Our beloved and beautiful son, brother, uncle, and friend, Joshua Brandon Van Alstyne, of Salt Lake City, Utah, was taken from us suddenly in the early morning of April 25, 2023. He was 37 years old.
Josh’s adventure-filled life began on July 2, 1985. As the youngest of five children, he had to grow up fast. As soon as he could stand, he was jumping. As soon as he could walk, he was running. He made fast friends with everyone while growing up in the Salt Lake area.
Josh graduated from Woods Cross High School, was an Eagle Scout, an avid outdoorsman, a self-taught historian and a gentleman. He was comfortable guiding a raft on the Colorado, leading an expedition to King’s Peak, backcountry skiing or adventuring abroad. There was no challenge Josh believed he couldn’t conquer.
Inspired by 9/11, shortly after he was eligible, Josh enlisted in the Army to fight for America in Afghanistan. It wasn’t enough to be a soldier, Josh overcame the odds and became a Special Forces medic serving multiple tours over 8 years overseas, in Afghanistan and other countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. Incredibly, Josh’s 7th great-grand uncle is Thomas Knowlton. Thomas was known as the 1st Intelligence professional. As head of the Knowlton Rangers in the Revolutionary War, Thomas was the first special forces soldier. This always inspired Josh. Despite the unimaginable hardships he faced, Josh formed strong bonds with his fellow soldiers and the local people he encountered, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. His time in country was, for him, the best of times and the worst of times, a time of purpose and a time of bewilderment. He was the recipient of many awards for his service including a Bronze Star and “V device” for exceptional valor and courage in battle, and Silver Star pending.
In his civilian life, Josh was the epitome of a loving and adventurous uncle to his niece and nephews. His boundless energy took him around the globe to at least 55 countries, skiing in South America and New Zealand, exploring Africa, visiting Mount Everest Base Camp, scaling the Great Wall of China, and hiking in the Amazon. He also managed to golf at Cypress Point, attend The Masters, and ski every chance he got.
Josh was stubbornly strong minded, confident and determined to live life to the fullest. He bought a home near Parley’s Canyon that was always in a constant state of upgrade. He made a living teaching himself to trade the stock market.
Josh was highly intelligent, resourceful, ambitious and determined: he had a personality of cool, of fun, of hard work and goals. Though he built protective walls around his true nature, Josh's genuine essence was one of profound sensitivity. He was deeply affected by the cruelty and injustices he witnessed but continued to face life head-on. Josh was the most interesting person to talk to. We will all miss his rants on how Justinian II was underrated.
Though he is no longer with us, Joshua's light will continue to shine in the hearts of those he left behind. We are heartbroken. There will always be a void in our lives that will never be filled. He was a precious son, an incredible brother, a loyal friend, and the most beloved uncle.
Josh is survived by his parents, Peter and Mary Ann; his siblings Pete (Sera Kain), Mathew (Catie Grimes), Eliza Drebing (Travis), and Jake; his nephews Austin, Brendan, Asher, Henry, and Jack; his niece Riley, numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and countless friends.
A service to celebrate Joshua's life will be held at noon, May 3, at the Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park, Camp Williams, Bluffdale. A viewing will begin at 11:00 AM, with burial following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity that embodies Josh's spirit of love for mankind and compassion.
I am a retired member of the Utah National Guard. I have lost a brother. I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences. May God bless you and protect you.
So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you❤️.
Oh Josh! Thanks for all the conversations, arguments, and support. I am glad we got to know each other at WX. Supreme gratitude for your service to the citizens of our world and for the unstoppable effort you put into making the world, and all of us, better. I know your work will continue. You are an incredible person.
Our sincerest condolences to your family, friends, and comrades.
Such devastating news. We have many happy memories of Josh including that impish grin that was so often on his face. My heart and thoughts are with you.
Josh was a great friend to our family,We had so many talks with Josh, I learned a lot from him. His enthusiasm for life was so intriguing and for his purpose in the service which he always set a goal and he accomplished what ever he pur his mind too. There was a lot of stories and events that he enjoyed talking about especially with Blair. There was a-special friendship with Josh & Tanner that will always be in Tanners heart. We will miss Josh but it's confronting to know that we believe we will see him again.
We Love you Josh ❤️
There are so few words to express our deepest sympathy to the Van Alstyne family at this time. We will remember Josh as a man of conviction who was able to help and care for his fellow veterans during times which were unimaginable to most of us. We realize that your personal loss is overwhelming and wish you peace and healing in the future.
I hope this message finds your family in a moment of peace, even as you navigate the immense grief of losing your beloved son, Josh. I had the privilege of spending a few unforgettable days with him on the Colorado plains, golfing and enjoying his warm company. Though our time together was brief, his presence made a deep and lasting impression on me.
