Les Bibby, 87, of Guelph, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
Les was born on November 16, 1937 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England to Gladys and Joseph Bibby where he developed a love for sports and dancing. He also cherished time spent with friends.
After a rugby injury, he met Monica in the hospital where she worked as an X-ray technician—a chance encounter that led to a lifelong love. They celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage on June 20, 2024.
Les and Monica had a son, Michael, in England, not long before they moved to Canada in April 1967, at the same time Canada was turning 100. They had two more sons in the following years, Wayne and Darren.
Les went through an apprenticeship in joinery and was an incredible craftsman. He began working in his field and eventually ended up teaching others how to work with wood at Conestoga College where he taught for fifteen years. After Conestoga College, he founded Bibby Wood Products, which focused on custom cabinetry. He was also the inventor and manufacturer of the patented “Bibby Three-Wheeled Bandsaw.”
Les‘s family meant everything to him. He loved attending his sons’ athletic events including countless basketball games. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and recently his great granddaughter.
He had a love for soccer, stemming from his roots in Lancashire where his father had worked for the Blackburn Rovers Football Club. In recent years, he loved watching Liverpool regularly on TV.
Les was an active member of the community. He was involved with the Guelph Lions Club, volunteered as a driver for the Cancer Society, contributed his time at the River Run Centre, and helped with numerous projects at the Guelph Community Boating Club. He was also a valued member of Trinity United Church, the Guelph Men’s Club, and the YMCA, where he made many lasting friendships.
Les is survived by his beloved wife, Monica; his sons Michael (Jane), Wayne, and Darren (Kelty); and his grandchildren Sam (Kaitlyn), Adam (Michelle), Xavier, Sophie, and Carson. He was a proud great-grandfather to Tessa Mae. He is also survived by in-laws Linda (Bill), Allan, and Ian. He was predeceased by his brother Albert and sister Jean.
The visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Trinity United Church at 400 Stevenson St. N., Guelph, ON. on Saturday, March 1st, 2025. Funeral Service to begin at 12:00 pm. Reception to follow in the church hall.
Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
Memorial contributions to St. Joseph’s Health Centre, The Guelph General Hospital or the Cardiac Fitness Association would be appreciated.
Sincere thanks to the staff at St. Joseph’s Health Centre and Guelph General Hospital for the compassionate care Les received.
Les will always be remembered for the beautiful family he raised, his overwhelming kindness to his fellow man, his big smile, sense of humour and love of life. He will be dearly missed.
A tree will be planted in memory of Les Bibby in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.