Shane Gibson Obituary

Lifelong Durango resident Shane Michael Gibson died Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at Mercy Regional Medical Center. He was 21.

Mr. Gibson was born to Michael and Debra Gibson on May 25, 1991, at Mercy Medical Center in Durango.

He worked in the family business at Appaloosa Trading Co., where he helped develop the website, design products and work in sales.

"Shane was infatuated with popular culture, whether it be the newest Rihanna YouTube video or the 'sweetest' new pair of jeans, 'freshest' shirt or the watch with the most 'swagger,'" his family said. "If his hat matched his Pumps or his LeBrons better. Music and clothes were his life. He would've gone crazy had he not been blessed to grow up a '90s kid."

Friends and family were all the same in his eyes, his family said.

Mr. Gibson was grateful to have grown up in the San Juan Mountains, his family said.

"He'd often stay up until sunrise – there's not a thing he loved more than watching the sunrise with his family," his family said. "He viewed the start of each new day as a blessing, an opportunity to start over fresh."

Mr. Gibson is survived by his parents, Michael and Deb Gibson of Durango; sister, Jessica Gibson of Denver; and grandparents Charlotte Humiston of Durango and Pete and Kathy Gibson of Denver. Pete Gibson died five days after Mr. Gibson.

A celebration of life was held Monday, March 25, 2013, at the River Church.

In lieu of flowers, a nonprofit account has been established in his name at First National Bank of Durango, P.O. Box 2910, Durango, CO 81302. The funds will be used to help support struggling youths in Durango.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.hoodmortuary.com.

Authorities are investigating Mr. Gibson's death as a potential accidental drug overdose. Many friends and young people are seeking help after hearing of her son's death, his mother said.