Tributes paid to popular ‘larger than life’ Aviemore janitor after sudden death
Tributes have been paid to a popular janitor at Aviemore Primary School who has been described as a larger than life character.
Stevie Gibb was found dead at his home in the village’s Craigellachie Crescent on Wednesday early evening by his family.
It is thought that he suffered a heart-attack.
Mr Gibb would have turned 57-years-old today and his sudden death has come as a huge shock to the community.
He had worked at the primary school for the past 17 years and was a well-loved and respected figure with pupils, parents and staff over the years.
Mr Gibb was there at the school gates first thing in the morning to welcome the young pupils arriving and then would be back in position at the end of the school day to bid them farewell.
He would always find time for a chat with parents at the school gates or give a smile and wave if busy working in the school grounds.
His family said in a statement: “Stevie was more than just a janitor - he went above and beyond for the children in his care.
“He couldn’t walk down the street in Aviemore without children stopping to greet him.
“He was a strong character in the community, and always happy to get involved.”
He and wife Angela were a devoted couple and have two sons, Kenny and Ross.
Chenelle McMaster, acting headteacher at Aviemore Primary School, said: "The whole school is deeply saddened by Stevie's sudden passing.
“He was incredibly loved and respected by our children and our staff team.
“He will be particularly missed at the gates in the morning, welcoming the children into school and then saying goodbye to them at the end of the day.
“His life had such a huge impact not only on our school community but on the wider community too.
“We will remember the ways he served our school and always went over and above to help and support us all.
“Our deepest condolences go out to Stevie's family and friends from Aviemore Primary staff and pupils.”
Local Highland councillor Bill Lobban said: “I was shocked and saddened to hear the tragic news about Stevie.
“He was a larger than life character who was hugely popular amongst school staff and pupils and also in the wider community.
“He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
“Both personally and on behalf of The Highland Council I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Stevie's colleagues, friends and most especially his family for their terrible loss.”
Mr Gibb was a big football fan and he set up and managed the Strathspey United football team for local children and then eventually a men’s team for the club.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and led the campaign for residents in McInnes Place in the late 1990s for a fair rent.
Mr Gibb and his young family and others living in Jacobite housing association properties were paying much more for identical housing just a stone’s throw away operated by a different housing provider, Cairn Housing.
The residents won backing from local politicians and ultimately their battle.
Justice prevailed largely because of Mr Gibb’s dedication and willingness to stand up and be counted.
Mr Gibb was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son-in-law, brother-in-Law and uncle and a friend to many.
Details of his funeral service are yet to be confirmed.
