John Kevin Gilson

Lifelong Alaskan resident John Kevin Gilson passed away on July 19, 2025 in Seattle, after battling a long illness. Kevin was born in Valdez on April 11, 1948 to John Gilson, Jr. and Mary (Kevin) Gilson. He grew up in Valdez before heading off to St. Martin’s High School, a Catholic boys’ school in Lacey, Washington. After graduation, he stayed on at St. Martin’s College—where fate brought him together with Gloria. They married on September 1, 1971, starting their lifelong journey together.

Months after their wedding, Kevin was drafted into the Army. He completed training, became a Military Police officer, and spent time as a prison guard at Ft. Meade, Maryland. Gloria and their daughter Jodi were right there with him, making every place feel like home. Abigail joined the family in 1973 while Kevin served; back in Alaska, Jill was born in 1976—thus completing their trio of daughters.

After twenty-one months of service, Kevin went back to St. Martin’s and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in History. Then it was home again to Alaska, where he built a career—first with the Laborers’ Local #341 working pipeline construction, then at Alyeska Pipeline’s Valdez Marine Terminal, moving through roles in the warehouse and the Ballast Water Treatment Plant. In 2002, he retired from both the Union and Alyeska, proud of all he’d accomplished, most notably his Gold Card Membership with Local #341.

Kevin was a true Alaskan at heart, fiercely loyal to his friends and family. One of his favorite spots was the Glacier Bar, where he and his friends would often be found sharing stories of their younger-year shenanigans. He cherished time at the family cabin, loved summer fishing, and never passed up a good bonfire. Kevin was also a passionate Corvette collector, an avid golfer, and spent weeks every year preparing for his annual moose hunting camp. After retirement, he embraced new adventures, spending winters in Ft. Mohave, Arizona, but always returning to his family's generational home in Valdez, a house that had even survived the 1964 earthquake. Through it all, his deep roots and pride for Valdez and his family remained his core.

Kevin was predeceased by his parents and brother, Spike, but carried their legacy forward. He leaves behind Gloria, his beloved wife of 54 years; his daughters, Jodi (Jay), Abigail, and Jill (Erin); grandchildren Colton, Taylor, Avery, Logan, and Cooper; brother Tom (Lois); nieces and nephews Dan (Tracy), Tana (Brodie), Keriann, Becky (Jay), Gina, Todd, and Rod; plus many cousins, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

A Celebration of Kevin’s Life will be held at the Valdez Civic Center at 6pm on August 22, 2025. All are welcome to join us in remembering his extraordinary legacy.