At age 57, retired firefighter Kent Gilbertson was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a presumptive illness tied to his 30 years of service as both a career and volunteer firefighter in Idaho and North Dakota. To those who knew him, Kent embodied integrity, always standing for truth and putting others first. He valued doing things the right way, a firm handshake, and a person’s word above all else. He never asked for anything he hadn’t earned.

Kent was a man of deep love and compassion, guided by simple but powerful principles:

Life is ahead of you; the past is history. Open your mind and learn everything.
Don’t be stubborn; always stay happy and positive. Panic doesn’t do anybody any good.

During his career, Kent served on Boise Fire Department Truck #7 and the technical rescue team, earning the honor of Firefighter of the Year. A true farm boy, he had an incredible mechanical ability and could fix anything. His love for the outdoors shaped a life filled with hunting, hiking, and dual-sport motorcycle adventures. He had an unshakable drive to explore, build, and overcome challenges, never backing down from a problem that needed solving.

After retiring in 2018 to care for his mother, Kent and I set out in fall 2019 to fulfill our dream of traveling across the U.S. and Mexico in an MCI Coach Bus—one he converted in just 11 days. With Tikka, his Shiba Inu puppy, by his side and a cup of coffee in hand, Kent became a familiar face in every campground we visited. Always eager to hear others’ stories, he lent a helping hand, whether fixing RVs, repairing cabins, or assisting stranded travelers. The open road was his passion, reflecting his adventurous spirit—a love he passed on to our children, Rena and Sever.

Both Rena and Sever have followed their parents’ legacy of service. Rena serves in the U.S. Coast Guard and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), combining her dedication to service with a passion for healthcare. Sever works in civil service with the Air Force, contributing to the mission of supporting and protecting others. Both are committed to serving their country and community, carrying forward the values Kent instilled in them.

Now, the road ahead will be different without Kent. After 32 years of marriage, I’ve lost not just my husband but my best friend. Our family has lost the man who built our world from the ground up. But as Kent believed, “It’s what you leave behind you when you go.” And what he leaves behind is a legacy of love, service, and unwavering strength.