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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
GIBSON, Ian - It is with deep sadness that the Submarine Association of Australia (SAA) informs members of the passing of Ian Gibson. Ian died peacefully on the 11th of January 2026 at Epworth Hospital, Melbourne, following a prolonged and courageous battle with illness.
He was 63. Born in Gosport, England, on the 4th of April 1962, Ian emigrated to Australia with his family as a young boy.
Answering the call of the sea, he enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy in the late 1970s as a Junior Recruit. His exceptional early promise was recognised with selection as a "Topman" officer candidate at HMAS Leeuwin. Though not commissioned, he forged a naval career as a Marine Technician Propulsion first serving on the tanker HMAS Supply, before finding his true calling in the submarine service. He trained at the Royal Navy's Submarine School, HMS Dolphin, in his birthplace, and was among the early Australian submariners to complete their training with the Canadian Forces at Halifax, Canada, where he met his first wife Mary. He later served on the Australian Oberon class submarines HMAS Ovens and HMAS Orion. In 1986, Ian continued his submarine service with the Canadian Forces, serving on HMCS Onondaga and HMCS Okanagan.
His profound sense of duty extended beyond the deep; while awaiting enlistment in Canada, he volunteered as a firefighter-a commitment he maintained alongside his naval service.
Upon returning to Australia, Ian embarked on a second commendable career, rising to the rank of Chief Superintendent in the New South Wales Rural Fire Service. In his later years, he was a pillar of his community in Coomealla, NSW, serving as the well-respected President of the Coomealla Bowling Club.
For over a decade, Ian faced cancer with remarkable resilience and fortitude, surpassing an initial prognosis with characteristic determination.
He is remembered as a man of service, skill, and quiet strength.
At Ian's request, he has been cremated without ceremony. Ian was not a member of the SAA, however Association extends its heartfelt condolences to Ian's siblings, Mark and Caroline, his five children-Ben, Chris, Alexis, Maddy and Paul-and tto his wide circle of friends, shipmates, and colleagues.
Ships served in: HMAS SUPPLY HMAS OVENS HMAS ORION
Ian Gibson Photo while serving in the RAN
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