Obituary : John M. Gibson
Published: March 25, 2010
John Michael "Gibby" Gibson was born on November 19, 1954 and left us on March 21. He was pre-deceased by his father, James H. "Jimmy", and his brother, James A. Gibson.
John leaves behind two wonderful sons, Jim, 33 and John Michael, 26. He is survived by his mother, Bobbie-Ann; his brother, Michael, his wife, Kathy, and their children, Daniella and Michael James; his sister, Pamela Hendrix, her husband, Terry, and their children, Shaina, Adam and his wife, Stephanie, and their daughter Bella; his sister, Paula O'Connor, her husband, Sean, and their daughter, Shannon, and his beloved granddaughter, Kylie Marie. John cherished time with his family.
John was born and raised on Martha's Vineyard. After graduating from MVRHS he joined the Marine Corps and after serving eight years he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. He was always proud to be a marine. One of his favorite quotes was "only two defining forces ever offered to die for you; Jesus Christ and the American Soldier...one died for your soul, one died for your freedom."
Before John moved to Florida in 2002, he was very involved in the youth hockey program. He was a hockey coach for many years and loved every minute of it. He was a member of the board of directors at the MV Arena and was also a hockey referee for many years. He loved the arena, just like his Dad did. He was also a past member of the Oak Bluffs Fire Department serving on Engine 4.
The MV Harley riders sent him off in style when he left the Island to move to Florida. He quickly became a beloved member of the "Enforcers" motorcycle club. He held the rank of National Sergeant at Arms and was very proud of that. John had a great passion and love of motorcycles. He often said that his love of the Harley Davidson was "not a hobby but a lifestyle."
John was taken from us doing what he enjoyed most. He died living his dream with the wind at his back.
A memorial service celebrating John's life will be held on Saturday, March 27, at 11 am at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. John will then be laid to rest with his father and brother in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Oak Bluffs with full military honors offered by the Veterans of Martha's Vineyard. The family extends an invitation to join them following the burial at the P.A. Club on Vineyard Avenue in Oak Bluffs.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in John's memory to The John Gibson Memorial Fund c/o Northern Trust 11301 US Highway 1 North Palm Beach, FL 33408 or to the MV Arena Endowment Fund PO Box 2062 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. Visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com for an online register book and directions.
