Joshua Taylor Tibbetts
Joshua Taylor TibbettsB1976 – 2026BAVON – Joshua Taylor Tibbetts, 50, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in Avon. Born on Jan. 30, 1976, in Waterville, Josh was raised in Corinna and built a life rooted in service, loyalty, adventure, and love for family and friends.
Josh was the beloved son of Douglas and Barbara (Taylor) Tibbetts. From a young age, he was known for his intelligence, determination, and larger-than-life personality. He graduated from Nokomis High School and EMVTI before continuing his education, earning his degree while pursuing a career dedicated to public service.
Josh proudly served his community through law enforcement, working both as a Penobscot County Sheriff’s Deputy and later fulfilling his dream of becoming a Maine Game Warden Pilot. His work was more than a profession – it was a calling. Whether protecting Maine’s wilderness, helping others in difficult moments, or mentoring those around him, Josh approached life with courage, integrity, and compassion.
Outside of work, Josh lived life fully and passionately. He loved working on cars, snowmobiling, skiing, boating, fishing, bird hunting, and spending time outdoors. Skiing became one of Josh’s greatest passions from an early age, and it quickly became something he enjoyed doing with his children as well. He also enjoyed golfing, baseball, and spirited games of horseshoes. Josh had a deep appreciation for adventure and especially cherished flying, working tirelessly toward his pilot’s licence and following aviation goals. Along with his passion for flying, he enjoyed running, time on the water, and simply making memories with those he loved. At home, he was famously known as the “Chief IT Officer,” capable of fixing just about anything – especially if there was a YouTube video to guide him. Josh loved learning, researching answers to questions, and sharing conversations that could last for hours.
Josh was deeply involved in his community and proudly supported local causes and organizations. As a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post #86 in Gray, he participated in golf scrambles and tournaments supporting MSAD 15 and other local community organizations close to his heart.
Josh never met a stranger. He had an extensive circle of friends from every walk of life and was known for his kindness, humor, and unwavering loyalty. One of his closest and longest friendships was with Joe Satterfield, of Bowdoinham.
His family remembers that he rarely spoke poorly of anyone and truly valued human connection. He was the kind of person people naturally gravitated toward – dependable, genuine, and always willing to help.
Most of all, Josh loved his daughters, Allison and Viviann Tibbetts, with his entire heart. Being their father was the role he cherished most in life, and he was endlessly proud of the young women they were becoming. Whether it was taking walks together, sharing adventures outdoors, talking about life, or simply spending quiet everyday moments together, Josh treasured every second he had with them. His daughters brought out the very best in him, and he made sure they always knew how deeply loved they were. He spoke about them often with pride and admiration, celebrating their accomplishments both big and small. No matter where life took him, his girls remained his greatest priority and his greatest joy. The bond they shared was one built on unconditional love, laughter, support, and countless memories that will continue to live on in their hearts forever.
Josh also shared a special bond with his partner, Kim Robash of New Gloucester. Together they had years full of laughter, adventure, and companionship. Whether they were enjoying the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, tackling projects together, or simply enjoying everyday life side by side, the two shared a relationship built on love, understanding, and genuine friendship. Josh also held a special place in his heart for Madison Robash, proudly embracing the role of a stepfather figure in her life. The memories they created together will be deeply cherished by those who knew and loved them.
He is survived by his daughters Allison and Viviann of North Yarmouth, his partner Kim Robash of New Gloucester; his parents, Douglas and Barbara Tibbetts; his sister, Tricia Clifford and husband Ben of Kingston, Massachusetts; his nephew Benjamin Clifford; his nieces, Katherine and Margaret Clifford; former spouse and mother of his children, Racquel Heath Tibbetts; and many extended family members and countless friends whose lives were better because of him. Josh was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Sidney and Phyllis Taylor; paternal grandparents, Hugh and Francis Tibbetts.
A service honoring Josh’s life will be held Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 1 p.m., at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. Burial will take place at South Levant Cemetery in Levant, Maine.
Josh’s life was defined by service, friendship, adventure, and fierce love for his daughters and those around him. His presence was unforgettable, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege to know him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Maine Trappers Association Outdoor Learning Foundation, 73 Shaws Mill Rd. Gorham, Maine 04038, a nonprofit corporation, or to a scholarship that will be available to graduating seniors who plan to study aviation. It will be known as the Maine Game Warden Pilot Joshua Tibbetts Aviation Scholarship (Tibbetts Aviation Scholarship).
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