Dear Colleagues, Sadly I have confirmed the death of our John Gibson after reading two glowing Facebook tributes to him written by dear folks who worked so hard with him in care for the Earth In Indiana. I thought perhaps that they were retirement tributes, and upon checking Indianapolis obituaries, discovered that an 85 year old John Wesley Gibson had died there, so I went back to my thought of retirement tributes. However, I had a call today from Jana Salmon Lamb with whom Ruth Gibson Clark had spoken, confirming that indeed our ICA Colleague R. John Gibson had died within three days of John Wesley Gibson. These are two of the tributes that I saw on Facebook that share the amazing gift of John’s work: Linze Southwick<https://www.facebook.com/Linzesoutwick?__tn__=%2CdlC-RH-R-R&eid=ARAqg_EsLKGJJB5FStejxPZdlFUw7QCUG7qSQ6RkJmEVbdC5ZUSIFPf6scTgcdkfVMzkYH98eATFF9EP&hc_ref=ARTrqlBCaGDvQFWRgHy7AmgKztQ-gouAKD41LL9MJQzu3iDPi84R0pHt9Pot2N5bUUc&ref=nf_target> is with John Gibson<https://www.facebook.com/rjohngibson?__tn__=%2CdlC-RH-R-R&eid=ARCpEEnR8OWWq4EauIqWJPFNLj8-T6lruJdpELmHvDlw7uo0m08Tbn9xexTDdgeWlR5FExOHc0QEg3F0&hc_ref=ARTrqlBCaGDvQFWRgHy7AmgKztQ-gouAKD41LL9MJQzu3iDPi84R0pHt9Pot2N5bUUc&ref=nf_target>. 34 mins<https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10216556184353305&set=a.4405193884210&type=3> · This photo speaks volumes of my heart, strength, and soul. John Gibson<https://www.facebook.com/rjohngibson?__tn__=%2CdK-RH-R-R&eid=ARAKyAknyfpEW1-MHee9vLDK8Cr_TuSXA1bEf5LWMathLBoetay9DpJSnn4Z1GAv0PuxGaTzUKBIO1W-&fref=mentions> you believed in each one of us. You truly believed in us. You knew us ladies were a force of nature and love. I consider you my Godfather of Environmental activism. You attended all of my events and sponsored my work, including fighting the pipeline and lobbyist work for Standing Rock in Washington, DC. You encouraged, uplifted, and supported me. But most of all, you made my work easier by making the path. I adore you and Judy Voss<https://www.facebook.com/judy.voss.71?__tn__=%2CdK-RH-R-R&eid=ARB6-KismXaIQQThOk4ce4LZk5wOSHyMcKupxGwTrVSFjk17ZaXdONVqIGDm2OuVaYsjBpT3DqCIIKEi&fref=mentions>. May your soul be among the breeze, upon the skies, and in the waters healing us everyday. You will always be with us. I love you. I thank you. My work in all areas will be a part of you. Amanda Shepherd<https://www.facebook.com/amandashep?__tn__=%2CdlC-RH-R-R&eid=ARB6EpnBEl8o6HaxNzMF6j-CFiblsTHOdMy5X_Rh2qgQi-2jzbyRpL1iJ9ItolJjAd2yJNNGCDTWaDQ5&hc_ref=ARTJiyF4AYHfdjPcRKHJH5cq3FMrCnqIIugLehNwEojptMIpjxhCGHpe2aK-ukQhoL0&ref=nf_target> is with John Gibson<https://www.facebook.com/rjohngibson?__tn__=%2CdlC-RH-R-R&eid=ARD3lQMYLwvihzjG97VDDzr14i654K7OgVarevldHCRDHU4JeTK-p0ArW8NS8h6i3phMzo2PDH4qLaiy&hc_ref=ARTJiyF4AYHfdjPcRKHJH5cq3FMrCnqIIugLehNwEojptMIpjxhCGHpe2aK-ukQhoL0&ref=nf_target> and Judy Voss<https://www.facebook.com/judy.voss.71?__tn__=%2CdlC-RH-R-R&eid=ARBoAYD8F7_UXpDSgeUTqBkGyHWC_3AmWurENx51-z3SkQSwfmHa05SDQ0crj_RO4MlWNR9_pnkoVoSL&hc_ref=ARTJiyF4AYHfdjPcRKHJH5cq3FMrCnqIIugLehNwEojptMIpjxhCGHpe2aK-ukQhoL0&ref=nf_target>. · I have spent all day reflecting and trying to find words. I will forever be thankful for John Gibson<https://www.facebook.com/rjohngibson?__tn__=%2CdK-RH-R-R&eid=ARCWl_dEVHPtSsYVD80kk3XXNL7wYvET6HFYJhJpTKRf6S-Lz1LbUQ6pzNU5SMzijaNEOlHfk00VRkzH&fref=mentions>'s presence and influence on my life. John was my first environmental nonprofit "boss" - I took on the role of Regional Coordinator for Sustainable Indiana 2016 under his guidance before working for HEC. His spirit and drive was part of what moved me to do this meaningful work full-time. He and Judy Voss<https://www.facebook.com/judy.voss.71?__tn__=%2CdK-RH-R-R&eid=ARCsw6RGoIwTEa995FbiDfQBs7_Qn33MeIpMbFCARWmU0P1RbwejkKz4GZ1kppf0EeLOIpAQhyAn-vkf&fref=mentions> made my trip to COP-21 in Paris possible - something I never dreamed I would get to experience. He inspired me and showed me how a life truly devoted to the cause looks. I know that his life was long and good and full of so very much love. So today I don't mourn for him, because he was ready for the next phase of his existence; instead, I mourn for those of us who are left behind to tread in his bigger-than-life footsteps and do our very best to honor his spirit. Rest among the stars, my friend. You will always shine so very brightly. More data will be forthcoming soon. We offer condolences to Ruth, Steve and Paul and the families as we celebrate the life and work that John pioneered so strongly for so many years. He took seriously the adage about no retirement for the social pioneer. Grace and peace, Lynda and John Cock<https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10113160916644478&set=a.10100161967018728&type=3&eid=ARAXXszODIpAnR7FsBcGdH4fkwl0Q1Z7j7wYBzqIWXmKXJNnZ1UCg9WwEoa6nTM_FPpKsu9AW6f3dK97>