Gina Lazenby, current chair of the Society, and Dawn Gibbins MBE at the Feng Shui Society Conference in 2018
It was with great sadness that members of the Feng Shui Society Executive Committee learned over the weekend of the passing of Dawn Gibbins on 11th February. We share that news with you now. She was most recently known as Dawn de Vivre, and that name change in itself sums up this unique woman who was an absolute force of nature committed to spreading Joie de Vivre, Joy of Life. Dawn was one of the brightest sparks in all the communities she was involved in. She brought sunshine, love, passion and wisdom into the worlds of business, healing arts and feng shui. She touched the lives of thousands and her influence, energy and creativity will be sadly missed.
Her life of innovation and contribution was recognised during her lifetime. In 2006 she was voted the most influential person in British manufacturing and in 2012 she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Staffordshire University in recognition of her notable achievements as a global businesswoman; for services to manufacturing; and as a keen philanthropist and visionary speaker. Her love of feng shui led her to commission a feng shui survey of her home town of Congleton, the first ever for a UK town. In 2021 she gave a fantastic presentation to the Feng Shui Society about this survey done in 2008 with details of how the town has subsequently changed and is now known as the ‘Little Town with the Big Heart’. You can watch the recording of her inspirational presentation to the Feng Shui Society here.
As a community we send our condolences to her husband Lionel, and the two daughters and five grandchildren she leaves behind. Her daughter has spoken of her practice of pearl fishing where she always sought to look for the good in everyone. I have personably had many wonderful connections with Dawn over the years and enjoyed her joyful hospitality. Her radiance, energy and light were quite breathtaking. I feel the loss of a friend and also for the Society which she adored and enthusiastically supported.
One of the Society members, Liz Wells, has written a personal tribute for Dawn and we are happy to share her loving thoughts here.
Gina Lazenby
Chair Feng Shui Society
