His message was simple and to the point: Love them or leave them, just don't destroy them.
On Sunday, working on his beloved Kayford Mountain homeplace, surrounded by nearly 8,000 acres of mountaintop removal devastation that has served as an important training ground for a generation of activists, educators and chroniclers, 66-year-old Larry Gibson reportedly died from a heart attack.
Larry Gibson spent the last two decades crisscrossing the country, leading protests and beseeching power brokers to defend his Appalachian mountains from reckless strip mining operations.
Larry is survived by his wife, Carol, two sons Cameron and Larry Jr. and his daughter, Victoria.
Deepest condolences to Carol, Cameron, Larry Jr., Victoria, and all who mourn his loss.