Josh Earle Gillett

Josh Earle Gillett passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at age 48 surrounded by the family who loved him dearly, in Pleasant View, Utah.

Josh was born on January 23, 1978, in Lebanon, Oregon, to Sandy Mayes and Ron Gillett. He grew up in Boise, Idaho, where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors and a natural ability to make friends wherever he went. Summers spent in Stanley, Idaho, with his father were especially meaningful to him—filled with hiking, fishing, and floating the river together.

Josh had a vibrant and joyful personality. In his younger years, his favorite thing to do was to hang with his friends. He also loved reading, cooperative games, karate, and built lasting friendships that continued throughout his life. During high school, he became active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a faith that remained a central and guiding part of his life. He graduated from Borah High School in 1997.

After graduation, Josh worked for a year to earn money for his mission. He was then called to serve in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he cherished his time and developed a deep love for the people he taught and served alongside. Following his mission, he attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, for two years before transferring to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business management. Josh loved his college years.

While at BYU, Josh met Mary Ryan during their senior year. They quickly fell in love, and were married on December 17th, 2004 in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. Together, they began building a life centered on faith, family, and love.

As newlyweds, Josh and Mary moved to California where Josh began his career in the automotive industry. There, he worked for Ford Motor Company as a sales representative. He and Mary enjoyed exploring San Francisco most every weekend. After moving further north to Rocklin, CA, on May 6th, 2007 they happily welcomed their first child, a son, Henry Coulter, into this world.

Three months after Henry's birth, Josh took.his family and returned to BYU to pursue a master’s degree at the Marriott School of Management. Here, they made many life-long friends both in their Ward and MBA program. 2 weeks prior to his graduation, at a graduation party, Josh was in a snowmobiling accident that dislocated his hip. Being ever-concerned about medical bills, he opted to not call an ambulance or life flight. Instead, he side-saddled his snowmobile all the way back to the parking lot, and opted for his professor to drive him to the ER instead.

Just a few weeks after graduation in 2009, they welcomed their darling daughter, Jane Emery, into their hearts and home. Jane was such a joyous addition to their family! After a long summer of interviews and rehab, Josh received a job offer from Hostess in Dallas, TX. The young family bought their 1st home in Keller TX, and quickly settled into their new neighborhood. Spending time out in God's beautiful creations was always a favorite activity for Josh, and he loved sharing that passion with his family. After living in Texas for a few years, their 3rd child was born, William Jimmy.

When little Will was only 2 years old, Josh’s career then led the family to Mesa, Arizona, where he worked as a Regional Sales Manager for Chrysler Jeep Dodge, overseeing several dealerships. The heat of Arizona took a little getting used to, but again he loved taking his family into the great outdoors to swim, hike, float rivers, and snow ski/snowboard. In 2016, they welcomed their youngest child, a daughter, Suzy Ophelia.

Later, Josh was offered a position overseeing dealerships across Idaho, Utah, and Nevada, allowing the family to fulfill their dream of moving closer to home, family, and lifelong friends. The family made one final move to Pleasant View, Utah, where they continued to build a life surrounded by loved ones.

Josh approached every challenge in his life with determination and purpose. When he was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, he faced it with courage and resolve. After the initial shock and tears, he committed himself fully to the fight—researching tirelessly and seeking out the best treatment options available. Through his strength, perseverance, and unwavering will, he extended his life by six and a half meaningful years, far beyond what he had first been told. His fight was a testament to his resilience and love for his family. During these harsh years of chemotherapy, surgeries and clinical trials, Josh still made making memories with his family a top priority. Mary and he loved to travel, and they were able to take the children on some wonderful family vacations that they will always treasure.

Josh set lofty goals and reached every one. He was an amazing son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and friend. His lifelong friendships endured from elementary school through junior high, high school, his mission, and college years. Josh will always be known for his contagious laugh that filled the room and warmed the hearts of all who heard it. And if you didn't already know, Josh was also a huge BYU Cougars fan and loved cheering on his collegiate team through the years, no matter the sport.

Josh was preceded in death by his father, Ron Gillett, and his younger sister, Colt Gillett. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; their children Henry, Jane, William, and Suzy; his mother and stepfather, Dale and Sandy Osterman; his siblings Larke, Dixie, Grant, Clint, Misty, and Cort; and his stepsiblings Matt, Tawni, and Kris.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Pleasant View LDS Chapel, 2975 North 1000 West. Interment, Ben Lomond Cemetery.