McKibbin

Clarence Wilbur McKibbin, 85, of Tucson, Ariz., formerly of Mars, passed from this life peacefully on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Perkins and Stella Marie McKibbin, and his stepmother Rose McKibbin.

He was known as Wib by some and Perk to others. He was born in the western hills of Pennsylvania on Dec. 4, 1926.

Wib leaves behind his beloved wife, Roma, with whom he shared more than 60 years of a wonderful and blessed marriage. He also leaves behind his three children, Mona (Tom) Stefanski, Jean (Jeff) Poston and Paul (Patches) McKibbin. Wib had five grandchildren, Kristin (Ryan) Vroom, Kyle Koski, Sara Stefanski, Gus McKibbin and Alli McKibbin. Unfortunately, he was unable to be here to meet his first great-grandchild due this April. Though not quick to say it, Wib felt much love and great pride for all of his family.

Wib was inducted into the U.S. Army in March 1945. He served in the infantry and was stationed at Camp Blanding, Fla., before he was deployed to Europe.

Upon his honorable military discharge, he worked in the steel mills in Pittsburgh until he began selling Chevrolets in 1959. He moved his family from Pennsylvania to Arizona in 1970 and continued in the car sales business until his retirement in 1988.

Upon retirement Wib took up gold prospecting and enjoyed many years in the Arizona hills panning for gold. He and Roma made several trips to Alaska where he enjoyed working a friend's gold claim. Although he never struck it rich, his enjoyment was priceless.

After the gold bug left him, he turned to wood working and spent many years in his shop creating beautiful works of art. Everyone who knew Wib, and even some that did not, were graced with one or more of his wood turnings. He loved giving his art to everyone that he met.

Wib had a full and happy life and will be sorely missed and dearly remembered by his loving family and many friends.

His family extends a special thank you to the wonderful doctors and nurses at University Medical Center for the excellent care and compassion Wib received.

<B>MCKIBBIN</B> — A memorial service for Clarence Wilbur McKibbin, who passed away Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Church of the Painted Hills, Tucson, Ariz. A gathering to celebrate Wib's life will follow at Wib and Roma's home.In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the Church of the Painted Hills, 3295 W. Speedway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85745.