Ash Isaac Giltner's Obituary
Ash Isaac Giltner
Ash was born soon after Ash Wednesday. After months searching for the perfect name, this was settled on a few days before he entered this world on his due date- St. Patrick's day, and was unique and perfect for him. The name Isaac was chosen for laughter- as all my wishes were for him to be happy.
His entry to this world was one filled with so much love and hope. Never has a child been more anticipated, welcomed and loved. It became apparent very early that he was brilliant. As a toddler his vocabulary was that of an adult, and his compassion for others was huge. He loved his cat and dog, and really all animals. Watching him grow was a joy. He and his siblings loved playing in the woods, building forts, exploring our world, and when Wonder Pets came out our day revolved around the 2 pm slot when each new episode aired.
At 7, Ash had a bicycle fall that resulted in a severe pancreas injury. His recovery was long, including two major surgeries 10 years apart, and the physical pain never stopped for him after that day. Over the next 15 years he fought a physical battle that took a huge toll on his mental health. His resilience was inspirational, and few knew the amount of pain he was in constantly.
Ash was wise beyond his years in so many ways. His wicked dry sense of humor was next level, as were the random deep conversations about any and every subject that interested him.
He was blessed with a few amazing close friends, William Wolcott and Matthew Dominic (Dom) D'Alise, who knew and loved him, and added so much to his life. The oldest of his siblings, he was looked up to and adored by his brothers Noah and Steven (Miciah) and sister Abigail (Abbey). His girlfriend of 4 years, Caylee Badgely, meant the world to him. He was the best parts of his mom, Rebecca Graner Clark, and dad, Steven Giltner II, and the biggest gift in life for us all.
He chose his grandmother, Nora Graner 's nickname of Precious as we pulled up to her house one day. She always greeted him with "Hello my precious one!" and as we approached her house when he was about 18 months old, he began laughing and calling for his Precious. I was blessed beyond measure to be his mom.
He chose to leave this world after 15 years of pain that had taken over both his body and mind. His death by suicide broke our world. He will be missed every day of this life by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers or donations to charities - be the change. Do what you can to show kindness to those who need it. Give what you can where you can. Do something each day to make our world a better place, and love those around you as we never know the struggles of each person we meet.
What’s your fondest memory of Ash?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ash?
Share a story where Ash's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ash you’ll never forget.
How did Ash make you smile?