Austin Rudolph Gibson

Rudolph, as he is commonly called, received his early education at Wesley Hall Boys’ School and St. Leonard’s Boys’ Secondary School. At secondary school Rudolph progressed well and was always an “A” student after being inspired by one of his teachers. He was always well behaved and studious; he was seen as one of the leaders in the school population and was selected to be a “Prefect”. In his last year at secondary school, he was selected as Head Boy (Head Prefect), a position which he was proud of and he executed his duties diligently. He later furthered his studies at the University of the West Indies, where he gained a bachelor’s degree in Economics and History. Later at the University of the West Indies at Mona, Jamaica, he successfully completed a Diploma in Education. Ever the scholar, he also completed Masters of Business Administration at Long Island University on a scholarship. Rudy was a devoted educator whose teaching career included time at St. George Secondary School, Barbados Community College, and Long Island University, as well as serving at his alma mater, St. Lenoard's Boys’ School.

In 1974, he married Lorna Husbands. That union produced two children – Kobie Gibson and Lana Natasha Dawe – and five grand-children - Ashley Gibson, Alliyah Gibson, Trinity Gibson, Zahria Trotman-Gibson and Chelsia Trotman-Gibson. Eventually, that union reached the end of its time and Rudolph left Barbados for New York and began a new chapter in his life.

After graduating from Long Island University, Rudy returned to Barbados to serve his commitment to work for two years with the Barbados government, all the while he traveled back and forth to New York every few months to see the woman who would become his wife and partner, Loleta Gwendolyn Mason. After marrying in 1986, they had their first child, Adrian, in 1987. Three more children followed after their eldest. In 2000, after the events of 9/11, the family packed up and moved to Saint Augustine, Florida to follow his employer, at that time named Merrill Lynch. Rudy worked for Bank of America/Merrill Lynch for over twenty years, up until the time of his passing.

Rudolph was a very active person in his community. He was involved in many organizations in Barbados. He was a member of the St Leonard’s Old Scholars Association, the Citizen Band Radio Association, Barbados Youth Council and the Barbados Union of Teachers – of which he was a founding member - to name just a few. He loved being involved in the representation of people. He also enjoyed many hobbies over the course of his life such as music, photography, table tennis and HAM radio.

Rudolph was known to all as a kind and selfless person, an intelligent and thoughtful individual. He was strong, stern when the occasion called for it, a hard worker, problem solver, a loyal friend and dedicated family man. Rudy was always ready with a joke or quip and deemed himself to be “too (II) funny” and teased that were “only one (I) funny”. He enjoyed entertaining others with his stories but was pleased to humor even just himself with his jokes. He was always willing to lend a hand. To his friends and family, he gave immeasurable love and support. Rudolph was great man, who was and is loved dearly and will be truly missed.

Those remaining to cherish the many precious memories include:

his wife Loleta Mason Gibson, sons - Kobie Gibson, Adrian Gibson, and Andre Gibson; daughters: - Lana Natasha Dawe, Ayana Gibson, and Ariel Gibson; five grand-children - Ashley Gibson, Alliyah Gibson, Trinity Gibson, Zahria Trotman-Gibson and Chelsia Trotman-Gibson; siblings Barbara Brathwaite, Robert Gibson, and Alvin Gibson; and numerous family members, friends, associates and acquaintances whose lives were brightened by the good fortune of crossing paths with him in this life.

To view the livestream of the service, please visit:

https://youtu.be/a6yRqzH8uAc

https://youtu.be/4Bx2vo8SP20