Larry Gibson The city of Newport Beach,...

Larry Gibson

The city of Newport Beach, as well as numerous civil and military

agencies at home and abroad mourn the death of Larry Gibson, who died

on June 26 of melanoma, a form of skin cancer.

For nearly two decades, Gibson served the city in several

capacities, starting as a seasonal lifeguard in 1962. He became a

marine safety officer in 1972, and was team manager of the 1978 U.S.

Lifesaving Assn.

A multifaceted person, Gibson, upon retirement from the city,

co-founded a private organization in 1983 called “Marine Rescue

Consultants.”

The firm trained U.S. Coast Guard and Navy personnel, as well as

people from many public and private agencies, in the use of

Rigid-Hulled Inflatable boats.

“From the beaches of Newport to the waters off Alaska, to Puerto

Rico, the Far East and Europe, Larry’s influence has been felt

worldwide,” longtime resident Logan Lockabey said.

Steve Wigley joined him later as a business partner, and the two

traveled the world providing training and consulting services to

agencies of the Australian, Canadian and Mexican governments.

The company, under the leadership of Wigley, continues the legacy

left by Gibson.

“No single individual has had a greater impact on the profession

of rescue boat operations in the U.S. and abroad than Gibson,” Wigley

said.

Memorial services were held in Maryland. Donations in Gibson’s

name can be made to the American Cancer Society.