Famous Belizean artist George Gabb, Sr., 79, has died.
Tony Gabb, one of George’s sons, said he was taken to Belize Medical Associates Hospital around midday on Thursday, March 1, after he contracted typhoid fever. Later the same day, George had a cardiac arrest and passed away at about 11:40 p.m. last Thursday.
He had celebrated his 79th birthday the day before, Wednesday.
For about five years George suffered from glaucoma, hypertension, diabetes and arthritis. He quit working altogether about two years ago because of his illnesses.
George lived an exemplary life, excelling as a versatile artist. He was a poet, sculptor, playwright, actor, musician, philosopher, storyteller, teacher, sportsman, inventor, coach, restauranteur and top boat builder.
George was best known as a sculptor, and his greatest achievement, “The Sleeping Giant,” a zericote piece, is engraved on the Belize $100 note.
But in the latter part of his career, George had turned to sculpturing in metal, instead of wood.
Although he became famous as a sculptor, George believed that writing was the most powerful medium to be creative in, and his poem, “The Sculptured Sculptor,” from his book, “Naked Eye,” obtained top international recognition over about 4,000 other poems.
Naked Eye was first published in 1996. It contains a collection of Creole proverbs and poems. In the segment of Naked Eye, titled “Naked,” there is the deeply provocative, soul searching poem, “One Blank Page”.
“We were in the process of republishing Naked Eye when my father died,” Tony told Amandala.
George was the sixteenth and youngest child of Egbert Clinton Gabb and Mabel Susan Gibson Gabb. He is survived by his wife, Sarita. Besides Tony, he is survived by sons George, Jr., Rupert and Jose; and daughters, Elena and Diedre. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and sisters Mrs. Elsie Miller and Mrs. Marie Pennell; and brother, Phillip Gabb.
At the time of his death, George was living at his home at Mile 2 ½ on the Northern Highway, which also served as his art gallery.
George Gabb, Sr., will be laid to rest on Thursday, March 8, after services at the Bliss Institute.