Jonathan J. Gilbert

1986 - 2016

Jonathan Jay Gilbert died on Dec. 11, 2016, at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska, of a massive brain trauma. He was 30 years old. Jonathan was born on Jan. 22, 1986, in Mount Vernon, Wash., to Art and Danita Gilbert. He is the eldest brother of Matthew Gilbert (and wife Rhiannan) and Tanya Frey. Jonathan graduated from Chugiak High School in Eagle River, Alaska, in 2005. He moved to the Ukraine in 2011 to marry Marta Kostroma. Their son, Martin Jay, was born on Nov. 12, 2012. Family and friends will remember Jonathan as a person of fierce determination. His life was devoted to finding a niche where he could succeed and make a contribution to mankind. He traveled far and wide, including a time fighting ISIS in Iraq. His journey was often difficult and dangerous, and his heart was tender. His last act of service was the donation of his organs to save the lives of others. He will live in our hearts as a hero. In addition to his family, he is survived by his second family, the Pemberton's: Prentiss and Jocelyn, Marin, Rylan and Presley; Damon and Krista; and Judy and Bruce. Those gone before are: great-grandpa, Jack and grandma Gladys (mother's side); grandpa, Mick and grandma Patsy (father's side); Granny and Pop Sims; and cousin, Evan Luke.