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Marion Gibbs

July 29, 1964 - December 7, 2022

The administrator of this page is Catriona MacKean

Marion was at the very centre of Scotland’s housing sector. For over 30 years, her life’s work was focused on those in the most housing need; people affected by homelessness, overcrowding and those in unsuitable, unsafe or temporary accommodation. A life’s work involves not just advocating for progress but also defending against anything that takes us backwards. Marion did both persuasively, collaboratively and tirelessly and never shied away from speaking truth to power. There are less than a handful of people in Scotland who have been involved in such an important landscape and spanning such an important period. Marion was not just one of them, she was the lynchpin. We owe her a lot and we’ll miss her. Marion’s family are holding a private funeral service, while a bigger celebration will be held in Spring 2023 so that everyone who wants to will have the opportunity to come together and pay tribute. Meanwhile we know her family will appreciate messages of condolence and appreciation and fond memories that might be shared on this page.

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  • 2023-02-08 10:19:23 View / Comment (0)
    John Jellema

    John Jellema

    John Jellema

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    I spoke with Marion every couple of weeks and came to know her only a little. But enough to know how passionate she was about helping homeless people. And enough to see how funny, bold and generous she was. Marion will be sorely missed.

  • 2023-02-08 09:17:58 View / Comment (0)
    John Mills

    John Mills

    John Mills

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    I have known Marion as a valued colleague in the battle against homelessness for over 25 years. She was a constant in providing good advice, insight and energy to help homeless people. As a Local Government Officer, I shared many stages with her and latterly, she supported me as Chair of the RRTP Sub-Group. As a civil servant, she understood what effective action to prevent and reduce homelessness looked like and this was invaluable in to us all. She is sorely missed by everyone who knew her, but Marion will always be there on our shoulder exalting us to do better to end homelessness.

  • 2022-12-22 12:24:14 View / Comment (0)
    Isabel Drummond-Murray

    Isabel Drummond-Murray

    Isabel Drummond-Murray

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    I think it was 2000 when I first met Marion. She was working for Shelter when I took up my first C1 post, in the Homelessness Team. I knew nothing and she seemed to know everything but imparted her knowledge with patience, generosity and skill, helping me learn without leaving me feeling as clueless as I no doubt was. I can’t pretend I have fond memories of the Subordinate Legislation Subgroup but by the end of the Housing Bill Marion had become a good friend. It was a pleasure to attend her civil partnership to Lorna (who I think I met even longer ago in the 90s when she worked for SNH!) and I know how very happy she was to have met her undoubted soulmate. She was the most supportive friend I could have asked for when I needed it and I will always appreciate that - there was never judgement but always good listening, caring and a willingness to meet for a beer. I have many happy memories of pints in Ashton Lane or Byres Road! As is all too often the way of things, we lost touch in recent years and I regret that. She won’t be forgotten. Much love to Lorna and family.

    • 2023-02-09 12:58:26 wrote:

    Marion was a fierce advocate for housing rights and a natural bridge builder focused on securing real change. Not afraid to challenge us at Shelter Scotland at times, her dedication, compassion and professionalism pushed everyone who worked with her forward to do better. Her legacy is in the system and the people she inspired to tackle homelessness no matter how difficult it sometimes appeared.

    2023-02-09 12:58:26 wrote: Marion was a fierce advocate for housing rights and a natural bridge builder focused on securing real change. Not afraid to challenge us at Shelter Scotland at times, her dedication, compassion and professionalism pushed everyone who worked with her forward to do better. Her legacy is in the system and the people she inspired to tackle homelessness no matter how difficult it sometimes appeared.

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