A local musician and friend, gone too soon…
May 7th, 2008 by Amanda Schurr in Arts, Music, News
Scott Gibson, veteran musician with The Marvins, Large Mammal, Turning Wheel, The Amazing Dog & Pony Show, Thread and numerous other local bands lucky enough to benefit from his phenomenal gift and exuberant spirit, died last night.
Anyone who knew Scottie loved him. He was a sweet soul with an infectious smile, warm laugh and tremendous talent. He played with many during his years in Sarasota, and he was one of the most gifted guitarists around. Period.
A tribute is forthcoming in CL’s pages. In the meantime, our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones. Rest in peace, good sir.
UPDATE: Please click here for more information on various services planned in his honor.
Send to a friend:
May 7th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Scottie was such a kind, loving, positive person. I will miss him and his smile- dearly. It is so hard to say goodbye…
May 7th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Greif without measure
Loss beyond understanding
I hope he has found the enlightenment he saught and the peace he desurves
The music has died, but the song continues.
Good by brother Scott
May 7th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
holy shit. i must say, i’ve been completely speechless since i heard last night. i got an email from scott yesterday asking me if i would be into doing a ‘turning wheel’ reunion show. i’m sorry my brother. wouldn’t be the same without you there. he was my/ i was his evil twin. i suppose it depended on who was wearing the goatee at the time. i will miss your slak-jawed, knuckle-draggin, mouth-breathing, bottom-feeding, joyous, talented,poetic presence as long as i live.
May 7th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
A loss like this is hard to put into words, but I will try. There was only one guitar player I looked up to in town, and it was Scott. And let me say why: The first time I saw him play I wanted to quit playing. His talent goes without saying, and to be be there when he played, well, I realized I was in the presence of greatness. I got the chance to meet him years ago when we played the same venue and I realzed then what it meant to be a great musician. Scott was the most gracious, uncocky, and kind person you could ever want to meet, and he made you feel like you knew him all your life. We would see each other every week at the same house gig we both shared for a while, and then I didn’t see him for quite a few years after that. Earlier this year I ran into him at the Bungalow. In typical Scott fashion, it was as if it was yesterday that I last talked to him. We caught up and I was even able to set him up with all new cables for his rig because I work for Monster Cable. A few weeks later I had the greatest compliment from him when he came out to see me play and he told me what an amazing performer and guitar player I had become. This from the guy I looked up to! I didn’t know Scott as well as everyone else, but I truly considered him a friend and I miss him. He was a kind and gentle soul and a wonderful human being. Rest in Peace my Friend……
May 7th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
I am at a loss. I remember, and will always remember, Scottie as a Sarasota legend. Not only a legend in music, but a legendary friend as well. From the moment I met him I never got anything else but just that solid, juicy goodness of soul. Over the years our paths intertwined and we would weave in and out of touch for awhile (as was his custom), but every time we would reconnect it would be like we had just seen each other yesterday. He would always greet me with one of those amazing bear hugs and a yammering of kind words. Most recently I saw him at Suwanee Springfest. It was a spur of the moment trip for him and he found me playing with this blue balloon that I had found on one of the dirt roads. I was tossing it in the air, just walking slowly back to camp when I hear a car behind me and that ever familiar voice saying, “You crazy freaks from Sarasota don’t know any better but to walk in the middle of the road?!”, which was followed by uproarious laughter and sheer happiness at seeing one another again. He always encouraged everyone in music. I remember seeing him at LUNCH shows and at so many different parties with friends and too many venues where he was playing to remember. When he heard that Nate and I had a new project he encouraged us to come down to the Bungalow for his Wednesday open mic. Even up to the end he always wanted to see music flourish here and was always willing to help anyone who had the desire for it. For the past three years Jodi has had a birthday party and every year he would show up for it. Even if we hadn’t seen him in six or eight months he would always seem to appear, out of nowhere, each time a great and welcome surprise. I will miss him immensely, I will remember him always, this place, for me, will never be the same. I love you brother, go in peace on the star-ward journey.
“And the angel band will take my hand…. lead me to my old friends to play those songs again…. and the songs we sing from old memory…. joined in by the angel choir singing perfect harmony…. perfect harmony….” -David Via (In a holler on the mountain)
May 8th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Love and miss you man!
May 8th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Scottie…we love you so much and we miss you!
