Jibryne “Gubby” Karter

NAPLES, Fla. – Jibryne “Gubby” Karter, 75, passed away on April 11, 2021 in Naples, Fla. with family by his side. He was born in Waterville on June 17, 1945 to Jibryne “Gubby” and Jeanette Karter. He was educated in local schools and attended UNH where he completed a degree in Hospitality Management. While at the University through a bit of ingenuity he established his own fraternity, Alpha Dubba Gubba, which he personally founded and elected himself president. Upon graduation Gubby served his country as an officer in the US Army and went to Korea. Completing his term of service and ready for adventure, without any financial resources he travelled to Vermont and convinced his brother-in-law to cosign a note with him so he could go to Europe for two months where he made many lifelong friends. He then returned to his hometown where he and his brother, Fred, purchased the Bob-In bar and grill. They soon took over ownership of the Chez Paree, another local night spot. In time Gubby became solely affiliated with the Bob-In which he owned and ran until his move to Florida five years ago. For many years he was also the managing partner at the Budget Host Motel.Interestingly Gubby passed away on the Sunday of the Masters. This is the man who in years past climbed the fence to get into the Masters with his best friend Carl Beck.One of his passions was the Waterville Boys and Girls Club. He served on the Board of Directors and was instrumental in the relocation and building of the then new facility. As one of ten children in a large out-going family, Gubby was gregarious by nature. He loved and enjoyed interacting with people from all walks of life. He was often late for family dinners because he had to take time to converse with a friend or with someone he just met while strolling the aisles of a grocery store. It could be said his friends ran the gamut from bank presidents to bank robbers. Gubby was a mentor to some, a friend to many and kind to all.Gubby loved spending time with his granddaughter Jenna at the lake in the summer. He enjoyed special times with his family, the bigger the occasion the better. He often said that his crowning achievement in life was when he organized a weekend reunion of the extended Karter family, which was attended by several hundred people. He was the consummate host. People were drawn to this larger than life personality. Gubby could light up the room by his presence and brighten anybody’s day. Just seeing his big grin and hearing his booming voice could bring a smile to any ones face. His love of life knew no bounds and he lived it to the fullest. He will be greatly missed by his family and the many people whose lives were touched by him.He was predeceased by his son Jibryne Karter III. He is survived by granddaughter Jenna Karter his son Michael Gabriel (Kathleen), grandsons Michael and Christian; and his nine siblings, Carol Cota (Hugh), Jim Karter (Mona), Mary Elliott (John), Elissa Karter, Fred Karter (Nancy), Joe Karter (Debra) Jan Bourque (David), Karl Karter (Roxanne), Jeff Karter (Tim), his ex-wife Brenda Ross Karter; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many close friends. A celebration of his life will be held by his family at a later date.

Jibryne “Gubby” Karter


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