Melvin Gibson

Melvin Leroy Gibson passed away at 84 years old, Monday, June 29, 2026, surrounded by the comfort of his children's voices, while holding the hand of his only son. Mel was born in Denver, Colorado, March 6, 1942, to Denver City Councilman and one-time Denver Mayoral candidate, Houston "Hoot" Gibson, and Doris June (Wharton) Gibson.

He attended West High School and graduated into working at the family business, Denver Auto Trimming Supply Company, originally started by his Father in the garage of his parents' home. Mel later transitioned into ownership of the business, as well as becoming the employer of many employees who worked for him for decades. Throughout his life he was a gifted salesman.

Denver Auto Trimming Supply Company sponsored his son's hockey teams for many seasons, and they proudly wore D.A.T.S jerseys. Mel played in a men's hockey league, as well as enjoyed watching the sport. He also played tennis and golf.

He had a life-long love of classic and luxury vehicles and owned many. He was an avid motorcyclist in his mid-life and ventured to the Sturgis, South Dakota, Motorcycle Rally with his life-long best friend, Mark Leonard.

He also loved jewelry and even sold jewelry later in his life. He loved photography and nature, and especially enjoyed photographing and being at the family's ranch in Colorado (Wolverine Ranch), for over half a century.

Mel married his High School Sweetheart, Bonnie Marie (Dill) Gibson, in 1962, and they were blessed with a daughter, Staci Lee (Gibson) Brand, and later a son, John Houston Gibson. They were married almost a quarter of a century and built a beautiful family as well as a custom home together.

Mel's second wife, Betti, predeceased him, along with their cat Harley. They enjoyed a beautiful home in Phoenix with a grotto and pool, went on many cruises, enjoyed fine dining and casino adventures.

In his lifetime Mel traveled to Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Bahamas, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Australia as well as many places in our nation including Hawaii. Many early roadtrips with the family included Colorado, New Mexico, California and Arizona. He always brought his children home a souvenir of his travels if they weren't with him.

Mel achieved his dream of owning a home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, even though it didn't last as long as he and we would have hoped. He was always a proud homeowner and he kept his properties pristine, like his vehicles. He had done a ton of work to his latest home and was just starting to enjoy retirement, as he worked (because he wanted to) until he was in his 80s. Because he and his late wife Betti wanted to be in Lake Havasu City, we will honor those wishes by having their cremains scattered together over Lake Havasu by plane in September.

Surviving family members are his only daughter, Staci Lee (Gibson) Brand (Durango, CO), her children, Primrose Ingrid Bloom (Durango, CO), and Billie June Brand (Minneapolis, MN), Mel's only son, John Houston Gibson (Englewood, CO), and his daughter, Amanda Jenae Gibson (Denver, CO), first wife, Bonnie Marie (Dill) Gibson (Lakewood, CO and Las Vegas, NV), brother-in-law, Ronald Lee Dill (Las Vegas, NV and San Jose, CA), sister, Doris Elaine (Gibson) Little (Denver, CO); and nephew, Jeffrey Little (Bakersfield, CA)

He is predeceased by his beautiful and beloved wife, Betti Gibson, their cat Harley, his parents Houston "Hoot" Gibson, and Doris June Gibson "June", son-in-law Gregory N. Brand, brother-in-law, John F. Dill, brother-in-law, David Little and nephew Phillip Little.

Mel was as kind, gentle and generous as a person could be. He smiled often, loved his family and created a great life. We will forever miss him and be reminded of the fun times we had together!