You may remember Larry Gibbs: Most often, a person could find him quietly sitting under a tree in the planter next to the Meyer Hardware parking lot. He was a gentle soul, and a warming presence in town. He was so beloved and admired that--when people heard the news that Larry had passed in 2019--Goldenites created a make-shift memorial in his honor.
Recently, Golden residents have been discussing an interesting idea on the website NextDoor. Anna Smolyn, a long-time Golden resident, came up with the idea to create a small, but permanent memorial for Larry. There is a good amount of support from those who knew him, and Anna and I would like to meet with you to discuss the possibility of creating a permanent, yet inexpensive, plaque in honor of him.
Here are some quotes from NextDoor in support of this idea:
He had a terrible problem with alcohol but was always very kind and had impeccable manners. I knew on those early morn walks along the river, many pre-dawn, that I was safe because he was nearby watching me. He watched all of our lives go by. I didn’t know he had passed, but certainly noticed he was gone.
Larry was not homeless. He chose to make Golden his home. He chose not to have a conventional house. In fact Larry would sort of chase off homeless beggars. Larry never begged for anything. Larry lived in our community as we live just without a house. He kept to himself. But he wasn’t rude about it. He was very engaging. I sat and talked with Larry quite often. He had an interesting story and he was fun to talk to. Quite the personality and sense of humor.
He chose a life without a structure but his life was structured. Every day he camped, drank and ate what he could muster, greeted those he passed, watched over the town in his little square mile.
Far too often, unhoused people are belittled, abused and ignored. The desire to create a permanent memorial for a homeless man says a lot about both Larry’s character, as well as the character of the Golden residents who respected him.
To create a permanent memorial in his honor would shine a light not only on Larry--it would also shine a light on the character of the Goldenites who appreciated and respect the man.
Updates
October 20, 2021
I have been spending my evenings reading through the memories you share about Larry sitting by the hardware store. It reminds me how much of a fixture he was in our daily lives and why he deserves this permanent recognition in our town.
October 20, 2021
Seeing this much support for Larry confirms what I always felt about our town. People truly cared about the man who watched over our streets for so many years.
14 Comments
Larry was a positive presence in Golden for many years. I would like to see a small memory of him somewhere in golden to replace the small memorial that sat under the 6th Avenue bridge along clear creek.
I passed on some good carhart coveralls for those chilly days. He was a good human. He has been missed. He was also known for picking up all the cigarette butts people threw on the ground
I would love to see this special person honored. Thank you.
Rest in Peace
He was a “fixture” in the lobby of the Front Porch and enjoyed the free coffee.
He had a smile each time I saw him. And always good for a chat while on our walks around town.
Very kind, quiet and friendly man
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You may remember Larry Gibbs: Most often, a person could find him quietly sitting under a tree in the planter next to the Meyer Hardware parking lot. He was a gentle soul, and a warming presence in town. He was so beloved and admired that--when people heard the news that Larry had passed in 2019--Goldenites created a make-shift memorial in his honor.
Recently, Golden residents have been discussing an interesting idea on the website NextDoor. Anna Smolyn, a long-time Golden resident, came up with the idea to create a small, but permanent memorial for Larry. There is a good amount of support from those who knew him, and Anna and I would like to meet with you to discuss the possibility of creating a permanent, yet inexpensive, plaque in honor of him.
Here are some quotes from NextDoor in support of this idea:
He had a terrible problem with alcohol but was always very kind and had impeccable manners. I knew on those early morn walks along the river, many pre-dawn, that I was safe because he was nearby watching me. He watched all of our lives go by. I didn’t know he had passed, but certainly noticed he was gone.
Larry was not homeless. He chose to make Golden his home. He chose not to have a conventional house. In fact Larry would sort of chase off homeless beggars. Larry never begged for anything. Larry lived in our community as we live just without a house. He kept to himself. But he wasn’t rude about it. He was very engaging. I sat and talked with Larry quite often. He had an interesting story and he was fun to talk to. Quite the personality and sense of humor.
He chose a life without a structure but his life was structured. Every day he camped, drank and ate what he could muster, greeted those he passed, watched over the town in his little square mile.
Far too often, unhoused people are belittled, abused and ignored. The desire to create a permanent memorial for a homeless man says a lot about both Larry’s character, as well as the character of the Golden residents who respected him.
To create a permanent memorial in his honor would shine a light not only on Larry--it would also shine a light on the character of the Goldenites who appreciated and respect the man.
Updates
October 20, 2021
I have been spending my evenings reading through the memories you share about Larry sitting by the hardware store. It reminds me how much of a fixture he was in our daily lives and why he deserves this permanent recognition in our town.
October 20, 2021
Seeing this much support for Larry confirms what I always felt about our town. People truly cared about the man who watched over our streets for so many years.
14 Comments
I saw Larry almost everyday when I went to work and the community center. He always tilted his head and raised his hand.......this was his hello. I noticed he was not around and wondered where he was. A memorial would be a nice gesture.
Larry was a positive presence in Golden for many years. I would like to see a small memory of him somewhere in golden to replace the small memorial that sat under the 6th Avenue bridge along clear creek.
I passed on some good carhart coveralls for those chilly days. He was a good human. He has been missed. He was also known for picking up all the cigarette butts people threw on the ground
I would love to see this special person honored. Thank you.
Rest in Peace
He was a “fixture” in the lobby of the Front Porch and enjoyed the free coffee.
He had a smile each time I saw him. And always good for a chat while on our walks around town.
Very kind, quiet and friendly man
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I saw Larry almost everyday when I went to work and the community center. He always tilted his head and raised his hand.......this was his hello. I noticed he was not around and wondered where he was. A memorial would be a nice gesture.