Revised - Garry D Gibson "The Gunny", 81, resident of Silver City, NM

Category: Obituaries Obituaries
Published: 16 June 2023 16 June 2023

GibsonGGarry D Gibson "The Gunny"
21 Sept 1941 – 09 June 2023
"I was just an 0369 Company Gunny," he told us, but we all knew he was so much more, and it was a sad day for friends, family, and Marines and Navy Corpsman who served with Marines to learn that Gunnery Sergeant USMC retired, Garry Gibson left this life.

Garry passed away in Silver City New Mexico on 9 June 2023 at 81 years old after a short battle with cancer. He was born 21 September 1941 in Waddington New York, raised in an orphanage, left, and joined the Marine Corps where he excelled in the Semper Fi environment and set his foundation to stay the course on any issue he tackled.

On leaving the Marine Corps, he married Marjorie, the love of his life and the woman he spent almost 30 years with until she succumbed to her very painful battle against cancer on 17 August 2017. They came to Colorado, lived in Black Forest, northeast of Colorado Springs and transformed a log cabin and the surrounding property into an oasis of simple beauty where he entertained, restored cars, and helped neighbors.

Garry joined the Pikes Peak Detachment of the Marine Corps league in 2005 and set a leadership path for others to follow. Garry was a goer, a getter, and an inspiration with a booming voice. He did not need a microphone; you knew he was talking to you, and you were listening. He was a trusted friend and always all in to bring success to any endeavor. Marines know you cannot always do it by yourself, and Garry was one of the best in the Pikes Peak Detachment to build teams. He motivated others, led by example, and was emulated. He was Commandant of the Pikes Peak Detachment three times and moved on to the Department of Colorado where he also became Department Commandant.

Garry moved to Silver City, New Mexico and took one more stint as Commandant of the Gaffney-Oglesby Marine Corps League Detachment 1328 in 2022 where the following was said of him at the detachment 2022 247th Marine Corps Ball: "We had a firecracker of an individual recently come down from another detachment from another state," [Master Gunnery Sergeant Dean] Bearup said. "Gunnery Sgt. Garry Gibson came down. He stepped in as Commandant and has re-energized the detachment. He saw a need for our members to be patted on the back" (The Grant County Beat 13Nov2022). That was Gunny, understanding people dynamics, always motivating, and charging forward.
Semper Fi Garry, we are missing you and you will be remembered. Thanks for all you did and know that those of us Marines and Navy Corpsman still here will continue to march forward, with purpose.

Memorial contributions may be made in Garry's honor to the Gaffney-Oglesby Marine Corps League Detachment 1328 in Silver City New Mexico, Marine Corps League Pikes Peak Detachment 29 of Colorado Springs, and St Jude Children's Hospital. Finally, whenever Garry closed out his correspondence to those he led, he would write: "Always remember to help someone less fortunate than ourselves and – CONTINUE TO MARCH! Ciao!!" Fair Winds and Following Seas Marine………..

He is survived by his brother Dennis Gibson from Dextor, NY; his sister Gayle MacVicar of The Villages, FL; his niece Charlotte Bumgarner. He is preceded in death by his parents, George William and Frances (McGuire) Gibson; and his wife Marjorie Faye (Echols) Gibson.

On 21 June 2023, a viewing will be held from 1030-1130 followed by a Celebration of Life at Terraza's Funeral Home, 1 Fort Bayard Rd., Santa Clara, New Mexico followed by interment (1300) at Ft. Bayard National Cemetery. At 1400 a reception luncheon will follow the grave side services at the American Legion Allingham-Golding Post 18, located at 409 W. College Ave., Silver City, NM 88061. Pallbearers will be fellow Marine Corps League members, Russ Miller, Terry Crum, Tim Maxon, Roger Wright, Zach Maxon, Dean Bearup, Frank Donohue & John Sterle.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com .

 

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