May 8th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
I didn’t know Scott extremely well, but we shared the connection that a handful of us did in Sarasota in the mid-to-late-90’s. Although I was attending the Ringling School studying Illustration by day, I was receiving an education in music and improvisation by night at institutions such as the Cornerstone/Blue Parrot and The West End. It was at the open jams that would occur at these and other venues, at times there were several a week, that I had the distinct pleasure of meeting and playing with Mr. Gibson. Some really great musicians gathered at these, and although I got to know some better than others, we all shared the special connection that is hard to describe, but comes from the intimate and unspoken communication used by those who are improvising together on a stage. I’ll never forget his sweet guitar tone, great playing, beautiful voice, and friendly nature. It was always a treat to get to create spontaneous music with a talent such as his. Those times were very special to me and I can’t think back upon them for very long without thinking of Scott Gibson. It’s a tragedy that his time with us was cut short. He’ll be missed my many.
May 8th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Scottie, we will miss you beyond belief…the songs, the music, the lake won’t be the same without you. Our love goes with you….:(
May 8th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Scotty was family, he made our first JazzFest(2003) great fun- in NOLA I went to a music store with Scott and he picked up a dbl neck acoustic guitar and just busted out Led Zep’s Kashmir (see the pic on my site ) it was very cool. We will surely miss our little brother- We love you man.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
http://www.lumpypixels.com/sg/
May 8th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Stay tuned for more details, everyone, but as of now, an informal celebration is planned for tomorrow night (Friday), May 9, at the Distillery Tavern in Bradenton. Scott had planned to gig there tomorrow in a quasi-reunion of sorts with some local players/friends. More deets as things are confirmed. Thank you and please keep sending your love. We all need to pull together, now more than ever.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Open Mic night @ Jack’s Lizard Lounge is still going on as planned and will be in honor of Scott tonight for all who wish to come out.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
The idea that Scott is not with us any more is one that is very hard to stomach.. . but his incredible spirit will always be with us. He gave so much as a friend and I will always be greatful that I was lucky enough to have been able to experience that friendship at a time when I really needed it. He was not only there during a very difficult time. I remember how incredibly supportive he was as I delved into my first real experiences singing out in pubic and how much encouragement he gave me, which meant a lot from someone as extremely talented as he was. His excitement for new projects and music was contagious as we often spoke of his ambitions and new projects. His immense talent and heart where one in the same.
May 8th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Today I thought I could not stop crying, for I not only lost my baby brother but my best friend. My brother’s first love was always music and he played his guitar with his heart on his guitar strings. He always looked for the good in anyone he met and will be missed by so many of us. This a wonderful to see the comments. Please everyone keep writing and playing music, we will all miss his laughter and hugs. Thanks Robert Demerio for putting the pictures online. -LV
May 8th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Dear Scott,
As I sit here flooded with memories of our almost 20 years of friendship I still hear your voice and the countless lines of B.S. you tried to feed me,and being your good friend that I am I felt the need to regurgatate them and feed them back to you. This is what we did for each other. We are alot alike, just ask Stevie! The days of the One Block South & Turning Wheel after parties are some of the most memorable times of my life. What a clanish group of people we were in thoose days and it made each and every one of us the gifted, caring people that we are now. The countless times sharing the stage with you and your vast knowlege of the guitar neck(that still pisses me off) showed me how blessed we are to have this gift of music. For the record my amp is much louder than yours! My last conversation with you while I was up here in N.C. still rings in my ears how you wanted to have me and my sophmoric guitar playing to come down and put tracks on the new music you were writing,but you’ve always been kind & supportive like that. Our tribe has truly lost something special,and also gained a little more respect for things we take for granted.In closing I just want you to know you are in my thoughts to the end and save me a seat on the bus! As I close my eyes I see you laughing in the Purple Rain!! ” Honey I, Honey I, Honey I…..”
All my Love
Jonnie Boy
May 8th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
there’s more and some pix at the blog: http://www.largemammalband.blogspot.com
May 8th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Please, mother mercy
take me from this place
and the long winded curses I keep hearing in my head
words never listen and teachers oh they never learn
Now im warm from the candle but I feel to cold to burn
He came from an island and he died from the street
He hurt so bad like a soul breaking but he never said nothing to me yeah!
