Gibson Lee Mathers

Posted

(1955 - 2017)

Gibson Lee Mathers passed away in his favorite place on earth, Elk Fork Canyon, doing his favorite activities hiking, and scouting for the perfect photograph. Though he was born in Marietta, Ohio to Mildred and Earl Mathers Sr., and lived for a time in Wisconsin, Gib was a true Wyomingite. He moved with his family to Laramie and soon became a star on the Laramie High School track team. During those years, Gib began to develop a deep love for the outdoors which became one of the defining characteristics of his life. Gib traveled the globe, but for him there was no place like Northwest Wyoming. His true passion was communing with nature and it is fitting that not a paw mark was found on him, as wildlife seemed to accept him as one of their own. He called North Fork, “God’s country” and it was his sanctuary.

Gib, an award winning journalist, was well-known for his outstanding articles and worked for newspapers in Casper, Evanston, Kemmerer, Cody, Basin and Powell, Wyoming. His craft with language, investigation, and ensuring a thorough story landed his articles on the cover of news outlets all over the country. Gib specialized in writing about the outdoors and few of his peers could compete with his knowledge and enthusiasm about wildlife and nature. Gib was a highly skilled outdoor photographer; he obtained his degree in journalism from the University of Wyoming.

Earlier in his career, Gib was a carpenter, mountain survey crew member, and a maintenance manager in Yellowstone National Park. Gib volunteered as a fire fighter in the 1988 Yellowstone fire and after that volunteered his skills to local fire fighters. Additionally, he volunteered much time to community projects and serving on library and museum boards. Gib was a compassionate soul who always made sure the Toys for Tots bin was full and donations to needy organizations were given.

People from around the country have reached out to the family to share stories about Gib’s humor and kindness during these difficult last few weeks. He was a compassionate and Godly man that cared deeply for his family, community and its residents. Gib’s life ended prematurely due to hypothermia. He will be deeply missed by family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Millie Mathers long-time residents of Cody.

He is survived by his sweet cat, Sing Le, his siblings, Earl Mathers Jr. (Kallie) of North Carolina, Lou Mathers Stahley (Richard) of Casper and nieces and nephews: Melissa Stahley-Cummings (Ron), Sara Stahley Larrimer, Jonathan Mathers, Joshua Mathers, Julie Mathers Ashbumer (Steven), Jena Mathers and his uncle Joe Mathers (Phyllis), Tennessee.

A private family ceremony will be held this summer.

Cremation services have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home. Condolences to the family may be sent through Ballard Funeral Home, P.O. Box 2136, Cody, WY 82414. An online memorial is available at www.BallardFH.com.

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