The DeLand community lost a pillar on January 31, 2020. Leslie "Gus" Gibbs passed away in his sleep that night. The 76-year-old was known for his retail store retail clothing store, Gibbs for Men, a formal wear store that was open for 40 years in Downtown DeLand. The store closed on January 31, 2018, but it was there that Gibbs became a friend to the community with his friendly customer service.
During those 40 years, it was not uncommon for Gibbs to help out those in need. As a property owner and landlord, he would often take care of electricity and water bills for some of his tenants when they fell on hard times. For high school seniors that could not pay for a tuxedo rental, Gibbs would often say, "this one's on the house." The stories go on with how he made an impact on the lives of people he came in contact with. His example and spirit became contagious and it envelops Downtown DeLand today.
Gus also become an icon at Stetson University over the years. He attended most Stetson University basketball games over the past 40 years. Gus came to be known as Mr. Stetson through his half-court cheer as he would spell out S-t-e-t-s-o-n with his body. The crowd cheered every time, and he made an impact on several generations of Hatters. His support of the team went beyond the court. If a player needed a place to stay over the holidays or anytime, they had one at Gibbs home, which is within walking distance of the campus.
In addition to these, there were several philanthropic efforts and random acts of kindness that have gone unknown to the masses. They are not, however, unknown to those that Gus impacted. That is the beauty of Gus, that he didn't look for attention. He just gave. And for that, we are all grateful.
Gus also become an icon at Stetson University over the years. He attended most Stetson University basketball games over the past 40 years. Gus came to be known as Mr. Stetson through his half-court cheer as he would spell out S-t-e-t-s-o-n with his body. The crowd cheered every time, and he made an impact on several generations of Hatters. His support of the team went beyond the court. If a player needed a place to stay over the holidays or anytime, they had one at Gibbs home, which is within walking distance of the campus.
In addition to these, there were several philanthropic efforts and random acts of kindness that have gone unknown to the masses. They are not, however, unknown to those that Gus impacted. That is the beauty of Gus, that he didn't look for attention. He just gave. And for that, we are all grateful.