Justin Fortune Gill

With profound sorrow, the family of Justin Fortune Gill announces his passing into the arms of our Lord on May 20, 2025, at the age of 42. Born on the Monterey Peninsula to Brian and Kim Gill, he was a lifelong resident and will be deeply missed.

Justin was exceptional and strived for excellence in all his endeavors. A genuine Renaissance man, his ardor for learning new skills never waned. He played the lead role of Tony in “West Side Story” and participated in “Every 15 Minutes” while in high school. He was unpretentious, adored his gadgets, and reveled in all things practical. A frequent chef for family gatherings, he consistently impressed us with his smoked tri-tip, oysters, and picture-perfect turkey. He particularly enjoyed sharing his passion for tactical flashlights, often testing their intensity on the wary eyes of loved ones.

The call to serve his community began as a volunteer firefighter while a senior at Pacific Grove High School. His careers were as unique and varied as he was: an ambulance EMT, firefighter (Rookie of the Year), assisting divers as a hyperbaric chamber operator, contractor through the Department of Homeland Security to secure New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, sheriff’s deputy (Overall Achievement Award at Gavilan Police Academy), police corporal (Rookie of the Year), and SWAT team member.

Following his medical disability retirement from the police department, Justin earned his B.S. in marine science at CSUMB, graduating magna cum laude. While there he met his wife and soulmate, Marisa, whom he proposed to on a romantic dive in Monterey Bay. The ocean was always significant to him. As a teen he surfed Namotu, Fiji and later became a master diver, free diver (he could hold his breath for four minutes), and underwater macro photographer. He was pursuing his master’s degree through CSUMB and San Jose State University at Moss Landing Marine Labs.

Justin’s enthusiasm for travel was ingrained in his youth, and he immersed himself in experiencing the cultures of more than 20 countries. An adventurer who thrived on exploring, he enjoyed driving off-road through wild terrain at the family cabin in San Clemente Rancho, Carmel Valley. He frequently guided Marisa on the roads less travelled, declaring “Let’s get lost!” The couple completed a pilgrimage, walking 160 miles along the Portuguese/Spiritual Variant of the Camino de Santiago, and Justin was elated every time they arrived in a new city.

A born-again Christian, Justin was baptized in the Jordan River at Qasr al Yahud while on a spiritual journey through the Holy Land with his mother. He was eagerly looking forward to returning to Israel and Jordan for the month of June, as he planned to baptize Marisa in the Jordan, as well.

Justin’s most selfless contribution was choosing to be an organ donor. His loving family accompanied him on his “Honor Walk”, with friends and hospital staff lining the halls to pay tribute to his well-lived life.

Justin is survived by his beloved wife, Marisa; cherished daughters, Maddie and Lily; loving parents, Brian and Kim; devoted sister, Kristal Taylor (Asher); nephew, Soren; uncle and aunt, Chris Weberg and Clarice Yeung; cousin, Benjamin, and numerous friends and extended family.

A service celebrating Justin’s life will begin at 1:00 p.m. on June 30, 2025, at Shoreline Church, 2500 Garden Road, Monterey.