Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, where his parents were missionaries, Mr Gibson returned to England when he was eight years old. He trained at Wesley College, Headingley, and graduated at Leeds University with the degree of BA. He was President of the Leeds University Methodist Society.

In 1943 Mr Gibson took over three Churches in Wales before going as a missionary to Nigeria for two years. He returned home to be married andn then to The Gambia teaching at the Boys High School, finishing up with six months as Acting Principal. In 1947 Mr Gibson returned to Nigeria where he was Acting Principal of a Teachers' Training College, followed by two six-month Circuit appointments.

He then returned to the home work with five years at East Grinstead and seven years at Lewes (both in the old Sussex Mission).

Joan Gibson was born in Madras, also of missionary parents. She was educated in England and took a Social Science Certificate at Bedford College, University of London, and became a Hospital Almoner, (now called 'Medical Social Worker').

Apart from religion, Harold's abiding interest lay in sport, with probably cricket as his particular passion.

Having a background of considerable experience in working with young people, it was no surprise that he and Joan keenly attended the annual Boys' Brigade Camps during their appointment at Rushden. Particular memories include Harold playing cricket with the Officers and boys at a Camp in North Devon, on the side of a hill in a thick sea fog! Joan was always keen to join in but her special love for cryptic crossword puzzles frequently drew a crowd of helpers.

Harold's next appointment took them to Teddington, then to Wombwell near Barnsley in Yorkshire, from where they subsequently took their well-deserved retirement.