So say hello to heaven
heaven…heaven yeah
New like a baby lost like a prayer
The sky was your playground but the cold ground was your bed
Poor stargazer she’s got no tears in her eyes
Smooth like a whisper
She knows that love heals all wounds with time
Now it seems like too much love is never enough, yeah you better seek out another road because this one is ending abrupt oooooh!
Say hello to heaven…heaven…heaven yeah!
I never wanted to write these words down for you with the pages and the phrases of the things we’ll never do yeah so I’ll blow out the candle and I’ll put you to bed since you cant say to me now how the dogs broke your bone theres just one thing left to be said
Say hello to heaven… heaven…heaven.
I love you like my brother scott Say hello to heaven!
May 8th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
The reply above are lyrics from one of scotts favorite songs
He was over at my house on tuesday and he pulled the a video for this song up on my computer maybe on some level he was trying tell us something.
the band is Temple of the dog.
May 9th, 2008 at 1:06 am
Never have I been so shocked by the departure in this world. I was so lucky to count Scott as one of my truly close friends in this life, from the first time I met him, 20 years ago. Within a few months we had moved down to Sarasota with the very best musicians we could find [tom campbell and mark basehore] and began our yearlong Blue Jay Shaman communal experiment. We stayed in touch over the years and I am so glad that he lost a mandolin I loaned him, because 10 years later he gave an incredible Tacoma that is now my main guitar. Scott may have taken a loooong time to get to something, but it was always worthwhile and you always were left with no doubt - in his own way he had given his all.
Well now there is no more question of that.
” with the saints give rest O Lord to the soul of they Servant. Where there is no sickness, sorrow, nor sighing. But Life Everlasting.”
-Orthodox Christian Hymn for the departed
May 9th, 2008 at 5:31 am
He was known to me as uncle Scotty.We were more like brother and sister since their was only four years between us.As children he teased me relentlessly,but secretly I loved his attention.Later on as young adults he would let me tag along to his rehearsals and gigs.Their must be something said about genetics because we shared the same goofy sense of humor and passion for music!I will miss his silly animated faces,bosterous laugh,gutair playing,family gatherings,and his big teddy bear hugs!He made everyone around him feel loved!It gives me a great sense of peace knowing that Scott lived his life exactly the way he wanted to.I will see you next lifetime!
Love,
Sabrina
May 9th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Uncle Scotty was always the better man. He would always help, no matter what the cost. I remember growing up he would always make me feel welcomed and not akward, even though I rarely saw him through the years. He always took the time to play with us as kids. He could always make me laugh and I will always have good memories, because I never had any bad, when he was around. I will miss you Uncle Scotty.
Love,
Ben
May 9th, 2008 at 10:47 am
It\\\’s your sweet laughter that I will miss aboutyou the most. From the time I was 11 and you were squealing through the house chuckling as your big sister tried to catch you and get you dressed to the grown-up laugh with a sheepish grin sometimes with reserve and other times with sheer gusto! You never said any words of unkindness. You taught my children how to \\
May 9th, 2008 at 10:58 am
“body slam” on the couch and
explode with laughter. You would
always volunteer to help like at
my last Thanksgiving you carved
the turkey with finesse while
making everyone feel loved.
You lived the words that say to “love one another”. “May the Lord bless you and keep you..and shine upon you”.
I love you.
Trish
May 9th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Reading over a bit that a friend wrote I suddenly heard, distinctly, in my ears a familiar laugh. I think that I will always remember the sound of that laugh.
Many years ago (state theater) I heard Purple Rain preformed by none other, and was not only covered in goosebumps, but moved to tears. (grins, its silly i know) Music moves me, but I can not think of any time since, that its made me cry.
I could say many things about my experiences in friendship with scott, or his personality as I knew it….. it seems you all know very well and i would only echo what has already been written here. I would like to say it was a joy to spend time with him and i can only imagine the emptiness those who spent so much more time then myself must be feeling.
you are already missed though i see your smile, i hear your laughter.
~d
May 9th, 2008 at 11:20 am
while it was taken as a compliment scottie didn’t hesitate to poke a little fun at my over-emotional reaction I just want to remind him what I think of his goofy hats.
