Brian H. Shibley

1939 - 2020

Brian H. SHiBley August 23, 1939 - April 5, 2020 North Hollywood, Calif. native Brian Harold Shibley, son of Harold Eugene and Venus Volene Shibley, passed away suddenly from complications of a brainstem mass brought on by a strep infection, which caused stroke-like symptoms. Larger than life among his adoring family, lifelong friends and surrounding community, he recently celebrated his 80th birthday with his twin sister Susan. Brian graduated from Hollywood High School in 1958. Several years later, he moved to Crowley Lake, Calif., located off Highway 395 between Bishop and Mammoth Lakes. Together with his devoted wife, Kathy, Brian spent his entire adulthood operating the charming Hans Resort. Gifted with a strong work ethic, Brian dedicated much of his time and put his heart and soul into enhancing and completely overhauling the rustic cabins overlooking the lake, a popular spot for trout-fishing enthusiasts. A man of many trades who embodied the notion that "80 is the new 60," he cut his own firewood and maintained day-to-day operations of the beautifully manicured property up until his final weeks. His firewood gave a whole new meaning to hand-hewn, heartwarming holiday and birthday gifts for family. Contributing to his strength of character as well as physique, Brian – known by the locals as "Big Shib" – knew every inch of Mammoth Lakes. He logged miles on foot during his past notable career with Mammoth Community Water District from 1979 to 2005. Brian enjoyed playing just as hard as he worked. The avid, multiple-record-setting Crowley Lake fisherman could be found trolling for trout using hand-painted lures from April through October, spanning more than 60 consecutive fishing seasons. A tribute to his expert fishing skills and wicked cast, he was sponsored by fishing outfitters Fenwick and Maxima. He gave rod-handling and tackle tips at the dock to fellow anglers. He also served as emcee at major Crowley Lake fishing events. When not reeling in trout, Brian honed his golf game with family and friends, often at the Bishop Country Club, which his son Steve "Shib" manages. Nothing gave him greater joy than watching his son and grandchildren embrace and excel at the game of golf. Transitioning the action from the fairway to the asphalt, no one loved the drag races more than Big Shib. Winternationals will never be the same without his visiting every crew and dragster from the wee hours of the morning through closing, where he could be found in the grandstands giddy from the nitromethane fumes. Iconic across the Eastern Sierra, Brian never missed an opportunity to propose a cheer or give a speech at celebrations with family, friends and the community. With his mischievous humor and enormous heart, he was beloved by all. An active fundraiser for youth sports leagues, he took pride in managing popular, family-style golf tournaments throughout the decades. Brian is survived by his wife, Kathy; son, Steve; daughter, Kendra; sister, Susan; grandchildren, Brendon, Alexis, Kassidy, Cole, Avenly and Mirynn; nieces, Barbara and Mary Lynn; great nieces and nephew, Kailey, Lily and Jake; and numerous cousins. He joins his late, dear daughter Cary in a more heavenly, peaceful realm. A community celebration of life is forthcoming in Crowley Lake this summer.