Remembering John Gibson

John Gibson created Earth Charter Indiana in 2001, along with Jerry King, and led the organization for nearly two decades, including his robust program, Sustainable Indiana, 2016. He passed away on Feb. 28 at the age of 86.

Prior to creating ECI and Sustainable Indiana 2016, John directed the activities of the Institute of Cultural Affairs in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. He traveled extensively abroad and spent over a year coordinating a social and economic development project in Sungai Lui, Malaysia. John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from South Dakota State University and a Master of Divinity degree from Garrett Evangelical Theology Seminary in Evanston, Illinois.

He and his wife Anita, who died in 2011, have three children and two grandchildren. In 2018, John exchanged vows with his lifelong friend, Joyce Flight.

In 2010 Gibson received the Cultural Vision “Lifetime Achievement Award” from NUVO, Central Indiana’s major weekly news magazine. In 2012 he was given a “Lifetime Achievement Award” by the Hoosier Environmental Council. He was recognized as a 2019 Hoosier Resilience Hero by the Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute.

He once said, “I get up every day grateful to be alive, to have so many Earth Charter friends, and to have a place among them in making the world safer and more sustainable for generations to come.”

John’s life of service reflects perfectly the Earth Charter principles of peace, justice and respect for all life. In recent years, his singular focus has been the existential threat posed by the climate crisis. John’s unfailing and tireless efforts motivated and inspired hundreds, if not thousands of fellow Hoosiers, and resulted in meaningful changes that will continue to ripple for years to come. John often quoted the preface to the Earth Charter, and we can best honor his legacy by embracing and living its message.

“We stand at a critical moment in Earth's history, a time when humanity must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise. To move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are one human family and one Earth community with a common destiny. We must join together to bring forth a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace. Towards this end, it is imperative that we, the peoples of Earth, declare our responsibility to one another, to the greater community of life, and to future generations.”

“John Gibson changed my life,” says Jim Poyser, Executive Director of Earth Charter Indiana. “Without him, I don’t think I would have found my true purpose in life. I know he had that impact on so many people.

“We are sad, but this is a time for celebration,” adds Jim. “His dedication to climate and social justice action will continue to motivate us for decades to come.”

In 2010, Anne Laker wrote this lovely profile of John, for NUVO.

Click through some of these wonderful photos of John in action with ECI over the years

I am celebrating the life of John, whose vision about the earth inspired so many including myself.  Over two decades ago, John was always after me to do more about taking care of the earth and other vital justice issues.  I was always a little resistant, thinking he was just too progressive not quite "main line" enough.  I think at one point he was running for public office.  Slowly I began to realize that what he was endeavoring to lead was absolutely what was going to save us and the earth.  

Just a couple of weeks before he died, he and Joyce invited me over for very nice visit, also with two others I did not know.  I don't think John ever gave up, and I hope he is remembered for inspiring many others to live more simply, caring for the earth and all its inhabitants. Shalom.

-Nancy Dickinson

One of the most genuine souls I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. John was so welcoming when I started my position with Earth Charter Indiana and that meant so much to me. It was truly like being part of a family. He was a kind, caring human that would help anyone in need. John will be missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of activists.

-Justin Lazaro

John was an amazing presence in the ecological/environment movement, but before that he stood for ecumenism, that amazing and too often forgotten idea that Christians from across the shared faith tradition could work together for justice, kindness and peace. Doing that work can lead to interfaith work and environmental action. It did for John. May all who love John know peace.

-Judith Cebula

 I met John just a few times, but I was impressed with his passion, focus and determination at an age when many people are heading into an easy retirement. What an example of stewardship and servant leadership!

-Marianne Beal Peters

This is so devastating to hear. John was an outstanding man. He’s a champion for change and the environment in a way that cannot be replicated.

-Jaclyn Goldsborough

I'm broken up to hear of John's passing and I wish I could be there with my ECI family. As I'm reading through the comments here, I'm struck by how the memory of John is enough to draw together this wonderful community. It's fitting because John was the ultimate community builder. He brought people to this movement because his vision was clear, his passion was contagious, and his manner was kind. He was impatient to solve our many problems, yet incredibly patient with the people he called in to join this work. I felt that many times. To call him an inspiration is an understatement. However, I don't think we'll ever have to look very far to find John living on with all of us -- he planted seeds of hope and strengthened relationships across Indiana and we will feel that impact for generations to come. "A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in." John planted a whole forest.

-Lauren Amity

 In one note I saved from John, he encourages us to fill up our cars with people who care to attend an Indiana Moral Mondays gathering. I wonder how many such events John organized or had a hand in. Thousands, I suspect. To think of ALL the people he brought together, the positive ripples he created in his commitment to inclusive justice... I am forever in awe of John’s mind, energy, and impact.

-Allison O’Malley

So sad to hear this ... a true earth hero to be sure!

-Diana Ensign

John inspired me with his commitment to helping people and the planet however he could. He brought intellect, heart and hard work to that commitment. He also encouraged and supported me countless times over the years - I will always be grateful for that. You couldn't help but like him the minute you met him. I join so many who will miss John dearly.

-Representative Carey Hamilton

So sad to hear of John’s passing. As a young farmer, John was such an inspiration on my journey and provided that steady encouragement that you don’t fully appreciate until reflecting back. I can still remember talking about regenerative agriculture underneath the shade of a large maple tree. His legacy certainly lives in the memory of the many plants and animals I care for each farm season. What a beautiful legacy he has left. Wishing peace for his family and beloved community.

-Caleb Fiechter

My heart is heavy but my gratitude for having known and worked with John fills it beyond measure. Changing hearts and minds on the magnitude of the climate crisis was his singular focus, and his tireless effort will always inspire and motivate me to keep going and to not lose hope. Thank you, John. 

-Rosemary Spalding

John was a master "tabler' and knew no stranger. I learned so much from him but mostly was touched by his vibrancy of life- no one has lived life to its fullest like John did! He touched my life in so many ways. You live on in our hearts and our lives John!

-Deborah Pierce

Good man. Loved his community and his neighbor.

-Ruth Lake Holladay

RIP John. What a legacy.

-Linda Broadfoot

I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I had the pleasure and honour of working with him for a couple of years on Sustainable Indiana 2016. He was truly a man of integrity and love for the earth. He lifted up everyone who was lucky to cross his path. RIP John.

-Kim Manley Ort

John provided me such encouragement as a young professional, inspiring me to think and act toward "what can be!" Thankful for him.

-David Forsell

Very sorry to hear of his death. He was a true champion of the earth and her people.

-Margaret Banning