: )
May 9th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Scott was a brother-in-law to me since I am Terry’s wife. I have so many wonderful memories of spending time with him, both in the Southwest and in Florida. There were times of playing music together; hiking in the woods in the middle of a snowy full moon Winter night; rescuing him from jumping down a rock edge in the Arizona desert; having wonderful spiritual and philosophical conversations; cooking together (he was always on a new diet - we still have a bunch of spinach in our frezer from the last visit); sharing laughter and good times. He will be missed greatly and remembered fondly. I hope we connect again the next time around.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:53 am
When Scotty came home from his vacation in Mexico he gave me this poem that he got out there, which has been in a frame hanging in my home since:
In beauty I walk
With beauty before me I walk
With beauty behind me I walk
With beauty above me I walk
With beauty around me I walk
It has become beauty again
It has become beauty again
It has become beauty again
It has become beauty again
I hope wherever you are, there is beauty around you…
For those of you that did not know him, he was the type of person that could light up a room with his smile. The type of person that made everyone he talked to feel special, like you were the only one that mattered at that point in time. The type of person who you met for the first time and felt like you had known him forever. The type of person that left an impression on everyone he met. The type of person that will be in my heart forever.
I will miss you dear friend…
May 9th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Perhaps my last post is lost due to some playfulness on his part…I still can’t believe it and I find it hard to accept that I will never hear his laughter and music again. Scott was a brother in law to me. He was such a kind soul and supportive of others. I remember so many wonderful things about him: his laughter and playfulness; walking in the woods on a full moon night in the middle of Winter; rescuing him from a rock cliff in the Arizona desert; all kinds of new diets and programs; wonderful philosophical and spiritual conversations. This list could go on forever. I will miss him dearly and I sure hope to cross paths with him the next time around. May the Blessings Be, Scotty.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
When I first met Scott, his guitar playing made me want to play and to dream of being at least half as good as him. I begged him for lessons and he spent countless hours patiently teaching me chords and how to finger pick Merle Travis style. After much practice, I realized I’d never even be close to half as good as Scott, so I was just thankful to be nearby when he played. His talent had a way of inspiring dreams and - if you were a beginner guitarist - his talent could crush your dreams just as easily… you just knew you’d never be that good.
Scott always had a way of making you feel like he ‘got’ you… no matter who you are, if you knew him, you felt that you had a true friend in him… and you did.
My heart goes out to everybody who knew and Loved him. I am stunned by this loss of a friend and personal hero.
Rise up, Brother Scott. I’m so thankful for the time we spent together last year at Heatwave. Your mandolin will play in my memory forever. You will be missed beyond measure.
peace,
Moki
May 9th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
I’m reposting this from an email from Nicolaas Kraster.
“It was the playing of Thorson and Scott Gibson that made me realize that I sucked at guitar. The magic of Scott was that in those early days of jamming he would play a riff that would blow my mind, then he would play it at half speed to show me what he had done. Never any words, just a ladder to climb in understanding guitar if I wanted to climb it. Later on I would always introduce him as one of the guys who taught me to play to which he would reply “I don’t know what your talking about”. That was Scott.
Scott’s band “The Amazing Dog and Pony Show” recorded an album that never got released. I am going to be making a hundred copies to sell at his benefit concert. They will be $10 dollars a piece. I received a copy back when it was first finished and it is possibly the best local album ever recorded. All proceeds will go to paying for Scott’s funeral. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the life of one of the area’s best guitarists than through his music. They will also be available through my website http://www.buskerscorner.com. The should be available by late June.”
May 9th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Words cannot express the shock and tears. I will never forget Scotts infectious laugh and mezmerizing music. He was a best friend to many for many reasons. He will truly be missed. He is now “a headlight on a northbound train”
May 9th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
I love you uncle. Thank you for always looking out for me and being there when I needed you. Thank you for the last 6 months. Thank you. You have always set a landmark of what a joy life is. I see it werever you go and whoever you meet. I treasure every long talk and piece of wisdom that you have bestowed upon me as well as others. I couldn’t ever forget you. Ill see you one day again. I love you man, sorry we didnt hang out on monday!!!! Scott you are a man that could be worshiped, loved, and a friend too anyone. You have left yourself here and will always be remembered. You still have your legacy going in your daughters veins and I will discover her as my cousin I love you and goodbye uncle.
