Obituary of Herbert Ibbotson

Mr. Herbert Ibbotson, CD, of Delhi, passed away peacefully at the John Noble Home, Brantford on Monday, April 24, 2023 in his 88th year. He was born in Kincardine and spent his early years in both Kirkland Lake and Hanover. He earned his Honours B.A. (History & Economics) from Waterloo College (now Wilfrid Laurier University) before beginning his teaching career. Herb was well known as the Head of the History Department (1961-1977), Vice Principal (1977-1983) and Principal (1984-1994) of Delhi District Secondary School as well as serving as the Vice Principal to Port Dover Composite School in 1983-1984. He was a very progressive man, introducing the semester system to county schools and mentoring students at PDCS who created a computer-generated timetabling program that he later used. And he was always the #1 Raider. He also spent many hours teaching and training youth as a Captain with the 2853 Simcoe Army Cadets. He was also a Captain in the army reserve forces in Simcoe and a member of the 69th Field Battery Association. In the early 1970s, he was awarded the Canadian Forces’ Decoration (CD) for his work with the reserve forces and in 2002 he received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. Other community contributions include membership in the startup committee of the Delhi Tobacco Museum, where he later sat on the board. Herb was an active member of the Federal Liberal Party riding association, holding several executive positions, including president. His hobbies were rich and varied. He enjoyed metal detecting on beaches and old schoolgrounds where every find he made was a treasure. He was an expert woodworker, and his many pieces of furniture, large and small, continue to grace his children’s homes. He enjoyed fishing, time spent at friends’ cottages, and walking through the woods seeing wildlife and wildflowers. He loved reading and speaking about history, especially that of ancient Rome and Europe. He instilled in his daughters the love of family history and he was proud of his roots as a sixth-generation Canadian. He loved his pets, especially the beloved dogs of his youth and the cats he adored over the years. Beloved husband of Isabel (Simon) Ibbotson, who he married on July 1, 1961. Loving father of Heather Ibbotson of Brantford and Hilary Machan and husband Stephen of Brussels. Dearest brother-in-law of Mary Ann (Simon) Tyler and her husband John. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, Robert Ibbotson (1961) and Katherine Lindsay (1988) and his sister, Arlene Khan (2019). Friends may call at the MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, Delhi (519) 582-1290 (www.mfh.care) for visitation on Monday, May 1, 2023 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Delhi Cemetery. Memorial Donations to the Simcoe & District Humane Society or the Purrfect Companions of Norfolk will be gratefully appreciated by the family.