Carl Gipson to Celebrate 90th Birthday at Senior Center That Bears His Name

January 8, 2014

Everett

According to his son, Everett City Council member Ron Gipson, Carl Gipson still lives in the same 2 story house, still drives, still cooks for himself and is still quick to take you to the wood shed. He’s also turning 90 and there will be a party in his honor at the Carl Gipson Senior Center this Saturday. Here are the details…

Carl Gipson

The public is invited to honor Gipson this Saturday.

Former city councilman and longtime Everett resident Carl Gipson will celebrate his 90th birthday on Saturday, Jan. 11, at the senior center that bears his name. Gipson served more than 24 years as an Everett city councilman and dedicated his time and energy to many community organizations.

“You won’t find my dad’s greatest achievements in buildings or legislation passed as a city councilman, but in the lives of people he has touched,” said Carlton Gipson, Carl’s son. “From the day he set foot in Everett, he has served his community without the expectation of anything in return.”

Carl Gipson and his family moved to Everett in the early 1940s and he joined the city council in 1971. One of his proudest achievements on the council was bringing Medic One to Everett, said Ron Gipson, Carl’s youngest son and a current city councilman. He was always focused on helping Everett’s most vulnerable citizens, said Mayor Ray Stephanson.

“Carl has a heart for public service and for developing an inclusive, inviting community,” said Stephanson. “He is a natural leader and our entire region has benefited greatly from his many decades of service.”

In 2009, the senior center’s name was changed to the Carl Gipson Senior Center in honor of his dedication and service to the city. Ron said his father faced many challenges as the first African-American to be elected in Everett and only the second to be elected in the state, but always handled them with grace.

“He remains as genuine and gracious as the first day he came to Everett,” said Ron. “He was – and is – the consummate gentleman.”

Carlton and Ron are grateful that their father is still healthy and can continue to share his wisdom with his family and the community. “He has seen a lot of adversity in 90 years of living and as he tells his stories, I am awestruck at how positive he remained through it all,” said Carlton.

Public invited to birthday celebration

Community members are invited to celebrate with Carl Gipson and his family on Saturday. The party will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Carl Gipson Senior Center, 3025 Lombard in Everett.

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