May 9th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
I have had to stop weeping to keep my eyes from welding shut- My brother was the first to tell me he came here to our family by choice as we played in the yardmaking hoimes for elves and tryin to get them to tell us thier names he was little boy barely speaking as we played and whispered with the little ones– He knew things about me no others have ever known yet maybe wondered about I remembered this morning it was he that so eagerly expressed his journey here so young and innocently still remembering how he came here –so in this i am reminded that there is an after life -be gentle as these new children may be coming from our past into our present to help build our futures.I have many rivers filled with stories and with so many tributaries to the core of us all My Brother is a great spring whos bottom could not be found some of it flowed to our roots and some evaporated into our sky some of it seeped into our hearts and some of it nourished our souls- I am trying to be a bowl of laughter floating on a sea of tears remembering an ocean of life and laughter in the distant horizon — I am so deeply touched by all of this kinda grouchy too! we talked twice that day his left arm was numb he said from playin to much the next call I got was my brother Buddy who told me Scott had left us — My heart is not and never will be done loving my little brother who is so large in my life maybe that next baby smilin at me will be him—angels are aborn from us as we aborn from them never forget that love givin without destination nor with pourpose yet with selflisness has the ability so humbly to spread its wings without recognition or need for discovery from its source to be an angel for some you may never know whom find this tiny peice of heaven and witness the visitation while seeing the wings of an angel— my brother was very shy about his wings and little did he know how often I had watched him spread them for others Hoping someday he would see them like I did — Love bubbalou (I will never hear anyone call me that like he does im listening for it now:) P.S. That darn battery he gave me from his cell phone really was funky.I keepin it for awhile — Please anything especially music — most of the stuff we have played the last few years will never be heard accept by the wind and the stars we watched in the desert mountains fall to earth with each touch of our hearts to the notes and the sounds of our souls reflecting like the broken mirror of the milky way smiling from the faces looking down on us from the circle in the sky to the musty smell of the roots in the ground beneath our feet to the laughter of children singing from the creek bubbling past us — my Brother Knows his love to all of you finding it in him is who he wanted all of us to be– you see??? we are each others angels its time to try opening up our wings a bit and help his stay open for this new journey ahead— listen to this small breeze inside your heart and you will hear him singing –listen to that spring bubbling from the ground and you can hear him laughing with you — look into the stars at night and you can see his eyes looking back at you wink at him and kiss his lips once more maybe you will feel him as he drops a star from the sky as he winks back at you and returns his kiss now from a greater world we stand in every day without notice — My brother and I kissed the sky together and flirted with earth — You see he is my brother who told me at 3 barely speaking he came here to visit us and I still believe him — he is not lost — I might be kinda hurt awhile cause I wasnt done yet with him— He wqasnt done yet with all of us — maybe we should open the sky and talk about this — I havnt begun to miss you and express my love for you my little brother - This is not done I LOVE YOU LITTLE ONE WHO GAVE US ALL THESE YEARS–I WILL TRY A LITTLE HARDER TO BE NICE AND ASK THE TROLS TO QUIT GRUMBLING AND MAYBE STEAL SOME OF THE GOLD AND WINE THEY TRADE THE ELVES WITH TO PAY TOLL ACROOS THE BRIDGE OF LIFE AND SHARE IT WITH THE WORLD SOME– MAYBE ILL PLAY SOME MUSIC FOR YOU–BUBALOU–aLIAS TERRY
May 9th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
In my heart you will always lie, in my mind I am damn glad an honored to be writing this about such a wonderful Man….
Modeh Ani, Soar on my friend Scott Miss ya already
May 10th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Scott, you were one of those rare ones…still kicking myself that I never got to see you play live, that there were conversations we never got to finish, beers we never drank, bad jokes we never had a chance to share and that the beginnings of a friendship was cut short by your early departure. It was truly a pleasure knowing you in the brief time that I did. I won’t be forgetting you. Happy trails.
May 10th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Where do I begin?
There are so many things I want to say about my friend Scott: the sort of person he was, what his friendship meant to me, some treasured memories of our time together, and some of the things that were left unsaid.
Ours was not a lifelong friendship, but that is not to say that I would value it any less. Indeed, I wish that I had known him longer, but I won’t be selfish and I’ll just be thankful for the times we had. You didn’t need to know Scott very long to like him. I met him because he was one of my daughter Heather’s closest friends, more like the big brother she never had. I don’t think one minute passed when we met before we were friends for life.
