Gibas,Kosta Dinos

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Category: Obituaries

Published on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 22:48

Written by NRVNews

Dr. Kosta Dinos Gibas, 86 of Newbern, passed away Friday, March 1, 2013, peacefully at his home. He was born October 26, 1926, in Thessaloniki, Greece, the son of Markos and Aphrodite Gibas. He grew up in Thessaloniki, where he attended Aristotle University of Thessaloniki School of Medicine. He graduated at the top of his class with honors in 1952 . He took the entrance exam for medical school without studying, receiving the top score, winning a full scholarship, and working his way through by apprenticing as a plumber. After graduating medical school, he served in the Greek army as a medic in a commando unit of NATO forces. Upon his release from the army he went to St. Louis to finish his internship and residency at St. Mary's University in 1956. He met his first wife, Doris Gibas Brandt, in St. Louis, with whom he had three children and adopted her two. He completed his training and relocated to Columbia, S.C. in 1961, to work for the Veterans Administration Hospital for seven years. His next move was to Radford in 1968, where he started his private practice to serve the people of Southwest Virginia. He selected Radford over a position offered to him to head the Urology Dept at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., as he had a desire to serve in a place of need. At that time Radford and the surrounding area had no urologist. He served the community as a surgeon with outstanding service for 36 years. While in Radford he divorced, and married his second wife, Betty Simpkins Gibas, with whom he shared a happy 36 year marriage. A severe car accident forced him into early retirement in 1991. After his recovery he remained active working on his farm. He had many skills and hobbies including carpentry, and built two homes by hand. He also enjoyed cooking and was famous for his baked goods including Baklava which he often gave as gifts. His main interests remained health care issues and how to best heal the body. His favorite saying was "the best medicine, is no medicine" and "let the body heal itself". Despite having a distinguished career, he enjoyed a simple life unadorned by material things. He loved his dogs and had a great sense of humor, often leaving his business card stating "I've been here". He will be remembered most for his generosity and sharing his wisdom with others. He was a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Roanoke. He is preceded in death by his parents Markos and Aphrodite Gibas; and his beloved dogs Boo-Boo and Jasper. He is survived by his wife, Betty Simpkins Gibas, of Newbern; and his children, Michael and his wife, Faye Gibas, Randal and wife, Debra Gibas, Susan Gibas, Dennis Gibas and Constance Gibas; and stepson, Christoper and wife, Leigh Ann Flinchum; grandchildren, Chrissi Suttman, Katrina Gibas Trail, Robin Gibas, William Gerkin, Daniel, and David Gibas; and stepgrandchildren, Hannah, Ashleigh, Chloe and Flinchum; great-grandchildren, Liani Suttman and Alexander Hanks; sister, Anna Gibas and her two children, Vangalis Gibas and Maria Gibas Demetriades; very special brother-in-law, Tommy Simpkins and and his precious dog, Big Boy. The family will receive guests on Thursday March 7, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2013, at Stevens, 815 Randolph St., Pulaski by the Rev. Mike Honaker. Interment will follow in Sunrise Burial Park in Fairlawn. May his memory be eternal.