Barry Gibson took the Florida Keys by storm — and shades — when he arrived in the island chain nearly 40 years ago, having worked as a banker, a business owner and a Key West city commissioner. But his most important jobs were as a husband to Trisha and father to Taylor.
Gibson died on Tuesday following a courageous battle with colon cancer.
“It is Barry Gibson and Trisha’s last wish to implore everyone aged 45 and older to please get a colonoscopy,” his wife, Trisha, posted on his Facebook page. “A celebration of life will take place in April with more information to come.”
The Swissvale, Pennsylvania native started his professional career with Marine Bank in Marathon, then moved to Key West, where he was vice president of the former Southeast Bank, until moving up the Keys to Key Largo to manage its Upper Keys office. He was eventually promoted to the bank’s Monroe County president. In 1994, Gibson bought Shades of Key West Eyewear with four locations and proudly sponsored and played on co-ed softball teams in Key West.
Gibson is remembered as an outgoing, fun and dedicated community activist and business owner who never took himself too seriously. His community involvement included leadership positions with the Marathon and Key West Jaycees, as well as the American Red Cross, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Navy League, the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Key West. He was also a proud member of Leadership Monroe County, Class XX.
Gibson was elected in 2007 to represent District 4 on the Key West City Commission, and continued to serve his community in countless roles following his elected term. At the time of his death, he was working as business manager for Smith Hawks Law Firm.
The Keys Weekly has compiled some fond tributes from friends, family, colleagues and Leadership classmates:
“I knew Barry for many years before Leadership Monroe County, but our time together in Class XX brought us closer. On our very first session we were paired together and roomed together. Barry was the life of each party and kept the laughs going. Our class project is bringing joy to families in need during the holiday season, by providing brand new bicycles to organizations such as the Wesley House Family Services. Every year Barry and his family would bring the bicycles he purchased and collected to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Even while Barry battled cancer, he didn’t miss the opportunity to give back to his community and came through once again. My heart breaks for Trish and Taylor but our Leadership class will continue to carry his memory on with community service.” — Jonathan Crane
“Barry was always very community-minded. He was also instrumental in getting the city moving toward building the Truman Waterfront Park. He was an asset to the city commission and the entire Key West community.” — Craig Cates
“My dear friend of 35 years charmed his way into my heart within the first 15 minutes of our very first meeting at the KW Jaycee clubhouse all those years ago. ‘The most courageous, coolest cat in town,’ he called me from the hospital on Monday, knowing it was goodbye. ‘I love you like a brother’ will ring in my ears forever. I spent all night reliving the many fond memories. He’s one of the good guys, one of the very best. Our sincere condolences to Trish and Taylor. Peace be with you now, my brother. Until we meet again.” — Jeffrey Rowe
“Key West has lost another great man…Having met Barry when he was the president of the Key West Jaycees over 30 years ago, he has always reached out to help others in the Key West community. We had many good times back in the day raising money for charities during his time with the Jaycees and those are the memories that will last forever. Rest Peacefully, Barry and may your star shine forever through the lives you have touched over the many years.” — Steven Bowman