As well as being one of the most talented people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, he was also one of the most down-to-earth and genuine people I know. His spirit and lust for life were infectious. You always knew when Scott arrived; his presence would fill the room. He would always have a big Bear Hug and warm words for my wife Lisa and I , and he could make you feel like you were the center of attention.
I will fondly remember our times together, whether we were out to listen to him at a concert, sharing a beer in a local hangout, or summoning the spirits jamming around a bonfire in someone’s backyard. He didn’t waste his time on earth; instead, he lived it with gusto, and made the best of what he was presented with every day.
Scott was a true musician in the tradition of the troubadours and minstrels of the past .His talent went far beyond mere mastery of the skills of a musician; for him it was the ultimate art form, a means of opening his huge heart and touching those who were close enough to hear him. Unlike a lot of big names in the business, though, his music did so much more than just define his life; it gave him a means to connect with so many people on so many different levels. Not only did he write and perform with a great many musicians on a professional level, he devoted a lot of energy to encouraging others to explore the world of music and discover their own talents.
I will always remember my daughters wedding, where he listened to me woefully tell of my troubles learning to play guitar ( at that point, I had been studying less than a year, I think) I told him I didn’t think I would ever make much of a guitarist; my hands were too small and my fingers stubby and fat, so I couldn’t fret a string cleanly. My patience was wearing thin, and I was considering giving up .His reply was to place his hand against mine, palm to palm, and show me that his hand was about the same size and shape as mine.
“Practice, Snuffy†he said, “it takes a lot of patience and practice to get anywhere. Just keep at it and you will get better.â€
Well, I did keep at it, and I did get better. Now I compose and arrange as well as play, and I even serenade my lovely wife. I will never come close to his level, but I will never forget that he took the time to encourage a novice and spread the magic around.
So, that brings me to the things I wanted to say:
Thank you Scott, for sharing your life and your gifts with so many. Thank you for the friendship you gave Heather, and for all the things you did for her over the years. It was and honor to know you and call you friend.
I hope you enjoyed your time here, and wherever your spirit may wander, I wish you fair winds, following seas, and a safe harbor at journey’s end.
May 10th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Soon these tears of grieving will begin to face…as time passes…and as we let you rise and expand into your new dimensions. However, for now we are so deeply immersed in sorrow for our loss of your presence in our lives.
Sometimes you felt like life was a struggle, however, what you may not have realized is that life for us was less of a struggle and so much more joyous, fun, and exuberant when you were around.
Sometimes you felt like you hadn’t done enough or weren’t good enough, however, it is clear that you were already Being what you came to be, and doing what you came to do. You were already a bright star and being kind, gentle, loving, generous, thoughtful, insightful, supportive, caring, understanding, playful and bringing light and joy to all of us.
You told me once that you wanted to be able to “touch and affect peoples’ lives for the good.” Perhaps now you can see that you were already touching our hearts and our lives for the good…and that your huge heart made a deep impact on all of us. You made this world a better place, just by being here with us for such a short time.
When you helped me with my projects, you made time fly. You were a whirlwind of energy and insights, and a multi-tasker of the highest order, with abundant creativity, putting your whole heart and soul into whatever you were doing. You have been such a blessing in our lives, and we thank you for honoring us with your presence.
We all feel you left us too soon, however, it has been said that in the larger scheme of things, the soul never leaves this plane without agreement that the time has come for a transition to the next phase in our journey.
May God bless you as you have blessed all of us, and fill your journey with peace, love, light, joy and beauty. You “slowed time down” for us with your music and your being, and it is these profound, magical and joyful experiences with you which we will carry in our hearts forever.
We will always remember you.
Love always, Elizabeth
May 11th, 2008 at 9:44 am
I could always count on a big bear hug and instant acceptance every time I saw Scott. Somehow he was naturally able to have that \\
May 11th, 2008 at 9:46 am
(oops here’s the rest)
I could always count on a big bear hug and instant acceptance every time I saw Scott. Somehow he was naturally able to have that “special” connection with everyone in his huge circle of friends and even instantly connected to new friends he’s just met. I never worried about social awkwardness around Scott he always made me feel perfect just as I was. Scott was the kind of guy you could take anywhere and do anything with and you knew you were gonna have fun.
