Honoring Departed Members

Gabriel Sammy Libraty was born February 6th, 1948 in Casa Blanca and was named by the Gang as "Gabby Gabe". He fought a brave battle with injuries received in a terrible head-on crash in March 2011 with a drunk driver. Gabe lost his battle for his life on July 8th and was buried on July 11th at Temple Beth Sholom Cemetery off Circus Blvd in Sarasota, FL. Gabe was an accomplished historical re-enactor in the truest sense. A renowned leather craftsman, his specialty was period saddles and leather-work ranging from the Mountain Man era of the 1840's to the late 1880's Old West. Gabe was a Major in the 4th Florida, Co. K Confederate unit and frequently attended events entertaining and educating youth and adult alike. He was a deep well of information on Period leathergoods and history and many of us drew from that well often. He also portrayed Indian characters for history events and so looked the part, as he should. He was a Spiritual person who's soul crossed many thresholds and touched many souls with respect and caring. His friends in Myakka City knew him as a good neighbor, always ready to help and pitch in where needed. The Gang will miss our "Gabby Gabe". He was a part of the Gang for 15 years and attended many events with us. We will think of him often, and remember him at every event. His many friends will remember him as the kind and gentle soul tht he was. Adele Kaye wrote a poem that tells of the accident and sadness as well as joy. You can see it at: http://www.thestarlitecafe.com/poems/105/poem_91186441.html . Simply copy and paste the url, it's worth it. Ride tall in the saddle Pard, you earned the right and the honor! See you in the Great By and By.....

Gordon A Perry departed this life on July 14, 2010 after a 3 year battle with Colon Cancer. Gordon was born in Indiana, graduated school in Indiana. After a spell in the Air Force as a Staff Sgt and a Topographical Photo Interpreter in Alaska and was a Life member of the VFW. He later drifted into the world of Cowboys and was a member of the Silverton Gunslingers in Colorado, as well as the Hole-in-the-Head Gang. He was a singer, musician and jokester as well as an adept re-enactor. His wife Doris, also known as "Golden Throat", was his and his alone for 25years and she will sorely miss his laugh and smile. Gordon will be remembered for his good humor, ready wit, and great fun-loving heart. He was always willing to lend a hand and jump in wherever he was needed. We see him standing on a front porch in heaven, playing a bass viol and singing with the likes of Roy, Gene and the rest. Bob and Bobbi and our ol' Pard Larry will be in the crowd listening, clapping and grinning with him having a grand old time! See you in the great by and by Pard! Keep a place for us, we'll be there soon enough too! The Gang

Bobbie passed from this earth in the first week of December 2007 after a nearly 2 year battle with cancer and complications from a car crash. Her devotion to her husband of many years, Reverend Bob Criswell, and the love they shared was on inspiration to all of us. She felt his passing deeply and missed him every day. Now they are reunited and sure to be smiling once again. Farewell Good Lady, welcome home!

Robert Criswell AKA Travelin Parson died May 3rd, 2005. He was a member of the Gang for only a short while, but brought with him a wealth of character, humor and well-being. Bob was an Ordained Minister and traveled the Rodeo circuit for years ministering to the Bronco Busters, Bull Riders, Calf Ropers and Rodeo Clowns. He was honored with a Golden Poet Award from the World of Poetry in San Francisco, CA in 1992 and was twice awarded a certificate of merit from the National Library of Poetry in Owings Mills, MD. (See our Links page for a link to the website) He was the Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Parrish, FL when he passed suddenly of a heart attack. He had performed a Cowboy Wedding for members Brian and Linda Moore just the Sunday before at the Florida Gulf Coast Railroad Museum in Parrish where the Gang had just "robbed" the train all weekend. Bob's wife and life partner Bobbi Criswell passed away in early December 2007. They will both be ever in the hearts of the Gang. Keep the Trail clear for us Pards, you're together on the trail again. We'll miss you!

Gilbert Larry Zuknick AKA Valley Varmint died Dec. 18, 2006 after a 6 year battle with cancer and heart disease. He was born Feb. 10, 1946 in Annapolis, Md. He was an auto body manager before retiring. He was also a member of the Single Action Shooting Society, the National Pygmy Goat Association and the Sarasota Dog Obedience Training Club. Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Peggy AKA Potshot Peg (also a Gang Member); Son, Kenneth of Bradenton; two Sisters, Mary J. of Sarasota and Betty of Bradenton; and Brother, Raymond of Sarasota. He was a member for many years and endured his malady Cowboy style, quietly and carrying on as long as he could. He will be long remembered for his wit, his big heart and his good soul. Larry was a real Pard and True Friend. The Hole-in-the-Head Gang attended Larry's funeral and gave him a shotgun salute at the graveside service. Truly "A Man to ride the river with" and a Friend that will be truly and sorely missed by us all. Happy Trails, Pard!!