Gibsy's Gang of dedicated environment supporters join 2016 Relay For Life

Team member Jodie Deeley said Chris had a contagious zest for life and simply loved being out in nature. 

"Chris loved the outdoors and believed there was a strong link between environmental interaction and being a healthy, happy person," she said. 

"Wherever he could, Chris would create opportunities for people to interact with our beautiful environment and was also a passionate educator - teaching science at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School for a number of years. 

"He was a very selfless person - always making time for others and helping in any way he could." 

Chris was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late 2014 and was determined to bravely fight the disease - maintaining his optimistic outlook on life throughout his year long battle. 

After Chris passed away in December, his colleagues decided to form their own Relay For Life team, Gibsy's Gang, as a way of keeping his memory alive and making a difference in the lives of other people fighting back against cancer. 

""We are really looking forward to experiencing the 24 hour event among friends and sharing lots of stories and laughs about past times with Chris," Jodie said. 

"We also want to encourage anyone who knew Chris to come along to the event to join us." 

The team are also hard at work preparing an exhibition at Bunbury Regional Art Gallery focused on South West nature photography. 

Entries opened on Monday and continue until September 4 with images selected for display. The winner will receive a $500 voucher donated by Camera House Bunbury. 

"Chris believed that the future of the environment is in the hands of the next generation and his passion for nature is too important not to continue," she said.  

For more information about the exhibit email gibsysgang@gmail.com or search for Chris Gibbs Memorial Nature Art Exhibition 2016 on Facebook. 

Relay For Life is a fun-filled 24-hour event which raises vital funding for the Cancer Council's support and research. 

To sign up for a team, or to join one, contact relaybunbury@gmail.com or 0419 403 006.