"We have lost a longtime friend, as did the entire racing community," said Peter Berube, vice president and general manager of Tampa Bay Downs. "He was valued employee with the greatest degree of integrity plus, during his tenure, he continued to gain the respect of management and horsemen from all over the country."Kibbey's family will hold a service at the Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 3207 W Bearss Ave., in Tampa. Viewing hours are Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. The service will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. with cremation to follow.
Bob Kibbey, Tampa Bay Downs' director of security, died June 5 after a short illness at the age of 76 at his home in Oldsmar, Fla. His wife, Karen, his sons Robert Kibbey, Jr., Richard Kibbey; his daughters Teri Firek and Kriste Etue; and his stepchildren – Kristy Ferris, Darron Partee and Michael Partee, survive him. Born on June 13, 1929 in Detroit, Mich., Kibbey was a WWII veteran who spent six years in the Navy. Kibbey began his law enforcement career with the Michigan State Police. He retired after serving at numerous tracks in Kentucky, Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Illinois. Kibbey continued on at Tampa Bay Downs after his retirement as the director of security in 1996. For the last nine years, Bob had concentrated his efforts solely at Tampa Bay Downs.