November 6, 2013
Gibbons, William P.
William Philip Gibbons, a resident of Westwood, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family, on November 6, 2013. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, he was the son of Dr. Joseph Francis Gibbons and Helene G.( McDonald). He was a graduate of St. Sebastian High School, Class of 1949 and attended Boston College before serving in the U.S. Army as a 2nd lieutenant in the Korean War. Bill was an exceptional athlete in hockey, baseball and golf. He initiated the building and design of Lost Brook Golf Club in Norwood, MA. He was part owner/operator from 1967 to 1979. In 1973 Bill began his career as a golf professional and in 1983 he created Sport Graphics International. He devised and introduced the first video golf analysis program that provided the individual with a personalized evaluation of their swing using audio commentary and a permanent overlay of color graphics. Bill Gibbons influenced thousands of golfers throughout his 40 year career. He was a great communicator whether teaching the beginner or the seasoned touring pro. A highlight of his teaching career occurred when Byron Nelson praised Bill’s great understanding of the game.
He was the beloved husband of Natalie J. (Stebbins) and the devoted father of Amy G.Taylor of Ketchum,Idaho, Jonathan D. Gibbons and his wife Susan Halsted of Lake Forest, California and William P. Gibbons, Jr. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Leah Van Ness Taylor , and Justin Blake Taylor and his great grandchild Owen Taylor McNulty. Services and interment are private.
Comments(8)
My thought and prayers are with you. I was a student of Bill’s. Great guy and very knowledgeable. Respectfully, Mike
My prayers and thoughts from Bills eighth grade classmate.
My deepest sympathies to you, Natalie, and to all your family. Love from your old school friend, Patti Conway
Sorry for your fathers passing.Just thinking of you and your family. Our prayers are with you.
Mr. Bill Gibbons was a wonderful golf instructor. Lefty, as he was called was so patient and caring. I enjoyed the time I spent learning the golf swing and also listening to his great stories about life in general.
God Bless,
Jason Fredman
Although I have not seen or talked with Bill since our St. Sebastian days, many memories of him have often come back to me over the years.
I was looking forward to seeing him again at our 65th reunion next year. I guess our reunion will have to wait.
Bill was always admired for not only his athletic ability, but also his friendly personality to all who met him.
My condolences to Bill’s wife, Natalie.
-Bill Flanagan
The notice says that he influenced thousands of golfers throughout his 40 year career. I had to be one of the first-maybe the first.I began as a caddy and became his regular caddy and he was my hero. I learned so much from him not only about golf but a model as a husband and dad. I am sorry for your loss but he stays with me in my fond memories.
Tom Chisholm
Bill was a wonderful and kind neighbor. It was such a comfort to see him outside playing
golf. Not only did he make time for my grandchildren but the teachers also enjoyed seeing him practicing his swing or mowing his lawn.Bill also taught me how to play golf…….he was a great man and be solely missed.