BY CHRIS SYMMANK/AUSTIN EARTH FIRST!
Gypsy knew what was at stake at Headwaters but loved those trees so much he had to continue to take action. Here in Texas he worked hard to save money so he could travel and get back to defending Headwaters. During that time he talked longingly of getting back to Headwaters and in fact, influenced others to go out there and see what it was all about. Those folks, once seeing what he talked about, stayed there and have dedicated their own energy toward saving those forests.
Gypsy became an activist about a year ago when he traveled out to California for his first time, fell in love with the redwoods and then joined the Earth First! campaign. He was smart, learned quickly about what was going on and acted with strong determination. His love for the woods showed through his actions. Whether it was on the frontlines building and occupying tree sits, banner hanging in San Francisco, fortifying a tripod roadblock or doing basic basecamp grunt work, such as late night security or helping out in the kitchen, he could always be counted on for a smile and good spirits. The only thing upsetting to him was thinking of Maxxam/ Palco's destructive practices at Headwaters.
Others recently with him have had nothing but warm stories to tell. "Felony" and he were standing below a giant tree the day before he died and almost got hit by a giant falling branch. They both said to each other that they could have been killed, and then Gypsy said it wouldn't be a bad place to die. Gypsy loved that place and those trees. Other friends said he would never stop looking up at the trees. He was always checking out something new.
His spirit was always amazing. He would do tasks that would daunt others: stay high up in tree-sits or hunker somewhere in the backwoods through cold and wet conditions. He could always make the best of the situation, be it wrestling with his tree comrades, finding something good to say or just giving a dependable smile and a sign of thinking about what was going on or being said.
Many of us are so lucky to have known him. For those who didn't, I hope you all can hear more stories of him one day as he was just one of the best people. I now wonder what the world would be like if he came upon these forests being clearcut and there was no Earth First!, Environmental Protection and Information Center or countless other groups trying to put a stop to such atrocities. From what I knew of him and what I've heard from others, I think he would have made his own stand and that others would have followed suit. The best in us comes out when we see the worst being done.
I'm glad Gypsy had people working with him to stand up for what is so important. I'm glad to see that people are carrying on what he worked for. I hope others will learn about what an amazing place it is he worked to protect and that they will do what it takes to save Headwaters and other valuable wilderness. Many will remember him as the nicest guy with dreads and bushy beard (before his haircut) wearing the same overalls containing toys and trinkets. Others will remember what his spirit represents in the face of destruction and oppression. We will always love him, and we will carry on.