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Our
Tribute to
Jeff Gibson
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It was
overwhelming to see the number of club members who were in
Monroe for the visitation and service for our dear friend Jeff
Gibson. His presence will certainly be missed at IMYC. But
then again, he will always be with us through the memories that
have been made over the years. Thanks to Jim Robinson for
taking some great pictures of the members and of Jeff and
Beverly’s family. Getting lake bums in suits is definitely a
Kodak moment! There were a handful of members in attendance who
were not present during the photo-op…sorry we didn’t get you all
in the photos.
The fire
pit in memory of Jeff has been started….the concrete has been
poured and the brick will be laid around it this coming
weekend. We will be placing a plaque in memory of Jeff on a
rock to be placed at the fire pit. The inaugural fire is
planned for the evening of the Annual Crawfish Boil, April 19th.
This project is being completed without the use of club funds,
so any donations would be appreciated and can be given to Jay,
Scott, Ted, or Bodwin.
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Jeff's Family |
IMYC |
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We had many laughs, but not
enough. Many great sails, but not enough. The conversations
I had with Jeff and his philosophies on life, the universe
and everything will be with me all my days. Amazing how I
only knew the man for short bouts at the lake, some 6-7 yrs
total for him to leave such an impact on me. That is the
truest testament to the kind of man he was. I'll forever
miss him and he will constantly remind me to take more time
for my friends and loved ones, to stop and enjoy the moment.
One time at the lake, on a late Sunday before leaving, Jeff
asked me if I would help him fix his masthead light on
Mariah, being the mast monkey that I was. From then on, he
jokingly called that his "Burnett" light... I can see Mariah
now, sailing off with Jeff at the helm on one of his many
night sails. And now, as I pass him on the water, I sail
away with my "Gibson" light burning bright!
Patrick Burnett
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Jeff was a Past Commander of our
Squadron in Monroe called the Ouachita Sail and Power Squadron.
We have a Prayer for Jeff also...
Our friend and colleague has
embarked on his last voyage. The tides of life have ebbed for a
shipmate, and we, his fellow members of the United States Power
Squadrons, gather to honor is memory. Jeff Gibson was a valued
member of the Ouachita Sail and Power Squadron. He gave
abundantly of his time, talent and knowledge to further the
education of his shipmates. Many members who now carry insignia
of rank are beneficiaries of his constant efforts to mold a
stronger squadron. He has set a lofty goal for others who will
strive to take his place. His accomplishments are permanently
inscribed in the archives of this squadron and in the memories
of those he leaves behind.
Now, the Supreme Commander of the
Universe has called our shipmate to sail with Him in eternal
calm waters, forever free from the storms and tempests of mortal
life.
We honor and cherish the memory of our
shipmate, but we do not mourn for him, for he has found refuge
in the great harbor of eternal peace. Rather, it is for
ourselves that we mourn; for a good friend has sailed beyond the
eternal horizon and is no longer among us. We will miss his
hand on the helm. We will miss his shoulder next to ours. We
will miss his encouragement and counsel as we meet the storm and
still of life.
Let us go forward from this place and,
working together, dedicate ourselves to his memory and to the
attainment of the objectives he held so dear
Past Commander Bill Tull
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Of course Jeff loved life, and he loved and appreciated the gifts
that were given to him by God. His appreciation for and love of the
lake and every part of it were phenomenal! He loved the full moon
that shimmered across the lake, every shining star that glittered in
the sky above, and the wind for which his boat, Mariah, was named.
A few months ago, we wrote Beverly and Jeff a note thanking them for
a gift of kindness they had given our family. The postscript to
Jeff read, “Jeff, you are a shining star in Scott’s life. He loves
you dearly!”
Jeff has been a shining star in our lives for over twenty years and
we will cherish the memories that have been left behind. Every time
we see a full moon, or the sky full of stars, or Tall Island, we
will fondly think of Jeff Gibson because he reminded all that knew
him at the lake that these things were spectacular!
Thank you, Jeff, for sharing your life, your love, and your
philosophies on life with us! Thank you, Beverly, for being Jeff’s
soul mate, and the half that made him whole!
Our love,
The O’Hara Family
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Jeff Gibson, a good friend,
a nice man and a wonderful sailor made his final
sail this past weekend. It brings to mind
something that we should all remember as we toil
through our little lives.
Life is short, don’t
waste your time spending hours getting your yard
in shape so someone else will inherit a nice
lawn – enjoy life. The grass will always grow,
but another sail may never be had.
And so it goes...
Will Kirste
