Chris Gibbs, Merrymen pioneer, mourned as man of music, sea

Barbados bade farewell on Friday to Christopher Gibbs, the celebrated musician, waterman and cultural icon whose pioneering spirit and passion for island life left an indelible mark on the nation’s identity.

Gibbs, who was awarded the Barbados Service Medal and later conferred with the Order of the Republic, one of the founding members of Barbados’ most recognised band of the 20th century, the Merrymen, died a week ago on Tuesday.

At the funeral, his brother Andrew Gibbs remembered him tenderly: “No more oceans to swim, no more songs to sing. Only memories of your life remain. And your legacy will live in our hearts forever,” he said.

“We were proud of everything you achieved, from your exploits in the water to your musical talent. You showed determination and creativity…. The beacon of your alma mater shines a little duller today out of respect for one who gives so much.”

He added: “At 58, you became the first Caribbean national to swim the English Channel and your country awarded you the highest honour, the Order of the Republic.

“But your greatest achievement was your family, whom you loved so dearly. You were always kind, humble and respectful to everyone… I am proud to call you my brother. May your soul rest in eternal peace and rise in glory.”

Son Barney Gibbs described a father who led by example and found joy and freedom in the water: “It’s not the case that he had a public persona that was different from his private one. I can attest that in the 56 years I had the pleasure of calling him my dad, he hardly raised his voice to us.”

“Dad’s way was one of example…. One of the best lessons that my father Chris and all his brothers… taught me is that exercise is like brushing your teeth on a morning – it’s simply a non-negotiable part of their daily routine, and always has been,” he further reminisced.

The son shared fond memories of early mornings at the beach, boat trips through the Grenadines, and moments that revealed both his father’s strength and humanity: “All of us as younger brothers, children, grandchildren have fond memories of his calm and patience.”

He recalled his father’s composure even after a barracuda strike at sea, his quiet pride at crossing the Channel, and the music that echoed through their lives.

“Beyond swimming and construction, it is, of course, music for which Dad is most widely known… starting out playing bongo drums in the Pete Jones Combo… then bass guitar in the Merrymen, and finally, here recently, joining his longtime friend Robert Foster, an ex-Merrymen drummer, in the jazz band playing at Waterfront Cafe and later Lobster Alive.”

Gibbs recalled watching his father’s sessions as a child. “They say circuses are more interesting after the crowds have departed, and so it was for me at the Pepperpot, where the Merrymen had just set up a recording studio,” he said. “I would see Dad recording everything from choirs to calypsonians.… Dad’s chill vibe brought balance to the work environment, on stage and in the studio.”

Even after surviving a near-fatal accident in his later years, Gibbs, with a wavering voice, said his father “just kept going”, cycling with him at dawn three mornings a week until his health failed. Describing his final moments, he said: “During my shift, at minutes to 5 a.m. I nodded off, and when I woke up at minutes after 5, I realised his hand was cooler and he stopped breathing. As was his custom, he rode out at exactly five o’clock into the great beyond, leaving me behind. Dad, I’ll catch up to you on the other side, but hopefully not too soon. Give our love to Mum when you see her.”

Gibbs leaves behind a legacy woven into the culture of Barbados – in song, in the sea, and in the memories of those who cherished him. (LG)