worked and provided for his family, who were the most important and biggest part of his life. A few years after Sam retired, they moved to Camano Island, where they were able to enjoy quiet island life. He loved the eagles and taking long walks on the beach. In 2012, they moved back to Auburn to be closer to the rest of the family.

He thrived on helping others reach their goals, improve their lives, and loved to share his experience, strength and hope. He spent a large portion of his life working with recovering alcoholics.

He was preceded in death by his oldest son Robert in 1995.

Sam is survived by his wife Zella of 62 years in marriage, daughters and sons: Diana Draper (Gary), of Federal Way, Leonard, of Auburn, Kris Gibson (Jody), of Kent, Mary Kuhlman (Garry), of Camano Island, Lois Bratsch (Brian) of Sumner, Eva Niggemeyer, of Spanaway, Ron (Michelle) of Sumner, Tom (Michelle) of Auburn, Thelma Stach-Tamburello (Richard) of Pacific, Barry, of Spokane. He has 20 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild on the way.

Sam absolutely loved the horse races, but because he loved his wife more, he also grew to love Bingo.