Josh had a remarkable way of connecting with people, and it's no surprise that everyone who knew him well held him in high esteem. His passing has left a profound void in our circle of friends, and the news of his loss has deeply affected all of us. He touched countless lives with his kindness, compassion, and zest for life.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences for your immeasurable loss. We hope that you find solace in the love and support of those around you, and in the cherished memories of Josh. May his memory continue to be a blessing and a guiding light to all who had the fortune of knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. 🙏❤️
With deepest sympathy,
Chewy Smith
We loved living next door to Josh, I absolutely loved seeing my 3 year old run across the yard to hug Josh’s legs. He invited me and my kids to his home numerous times, we all meditated together one morning and Josh taught the neighborhood kids the importance of living life to the fullest and having your mind in the present.
One day Josh and I hiked Mount Wire, as we hiked and chatted he mentioned just how many times he had hike that peak and the surrounding peaks. After all that time on those trails he reminisced, “you know I have never seen a wild utah tarantula, I’ve hike here so much I am beginning to think they don’t exist!” We took about 10 steps and ran into one on the trail!
I will never forget the surprised look on his face as we locked eyes, he immediately threw his head back and broke into the deepest Josh laugh! I’m sure our laughter reached heaven! The remainder of the hike Josh kept chuckling “oh the irony!”
I’m grateful God made our paths cross. You guys raised a wonderful person!
Rest in peace brother...Till Valhalla...DOL...
Brother you will be missed. Your Los Angeles family loves you man.
DE OPPRESSO LIBER
I am so sorry for your loss - he is a handsome young man, and I'm sure he will be missed in so many ways!
May your memories of all the times spent with him, paired with the stories his friends and co-workers share with you, affirm that he was
well-loved.
Love, Linda Wagstaff
Peter and Mary Ann,
They announced Josh's death Sunday at Bridlewood Ward. I was heartbroken to hear it. I was so proud of him. He did so much more than I ever did in the Army. He was a prince among men, a fine soldier and he looked and, I am sure, acted the part. God bless Josh.
Josh was an incredibly compassionate and affectionate individual. His heart was enormous, and he was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. With his daring and adventurous nature, he took many of us on exciting journeys through mountainous terrain, deserts, rivers, and skydives. During the summer of weddings, he drove us around Utah, attending every event with enthusiasm and a smile on his face. His infectious laughter, unforgettable smile, and endless rants on history, politics, and philosophy always kept us engaged and entertained. He was a great storyteller, bookworm, and soldier. His sudden departure has left a void that cannot be filled for those who had the privilege of knowing him. Josh, you will forever be missed.
Mary Ann and Peter, Josh's devoted parents, you raised an outstanding son. Your unwavering love and support throughout his life is commendable. To his many siblings and extended family members, he admired and talked about you often, and to his brothers and sisters in the Armed Forces, thank you for being of support when times got tough. To his dear friends, please know you are not alone in your grief; we are all in this together. Please reach out if you're struggling 🙏♥️
Josh, we bid you farewell with profound love and respect. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Josh was my neighbor and he defined the word! There was a time in our circle when no one knew each other or even talked. Josh became the block party organizer- walking door to door to personally invite people to a cook out he hosted. I met people I had never talked to even though we had been neighbors for years. He brought us together more than once - even we he went into hero mode when homes in our neighborhood flooded. He was a force. Brentwood won’t be the same without him. Wishing you all peace as you grapple with his loss. You should be forever proud of the man you raised. ❤️
Queridos amigos Mary Ann and Peter, meus sentimentos mais profundos neste monento de tristeza. Me junto a voces neste momento. Estou muito triste. Amo nuito voces❤️
Queridos amigos e irmãos Peter e Mary Ann, nossos sentimentos pela perda desse querido filho. Que Deus oa conforte e console.
Josh, I love you. Thanks for being my friend. One thing I’ll remember about you is your ability to listen to and take interest in others — a very unique quality. I’ll see you again, my friend
Dear Peter and Mary Ann,
We were saddened when we heard of Josh's death! We haven't seen him nor you in a long time but we still value our friendship and are so sorry for the grief that you must be experiencing. From his obituary, it sounds like he accomplished much in his short lifetime and we hope that those memories will bring you comfort and peace. We know that the Savior is aware of you and your family and we pray that His sweet love will encompass you at this time and into the future as well. With love, Tom and Laurel
I went to high school with Josh and what I remember most about him was his kind heart and beautiful spirit. I want to send my condolences at this time. I went to our 20 year high school reunion and know that there were over 50 people who knew, love and respect Josh. We had a moment of silence in his and others who had served honor. I pray for peace for his family.
My expressions of love and sorrow to my friends Peter and Mary Ann, whom I have known since you were children. I didn't know Josh, but can understand how precious he must have been to you. Love and best wishes as you implement a new dimension of knowledge and feeling about the Gospel.