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Maurice Gibb

Dec. 22, 1949 - January 12, 2003

In February of 1982 my best friend, Lisa Tobias, and I started a newsletter and fan club for the Bee Gees. It
was called "Mo Time" in honor of Maurice Gibb.

"Mo Time" continued for over seven years with features like "Chart Time" and our popular "Editorial Notes"
where Lisa and I discussed and disagreed about the content of the newsletter. (It was an on-going joke that she was
the Maurice fan while I liked Robin better and was always fighting to get more photos of him included.) We did a
silly series of stories called "The Adventures of Sir Maurice the Ernest" and actually did have some news on the
Bee Gees. "Mo Time" had members throughout the world.

When Lisa moved away after her marriage to Rick Carns, I continued on alone. The hardest issue I ever put
together was a memorial to Maurice's brother, Andy, in 1988. I never dreamed that someday I would be putting
together a tribute to Maurice.

Because of "Mo Time" I was able to meet all of the brothers and to see them in a more personal light.
Through the Gibbs I met many people who became longtime friends. Some of my most precious memories are of
helping put together the fundraisers for "The Andy Gibb Memorial Foundation"*. I also helped with "BGQ" (Bee
Gees Quarterly) and one summer worked for the brothers answering their fan mail.

Maurice was one of the nicest people I've ever met. Full of energy, he had no problem boarding a ship full of
Bee Gee fans during a fund raiser for "The Andy Gibb Memorial Foundation"*. He was kind and patient to all the
demands for his attention, autograph and photo.

For one of the fundraisers Maurice put together a special videotape of some of his videos which included a
few skits with Ringo Starr. When it came to "The Andy Gibb Memorial Foundation"* Maurice was more than happy
to help out.

A very talented man, it seemed Maurice was somewhat in the shadow of his brothers, Barry and Robin. It
was Maurice who created many of the unforgetable tunes we associate with the group. He was the third part of that
destinctive harmony; played keyboards and bass; was the musical director on their tours; the tech man in the
studio; and the deciding vote when Robin and Barry disagreed. He was a vital part of the Bee Gees.

Now that Maurice is gone, more people are giving him the credit he deserves and that is comforting. He was
an amazing man that can not be replaced.

Paintball warrior, father, husband, brother, son, songwriter, performer, singer, musician, magician, gadget
man, comedian, legend and friend; these are a few of the hats Maurice wore.

Personally I still can not believe he is gone. My prayers are with his wife, Yvonne, their children, Adam and
Samantha; his personal assistant and my friend Robyn Ciaburri; and his mother, Barbara; as well as with Robin,
Barry and their families. For them, as Robyn has told me, "nothing will ever be the same."

Maurice had a great sense of humor and I have to share one of my favorite Maurice stories.

During the 1989 tour Lisa, my sister, Debbie, and I were able to go backstage to meet with the brothers.
Debbie had never met any of them before so I pushed her to go and get their autographs. She is a fan of all of the
guys but she has always liked Barry best. Afraid to speak to her idol, Barry, I suggested she talk to Maurice first
since he was so friendly and down to earth.

After speaking to Maurice and getting his autograph, she turned to see Robin and Barry now leaving as it
was getting close to showtime. Disappointed, she literally hung her head and said "I only got Maurice", not realizing
that Maurice was still standing behind her. When she turned back around, she was embarrassed to see him,
knowing he must have heard her. Maurice just smiled at her and they shared a laugh.

We all handle grief differently. For me I needed to go through all my photographs and memoriesand create
something I could share. Also, I wrote a poem that is included on the Bee Gees photo page. I hope you enjoy this
six page tribute.

Maurice, I love and miss you!

Julie Rae Rickard, January 20, 2003

(Unless noted, photos are by Julie Rae Rickard.)