Throughout his life, Douglas Gibson has continued to try new things. On the way to his 100th birthday, he became a teacher, a world-renowned duck carver, the architect of six Delaware churches, the head of the largest bakery at the Pearl Harbor naval base during World War II and a trailblazer for civil rights.
As he celebrated his 100th year last week, he enjoyed a well-deserved rest on a leather sofa in his self-built brick home in Milford, where he’s lived for more than 60 years.
- Thank you for all of your contributions. Just so sad we haven’t heard about this before now. May God’s grace continue to abide with you. Praying you will continue to be blessed. — Margaret Webb
- Happy birthday, Mr. Gibson. You’re a great part of history. May God continue to bless you! May God bless us with more of your special gifts. — Lisa Bush
- God bless you, sir. You are a beautiful and an inspirational gentleman. — Linda Lawler
- Happy birthday, Mr. Gibson. I remember you from DelTech. You were a great teacher and made beautiful decoys. Bless you. — Connie Lee Rice
- Doug Gibson was a great teacher. I learned a lot at decoy-carving class. He was so patient. Happy birthday! — Kay Greene
- It is a blessing to me for you to have lived your life, adding quality to all our lives. Your life has led the way and shows us all that a good life is a blessing. I am grateful you are living in the same time as I am. To God be the glory. — Debra Forbes
- Happy birthday, sir. I wish I could sit and listen to your experiences. My dad lived to be 93. — Arden Sammons
- Happy birthday. He was my architect teacher at DelTech in Georgetown. — Samuel Cephas
- What a brave, intelligent and resourceful man! — Nancy Tankelson
- Happiest birthday to you, Douglas Gibson! Blessings to you, from Roger Henry’s daughter. — Rochelle Weeks
- One of the nicest men you will ever meet. We have one of the ducks he carved, and he taught my husband at DelTech college. Happy 100th birthday, Mr. Gibson. — Dona Sapp
- My mom was in his drafting class. Really appreciated him and his talents. Happy 100th, Mr. Gibson. — Judith Loeber
- Doug Gibson was my favorite teacher at DelTech in Georgetown. He taught my drafting class (with paper, pencils and straightedges and French curves). His best quote, in my opinion, is, “Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice will make perfect.” — Doug White
- Congratulations on such a distinguished career! — S. Carolyn Marney
- Thank you for all your service. You are a true American hero! — Rebecca Vanhees
- Happy birthday. I enjoyed your drafting classes at DelTech (before the days of computer-aided design). It helped me in my career for many years. — Dawn Curtiss
