Frederick Gibbs

I like many persons were blessed to know 'Fred' as we called him and were definetely better for it. He was a warm, kind individual who always had a encouraging word to share and who just made your day feel richer, whether you liked it or not.

I got to know Fred after my Dad would've hired him to help do repairs on our house about 10 years ago. I instantly connected with this delightful, happy, honest individual who was someone whom you felt you could trust to leave your whole house open to and it would be ok. Over those years of getting to know Fred we bonded and instantly clicked being too chatterboxes ourselves. We would end up sharing quite a lot of our life experiences with each other and he would always offer encouraging words and advice where needed on mine.

We in my house looked at Fred like family more than anything else and although Fred was old enough to be my father, I looked at him more like a cool big brother in the way that we related to each other.

I don't presently live in Barbados but I was in Barbados just before Fred's passing and managed to pay my last visit to Fred. He was staying by his Sister and her husband's home in the country as he was too weak to take care of himself. Upon meeting my friend that mid Wednesday that would prove to be my last time seeing him on this earthly plain, it hit me that although he was obviously physically drained and very weak, he still had that beautiful warm energy within. That almost childhood innocence that made him a delight to be around.

I found him quietly reflective, content and most importantly at peace with his reality that day. He said to me more than once that he was at Peace and if it was his time and God wanted him he was ready to go. I couldn't believe how 'well' he was taking it but he assured me he was in harmony with his present fate and not to worry.

That's how I'll always remember my friend Fred; encouraging, warm and sincere. Down to the very end.

My deepest condolences to his friends and Family.