Christopher Stephen Gibson

With gratitude for a well-lived life, we announce the passing of Christopher (Chris) Stephen Gibson on June 4, 2025. Chris lived a life that left an imprint as lasting as the granite, sandstone and gneiss rocks he spent thousands of hours exploring, climbing and admiring. 

Chris was raised among the sandstone boulders in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he developed a life-long passion for the outdoors. He devoted much of his life to exploring nature through travel, often with a rock-climbing destination at the end of the road or trail. For the past decade, Chris resided in Broomfield, Colorado, allowing him to take frequent trips into the mountains. 

It was in 2009 when Chris realized a long-held dream of opening a full-service rock-climbing gym in Chattanooga, the first of its kind. Urban Rocks Gym was more than a business but a reflection of his values. Urban Rocks became a rich and welcoming community for climbers of all backgrounds, with a high bar for the quality and creativity of the routes he set. Chris was committed to safety in the gym and in outdoor climbing areas, leading by example and as a patient teacher. He also undertook the work to develop routes at Leta on Mowbray Mountain. Countless of outdoor enthusiasts have benefited from his knowledge and efforts. 

Chris was also a gifted woodworker, deeply drawn to the beauty of craftsmanship and precision. He studied at the Furniture Institute of Massachusetts in New England where he trained to become a fine furniture maker. He played a vital role in the restoration of several antique works, some of which now reside in museums across New England, preserving the history of this craft and his own extraordinary talent. Throughout his life he designed and crafted many pieces that will serve as an enduring legacy to his artistry and skill. 

Chris was a devoted and generous partner to his wife Becky, with whom he shared deep love and companionship. Chris and Becky shared a rich life - owning businesses, traveling and woodworking together. Their relationship was enriched by their beloved dogs, Oliver and Maggie. Sharing a special bond found only between pets and their owners, rooted in loyalty without condition, that brought Chris comfort and joy every day. 

While Chris’ life was brought to a close far too soon, we find comfort in Chris’ own perspective on life during his journey with glioblastoma. Early into his diagnosis, Chris committed himself to moving past worrying and letting go of bitterness – but instead savored each moment with his family and the beautiful Rocky Mountains. We celebrate the impact he made on each of our lives and take with us the spirit to live our own life with passion, humor and creativity, just like Chris. 

Chris was preceded in death by his father Leroy Dunning Gibson. Left to cherish his memory include mother, Judith Ann Gibson, partner and wife of 21 years, Rebecca Robran (Becky); brother, Jeffrey Michael Gibson (Jeff); nephews Hayden and Harrison Gibson; father and mother-in-law, Ronald and Sandra Robran; and sisters-in-law, Bridget Gibson (Jeff) and Kristin Robran. 

If a donation is preferred in lieu of flowers, please send to the Glioblastoma Foundation at Donate to the Best Glioblastoma Charity | Glioblastoma Foundation