Obituary

Gilbert Johnson Romero, 67, died Aug. 9, 2022, in Ketchikan.

He was born on Oct. 7, 1954, in Ketchikan. He was a member of the Tlingit Tribe, Eagle/Wolf/Killer Whale.

He graduated from Ketchikan High School in 1973, and earned an associate’ degree in culinary arts from Seattle Central Community College.

Mr. Romero worked almost 20 years on Alaska Marine Highway System ferries, from the late 1970s to 1998. He then worked for the City of Ketchikan Port Security from 2005 until his passing in August 2022.

A wrestler in high school, Mr. Romero enjoyed all sports, watching basketball, football, and, on the occasion, golf. After playing the Ketchikan Daily News’ football contest for many years, he won the contest’s grand prize in 2014 and went to Seattle to see the Seahawks play the San Francisco 49ers. He also enjoyed pool, backgammon, cribbage and Texas hold ‘em poker, as well as music, concerts and friends.

“Gil’s smile and laughter lit up the lives of all who knew him,” his friend writes. “He loved to laugh and tell jokes, and was always willing to extend a hand to someone in need or ‘give someone the shirt off his back.’”

Gilbert Romero was preceded in death by his mother, Inez Johnson; father, Joseph Durama Romero Sr.; `brothers, Alfred Romero, Joseph Romero and Harry Romero; uncle Gene Romero; aunt, Beatrice Romero; and cousin, Larry Romero.

He is survived by his sisters, Jodi Williams of Anchorage, Elizabeth Brezner of Florida, Rose (Joe) Hendricks of Seattle, and Sue Romero of Seattle; mother, Susan Romero of Seattle; nieces and nephews, Steve Williams, Tony Williams, Andre Romero, Tia Romero, Nicholas Hendricks, Kenzi Hendricks, Patrick Lewis, Daniel Lewis, Kevin Brezner, Harry Romero Jr., Lora Lee Guthrie, Jacque Guthrie, Cheyenne Romero, Natasha Romero and Christoper Romero; cousins, Donny Romero, Phillip Romero, Paula Evans, Leo Bootes and Lourdes Gormon; and partner, Becky Dickison.