My favorite memory of our times together (which even brings a smile to my otherwise tear streaked face) is when he and I drove cross counrty to Colorado Springs. I managed to persuade him to drive out there with me…guess he had nothing better to do that day. When I showed up in my little white Mazda GLC to pick him up I had to shake my head at the clown cartoonish mound of musical equipment he convinced me he couldn’t possibly live without. So after defying Neutons spacial relations and expansion theories we were on our way. After driving our bottomed out rig straight through to west Texas we pulled over somewhere and passed out on top of some picnic tables. We were awoken early the next morning by a huge flock of peacocks around us. Then they started making their alarmingly loud squaks. We cracked up and hit the road.
My 3 year old reminds me of Scott in that everywhere we go is some fun new adventure.
That is just one tiny memory that sticks out amongst all the many others. Scott is already so deeply missed, I look at the world differently now. I am missing him and feeling such grief for his family and friends that are left behind. Many blessings to you all.
May 11th, 2008 at 11:12 am
A note from Jake “Magilicutty.†That’s what Scott always called me. Don’t ask me why, I don’t know, don’t care. I’d give everything I own to hear him call me that once again.
You’ve undoubtedly heard the saying that, if in your life you can say you have at least one true friend, then you are doing better than most.
I have been blessed with two such friends in my life (not counting of course my beautiful wife, Susan). Tuesday, I lost one of those friends.
I loved Scott Gibson like a brother and somehow I knew almost from the moment we met that we’d be friends for life. As I read each entry in this blog it’s striking how many others have felt the same way… that instant connection…the way Scott always made you feel like YOU were his best friend.
Scotty fell asleep Tuesday and just didn’t wake up. His heart failed while he was napping. The coroner said he had an enlarged heart, but we who knew him have always known that. He had the most “enlarged” heart of anyone I can think of. A heart full of love, enough to touch each of the hundreds who knew him.
These past few days I have been inconsolable. He will be deeply and sorely missed.
On this, Mother’s Day, my heart is reaching out to Scott’s dear mother. You wanna know where he got that “instant connection†thing? Here is the source. I have been honored to have been invited several times to her lovely home in St. Pete. Our first meeting stands out in my mind. Scott invited me in, introduced me to his dad who was sitting in his favorite chair watching TV. Dad didn’t say much more than the usual cordial, “nice to meet ya,†and Scott said, “Don’t worry, Jake, he’s just the quiet type.†Then on to meet Mom… and there it was again… ZAPP!… that instant connection. “Come on in here,†she said, inviting both Scott and me into the back bedroom, “I’m just about to watch this Eric Clapton Live DVD. I think you boys will like this.â€
Huh? Who’s mom invites you to sit and watch Eric Clapton’s DVD two minutes after you just met? For that matter, who’s Mom even watches Eric Clapton DVD’s at all? But there we were…and we didn’t just watch…we talked and talked and talked. We drank herb tea. We talked about Scott and his love of music, we talked about the latest “Buddy System†project we were working on at the time. We talked about Terry and the other siblings, and every word from her lips was graced with kindness, love, support, full of encouragement, a soft and gentle spirit, possessed of wisdom, and eager to share it all with this “nice boy,†(I’m 51 at the time and she called me a nice boy – that’s precious) this friend of Scotty’s that she had just met mere moments ago. She told me, “Scott says you’re a good influence on him, Jake,†probably the highest compliment I have ever received. Scott’s mother said I’m good for him. That’s something I won’t ever forget. I loved this woman instantly, love her still, just as I loved Scott instantly, love him still…and always will.
