John Michael Gibson died on March 21.

“Gibby” was born on Nov. 19, 1954 and raised on Martha’s Vineyard. After graduating from Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, he joined the Marine Corps, and after serving eight years he was honorably discharged as a sergeant. He was always proud to be a Marine. One of his favorite quotes was “Only two defining forces ever offered to die for you; Jesus Christ and the American soldier . . . one died for your soul, one died for your freedom.”

Before John moved to Florida in 2002, he was very involved in the youth hockey program. He was a hockey coach for many years and loved every minute of it. He was a member of the board of directors at the Martha’s Vineyard Arena and was also a hockey referee for many years. He loved the arena just as his dad did. He was also a past member of the Oak Bluffs Fire Department, serving on Engine 4.

The MV Harley riders sent him off in style when he left the Island to move to Florida. He quickly became a beloved member of the “Enforcers” motorcycle club. He held the rank of Sergeant at Arms and was very proud of that. John had a great passion and love of motorcycles. He often said that his love of the Harley Davidson was “not a hobby but a lifestyle.”

John was taken from us doing what he enjoyed most. He died living his dream with the wind at his back.

He was predeceased by his father, James H. “Jimmy,” and his brother, James A. Gibson.

John cherished time with his family. He leaves behind two wonderful sons, Jim, 33, and John Michael, 26. He also is survived by his mother, Bobbie-Ann; brother Michael and his wife, Kathy, and their children, Daniella and Michael James; his sister Pamela Hendrix and her husband, Terry, and their children, Shaina, Adam and his wife, Stephanie, and their daughter, Bella; his sister Paula O’Connor, her husband, Sean, and their daughter Shannon; and his beloved granddaughter Kylie Marie.

A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held on Saturday, March 27, at 11 a.m. at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. John will then be laid to rest with his father and brother in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Oak Bluffs with full military honors offered by the Veteran’s of Martha’s Vineyard. The family extends an invitation to join them following the interment at the PA Club on Vineyard avenue in Oak Bluffs.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in John’s memory to The John Gibson Memorial Fund, c/o Northern Trust, 11301 US Highway 1, North Palm Beach, FL 33408 or to the MV Arena Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 2062, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for an online register book and directions.