MacTutor
A notable Edinburgh mathematician Mr David Gibb. M.A., B.Sc. Reader in Mathematics in Edinburgh University, who died with tragic suddenness on Thursday, had rendered notable service to the University and to Scottish mathematics, and was widely known and respected in academic and educational circles. A Fife man and a former pupil of George Watson's College, he studied in Edinburgh under the late Professors Chrystal and Macgregor and graduated with first class honours in mathematics and natural philosophy. For a short time he taught in a school, but was soon recalled by Chrystal to a lectureship in the Mathematical Department at the University, to which (with the exception of a period of work in the scientific service of the Army during the first world war) the rest of his life was devoted. He filled many offices, including the presidency of the Edinburgh Mathematical Society. On the staff he had as colleagues a succession of brilliant men who, while they did much for the reputation of the Edinburgh Mathematical Department, and now occupy chairs in other universities, were in many cases not well acquainted with Scottish educational matters: and the duty of acting as director of studies and generally as liaison officer between the University and the Scottish schools fell chiefly on Mr Gibb, who discharged it admirably. The recent war laid a heavy burden on him in connection with the large number of cadets who were sent by the War Office, the Admiralty, and the Air Ministry. He will be remembered with affection by all who knew him, and with deep gratitude by the countless students whom he has helped in one way or another during the last 30 years. My own indebtedness to him is beyond expression.
David Gibb died on Thursday 28 March 1946 and The Scotsman printed his obituary, written by E T Whittaker, on Saturday 30 March.