Dear God in Heaven, how I wish I could say, “Happy Mother’s Day, Mrs. Gibson.â€
With love and deep respect,
Jake “Magilicutty†Hansen
May 15th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
They say love divides and grows and this is so true love growes and growes and growes. So many years ago when our two families joined together and became one. It has never felt like two families that came together to become one. It is just always felt like one BIG WONDERFULE LOVING FAMILY that really never had to be joined together, it was already together and the love just grew with no effort. It has taken some time to be able to write, it does not seem real. I am waqiting for the next call saying it was a mistake. I have cried enough tears to an ocean. little brother my love for you will never be washed away.Remembering back in the Gulfport house (so many memories) when watching you for a few houres Mom and Dad told me to make sure and feed Scott lunch, and when they returned home the first thing you told them was that I did not feed you. I spoke up in my defense that I did I made him a hot in a bun and everything, but Scott threw it into the garbage. Sorry I did not cook the hot dog first little brother I was young too. It is not like microwaves were every were yet. In the time in our magicale home, when we were running through the house chasing each other(sorry Dad)and you turned to see how close I was to you and you turned around to run down the stairs and you hit the corner of the archway wall sorry about that too, especially when it looked like you started growing a second nose on your forhead but the swelling went down. You told me after I left home it never seemed the same I am sorriest about that I love you Scottie. I will your bear hugs, your laugh, your loving way and everything about you. But you will always be in my heart and never forgotten. While you are looking down on us from heavin, just feel all the love that is being sent up to you. And to my Mom and Dad I can not even come close to imagining the hurt you are feeling (as a sister it is unbearable). I hope you can find some peace in knowing Scott was so blessed to have you as parents.I love you so much today and always.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:11 am
I only knew Scott for a short while, but it seemed like I knew him for many years after becoming friends. We played and performed music together with Heather, and I was amazed with his musical talents. He was inspirational in so many ways. When we were jamming together, I felt that \\
May 16th, 2008 at 10:12 am
continued… magic happen, something that fills the soul with joy. The last song I saw him play was Purple Rain at the end of our gig on the Saturday before he passed on. That song will remain always as the best of who he was.
I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain
I only wanted to one time see you laughing
I only wanted to see u laughing in the purple rain
Scott will always live on in the music that we play.
May 19th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
GIBSON, Scott Bernard 41 years old of Sarasota, passed away Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 of heart complications. He was born in Las Vegas, NV on July 22nd, 1966. He graduated from St. Petersburg High School in 1984. Scott is survived by his parents, Charles Gibson and Paula Gibson of St. Petersburg, his daughter, Danielle Gibson of California and his family, LaVenda Henson of St. Petersburg, Trish and Rick Commons of Palm Harbor, Dedra and Rich Hornbeck of Vienna, VA, Terry Gibson and Judy Harris of Edgewood NM, Michael and Edda Gibson of Tampa, Buddy Gibson and Kimberly Eldridge of Sarasota, Lisa Gibson of Bradenton, Michael Turner of Captain Cook, HI, Elizabeth Turner of Friday Harbor, WA. He was a loving uncle to his nieces and nephews, Sabrina Shell, Richard ‘Richie’ Rico, Chris Timm, Joseph Harris, Rachel Gibson, Logan Gibson, Emerald Eldridge (Gibson), Forrest Eldridge (Gibson), Josef Braun, Desiree Cox, Nick Ceglar, Ben Commons. He loved music and played his guitar with his heart to the world. He was a gifted musician, and played with many bands: The Buddy System, Dream Window, Ghost Children, Blue Jay Shaman, Turning Wheel, The Amazing Dog & Pony Show, The Marvins, Large Mammal, Crimson Glory, Common Ground, Thread, and many more throughout Wisconsin to Florida. He had a heart of gold. His playful sense of humor and bear-hugs will be missed by all. His humor could translate to anyone. He was outgoing and lovable. His spirit shined so radiantly over his many close friends and loved ones. Memorial services were held at 6 pm on Monday, May 12, 2008 at Jennings Funeral Home at 5750 Swift Rd. Sarasota Fl. (941) 926-2223.
Memorial concert will be held in two weeks.
May 26th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
I still can’t believe he’s gone, he was and is everything an uncle should be, I learned so much about life from my Uncle Scott, it’s hard, it really is for so many different people.
I went to my first concert with Scott, I had my first drink with Scott. I met Scott about 7 years ago and when I met him it wasn’t like anything was new, he treated me like he’d known me forever, life is really different without him calling me up and joking around, talking to him about the grandiose future, driving to places he wanted to show me, going to concerts at jannis landing, with him gone there’s an enormous void.
I’ll miss you so damn much Scott.
June 1st, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Come out to GIBFEST Benefit
June 7, 2008 11am to 12 midnight
721 7th Ave.W. Bradenton, Florida
CLICK HERE to view the GIBFEST poster
July 29th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
happy belated birthday, gibby gibstone! sorry i missed it, you know what a slakjaw i bee. i miss ya much, my evil twin. hope things are good wherever you may be. fly on little wing.