Robert Jason Kilmer

Robert Jason Kilmer passed away peacefully at home in Mountlake Terrace, WA on Saturday, October 31st, after a two-year battle with cancer.

Rob was born June 10th, 1979 in DuBois, PA, but spent most of his young life in the Gettysburg area. He graduated in 1997 from Northern High School, then joined the Navy in 1998. He served for five years aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV-64) based in San Diego, sailing all over the world, including multiple tours to the Persian Gulf. Rob left the Navy in 2003, but still loved to keep in contact with many of his shipmates, whom he considered brothers.

After visiting family at home, Rob embarked on a new adventure, moving to the Seattle area. Drawn to the Pacific Northwest’s big mountains and many outdoor activities, he perfected his snowboarding and mountain biking skills while pursuing a career in IT. Meeting through their mutual friend, Zohra, in 2006, Rob taught future life-partner, Lauren how to snowboard that winter. Their instant connection was soon friendship and then love. Rob having just adopted Loki, and Lauren with her Bubba dog, their little family adventured all over, hiking, camping, fishing, snowshoeing, and rafting with friends. Rob continued his IT education from the Navy into college, earning his degree in Information Systems in Edmonds, WA in 2009. Only weeks later, his brother Jason passed away in a car accident, compounding the grief from losing his younger sister Amy to cancer several years earlier.

Rob fought back through grief and anger, finding solace with his family, he started laughing and smiling again, determined to live life to the fullest. He found a job and a second family with SWAT systems in 2010, a great group of like-minded people who loved to share in his adventures outside of work also. “Go big or go home,” was one of his favorite sayings and he lived it. He loved to go fast and fly high, almost as much as loved to laugh. From skydiving to scuba diving, racing motorcycles, riding bikes and snowboards off of cliffs, and anything in between, he showed no fear.

Rob’s twinkling blue eyes and sweet dimples were only part of his youthful charm. He had a big smile that could turn from mischievous to innocent in a second and light up the room, and he had an even bigger heart. He had a special way of relating to kids and animals, and they were drawn to him, just like everyone else. Penguins were his favorite animals (except dogs, of course, they are family). He loved to laugh and make others laugh. He was great at impersonations and making up comic song lyrics, and he loved music. He loved building and fixing things with his dad and brothers from an early age. Rob and Lauren loved to go on adventures, exploring different cultures and discovering nature’s diverse wonders, even after he was diagnosed with late stage germ cell cancer in September 2013. For two years he continued to live and fight, enduring countless painful procedures and treatments, yet inspiring many on his way and always managing to find his sense of humor or smile in the roughest times. He loved sharing stories and pictures from the road with his mom, almost as much as he loved her lasagna and gentle hugs, and he was always on the lookout for the perfect gift to bring back for her.

Besides his longtime partner, Lauren Rogers, Rob is survived by his loving parents; Betty & Doug Arentz, Dave & Bonnie Kilmer, his paternal grandparents, Ivan & Edith Kilmer, his siblings and their partners; Steve & Vickie Kilmer, Chad & Kim Smith, Josh & Laurie Arentz, Spring & Terry Cromer, Lindsey & Eric Wildasin, Levi & Christina Arentz, many beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends. He is predeceased by his maternal grandparents, George and Betty Lou Williams, his brother Jason Smith, his sister Amy Angell, and his childhood best friend, Nathan Anstead.

At Rob’s request, there will be no funeral services, but his ashes will be spread in his favorite mountain spaces privately. A party celebrating his life will be held at a later, more joyful time. Live well, love each other, don’t forget to laugh, and “stay awesome!”

In lieu of flowers, please consider a life-giving blood donation or donor registration with Be The Match, or alternatively, a monetary donation to one of Rob’s favorite organizations in his honor: ASPCA, WWF, Sierra Club, the National Parks, Cancer Research Institute, or the ALS Association.

A note from Lauren:

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home.” ~John Muir, 1901. I hope Rob has gone home.

Our family would especially like to thank all the many doctors and nurses at the University of Washington and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance who made Rob’s fight easier, particularly Dr. Heather Cheng, whose knowledge, skill, and compassion comforted him in his final months. Also, Jason Hagens and the crew at SWAT Systems, thank you for your constant, caring support, Rob could never find enough ways to express his deep gratitude. And the countless others who fought with us and showed amazing love and compassion.

To send condolences online, visit http://funerals.coop/obituaries/robert-jason-kilmer.html.