Dr. Larry Gibson

Dr. M.L. "Larry" Gibson of Aurora, CO passed away on July 17 after 86 remarkable years. Born the second of six children to a poor, deeply religious, Irish-American family in Pittsburgh, PA, Larry excelled in both academics and sports through parochial grade and prep schools. With some uncertainty, he turned aside a call to the seminary in 1940 and matriculated as a bio-chemistry major (and football player) at the University of Pittsburgh. He supported himself while working part-time as a steelworker and labor organizer. Larry was able to finish his sophomore year before enlisting in the Marine Corps. He fought at Guadalcanal and Bougainville before he was seriously wounded on Guam. His rehabilitation at the Oakland Naval Hospital was a life changing experience. He met and wooed a young nurse from Colorado, Helen "Davey" David, and became interested in Medicine.

In the fall of 1945 Larry reentered Pitt, where he lettered twice in football, despite a rigorous academic schedule. By the end of the summer in 1946 he'd wed Davey. The first of their six children, David, was born shortly after graduation in 1947. That autumn he entered Georgetown Medical School, in Washington, D.C. and completed his M.D. in 1951. Davey took him West to Denver for his internship at St. Joseph Hospital. By the time he had barely started his residency at Colorado General Hospital, they had welcomed two more sons, Bill in 1951 and Terry in 1953. At CGH and later during a Fellowship at the U. of Colorado Medical School, Larry achieved national prominence in the field of pediatric cardiology, pioneering what is now the standard treatment for rheumatic fever, an illness that took the life of Larry's younger brother, Billy, when he was only six. Foregoing an appointment as a full-time member of the faculty of the CU Medical School, Larry joined a pediatric practice in Aurora in 1955. There he threw himself into all phases of life -- coaching, JayCees, local, county and ultimately state politics, St. Therese Parish and School, sports - he was a black belt in judo -- and medicine, the latter two often combined. Son Larry III (1957) and twins Amy and Laurie (1959) were born in the next four years. "Doc" was a presence at all of his kids' games (and his grandkids' too) as well as those of the Aurora (Central) Trojans, the AFA Falcons and his highly beloved Broncos. He served on the Metro Denver Stadium Commission, a group that sought to ultimately replace the original Mile-Hi Stadium. He even became President of the Adams-Arapahoe Medical Society.

However, life became more and more complicated even as the successes mounted. Larry, like so many others who couldn't say no, eventually succummed to the cruel influence of alcohol. With the help of Alcoholics Anonymous, he was born again on 16 May 1968. This third life changing experience also begat a new medical career, Addiction Medicine. Larry founded several medical clinics that specialized in the treatment of alcoholism. Their success was rooted in his own experience and his commitment to AA. His clients knew of whence he spoke; he was one of them. Doc knew that addicts like him were never cured. He fought the fight daily and helped all he could, especially other doctors, to do the same. Many lives were saved because of Doc Larry's help. As such, he was an active member of International Doctors of AA.

With sobriety, Larry found that addiction took another form: golf. Doc was a passionate, agressive player who had the fortune to play many of the country's top courses. His favorite was Cypress Point, near Monterey. He was probably never happier that when he enjoyed the company of his family and friends at the Grandest of Games.

In the 90's, Doc Gibson engaged in a long battle with Anterior Horne's Cell Disease, a rare, slow version of Lou Gehrig's Disease. It robbed him of sensations and motor control, first in his lower extremities. As he had to slow down, Doc reconnected more deeply with his family, especially the grandkids, and again switched medical specialties, this time to Geriatrics. Again, an ability to identify with patient problems led to medical success. Larry became Medical Director of no less than five Nursing Homes. However, AHCD eventually rendered that service shorter than all would have preferred.

Because Larry's rebirth and personal growth was substantially spiritual, his participation in the activities of St. Therese Church grew with each passing year as did his love for its priests and parishoners. The effects of AHCD on his coodination and eyesight, which a year before had stopped him from golfing, eventually caused him to retire as Lector. Nevertheless, even to the last he drew strength from his church and faith. No doubt he now plays golf with the angels.

Dr. Gibson is survived by his wife of 60 years, Davey, of Aurora, and all six children: Dave (and wife Sue) of Columbia, MD; Bill (and wife Denise) of Spokane, WA; Terry of Aurora; Matt of Missoula, MT; Amy (and husband Tim Stockham) of Monument, CO; and Laurie of Aurora. Larry has six grandchildren, Julie and Katie Gibson, Keilan and Emily Stockham, and Richard and Greg Fugier. Doc is also survived by younger sisters Kathleen of Columbia, SC, and Grace and younger brother Charles, both of Pittsburgh, PA.

The same husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who loved us, led us, and supported us to the best of his abilities was in turn loved and supported by all of us. Ever the warrior, physician, politician, drunk, teaser and counselor, Doc Gibson will truly be missed. (In lieu of flowers, Doc has requested that contributions be made to the St. Therese Church Capital Campaign Fund.)