The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

'UNCA JOHN', 78, never received any of the gifts his children purchased for Father's Day last year. He was killed the day before in a tragic car accident.

It has been ten months since an accident snatched the life of John Hubert Gibson. It was struck by an F150 truck at an intersection on Cowpen Road. Family members are still struggling to cope with the loss of their "sailor man", "souse chef", and great "sexyphonist".

"We are still in mourning and I know we will be for a very long time because we are still trying to come to grips with his sudden tragic death," said Jane Major, Mr Gibson's daughter.

Although the family still wonders why, they have found solace in their memories.

"Yes, at first we questioned God, who we love and trust, because we could not understand why things happened the way they did. However, now we realize that God has done a perfect work. Daddy's death has left such a void in our hearts. We are slowly realising that his death was not untimely as we first believed because God had a plan," she said.

Unca John made a lasting impact on the lives of many with his music. He played the saxophone with the King and Knights band. One of his favorite songs to play at family events was "Keep on the Firing Line". The band travelled often, but Unca John made up for his absence by spending quality time with his children.

"We have fond memories of going riding every Sunday afternoon to pick cocoa plums, sea grapes, and other native berries. Every holiday we would picnic at a beach or ride in his sail boat or speed boat to one of the cays for the day. Visiting the drive-in movies was our absolute favorite because we got a chance to sit outside on top of the car and eat popcorn," she said.

Growing up in Mason's Bay Acklins, Unca John learned to fish, and sail. Sailing is one of his first passions. In fact, on the day of his death he was on the way to his son's house to help build a sailing boat.

"Our father was also an avid golfer who won many trophies and played on many famous golf courses all over the world. His true passion, however, was the sea. He enjoyed fishing and sailing. He was a number one captain. In his earlier days, he never missed a regatta," said Ms Major.

"He traveled to regattas all over the Bahamas. He skippered the King and Knights No. II and later his son's boat, The Barbarian. When traveling and sailing was not possible, he became a well known spectator who never missed a race at the Montagu foreshore," she said.

When he was not playing music, or sailing boats, Unca John spent much of his time ensuring he kept the love of his life happy. He was married to Curlean Gibson for 55 years. They would regularly prepare breakfast in the morning together: she made the grits and he prepared the souse.

"Daddy, The Legend, as we called him in death, will never, ever, be forgotten because he was and will always be our hero. He will live in our hearts for ever. I guess God needed a Gibson in heaven so he called my father home," said Ms Major.