That’s because for 35 years, store co-owner Bob Gibson has used a double-sided, block-lettered sign to brighten people’s days with laughter. Switching sides about once a month, Gibson made a career out of slapstick. “Police called to daycare. Three-year-old resists rest.” “I used to think orthopedic shoes were overrated. I stand corrected.” “Unfortunately my photographic memory never developed.” Bob Gibson says that for 35 years, his goal with his North Vancouver print shop sign has been to make people feel a little better and laugh. (Janella Hamilton/CBC) Now 65, Gibson is retiring and has sold the printing business he started with his father to a new owner. His latest sign at the store? “I’m not resigning. I’m retiring.” And “I’ve run out of ideas to sign.” Gibson’s Facebook post announcing his departure has received about 600 responses. “As a North Shore girl, I will miss the witty and intelligent messages I have enjoyed over the years,” wrote Willow Munro. “Enjoy your retirement and I hope you write all these comments in a book.” Another post by Mike McClure echoed what many others have written, that passing the mark was often a bright spot in their season. “This has been a highlight of my morning commute for the 12 years I’ve lived in Lower Lonsdale, seeing a new humour,” he wrote. “You always made me laugh before and after a 14-hour day. I’d like to thank you for those moments and wish you a happy retirement!” Gibson, who used the badge to express his creativity and humor, said he was touched by all the comments. “I feel like maybe I brighten someone’s day, and I think that’s what it’s all about,” he said. “The world is full of problems.” A video posted on Tik Tok showing a compilation of some of Gibson’s best zingers has received thousands of likes. Gibson said over the years he has found 700 different signs. To do this he kept a red folder full of ideas or sayings he saw elsewhere that he could use in his shop. The hard part was coming up with the perfect one-liner considering the zodiac’s limitations. There are only five lines per side with a maximum of 13 letters on each line. “There’s a lot of funny stuff out there, but to put it on a sign … I printed a little grid that I can actually write the sign on and know it’s going to fit,” he said. Bob Gibson, co-owner of North Vancouver’s Contact Printing, shows off his red folder containing ideas for his outdoor sign and a grid system to make sure they match. (Janella Hamilton/CBC) Gibson said his messages were never political and used co-owner David Brown as a filter. “We never crossed the line, it was never a political issue. It was just for laughs,” Gibson said. The couple recently sold the business to a new owner, who told Gibson and Brown they plan to continue having fun with the brand. Gibson hands over his red envelope to get them started. When asked what his favorites were over the years, Gibson said, “That’s where I made a lot of money. About a quarter of an inch is too big.”
