In Loving Memory of Joshua Burke Cartwright

Our beloved brother, Joshua Cartwright, 54, of Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA died unexpectedly in Weed, CA on October 08, 2023. His loss was completely unexpected, and the family is shocked and deeply saddened.

Josh was born on March 22, 1969, to Bill and Lynne Cartwright in San Francisco, California. He was an extremely talented craftsman and builder.

Josh is preceded in death by his parents, Louis Wilford (Bill) Cartwright and Lynne Ortner Happel, and his beloved Uncle Tom Ortner and cherished cousin, Reina Rossum. He is survived by his cherished son, Max Cartwright, his six sisters, Anya Shortridge, Krista Cartwright, Jenny Guinn, Mollie Smith, Emily de’Souza, Chelsea Pritchard and their husbands, his uncles Nick and Jesse Cartwright, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.

“Ohana.” One of Josh’s favorite words. Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. But more than just a word, “Ohana” is how Josh strived to live his life.

Anyone who really knew Josh could see and appreciate his kind and beautiful heart. He thrived on helping people and made friends everywhere he went. He always aspired to be a source of positivity. Everyone remembers his absolutely infectious laugh. His humorous storytelling, funny jokes and banter will be forever missed. His vibrant spirit brought laughter to every family gathering, making every moment memorable. 

Josh's generous spirit found him often cooking for his neighbors and inviting families for a meal. He would welcome them to what he would come to call the "Cartwright Cantina!" 

We could not forget to mention how much writing and music were a part of Josh’s life. He played the piano and guitar, and we will miss his soulful playing and deep, heartfelt poems. One of his latest poems, “Water Under the Bridge,” urged his readers to move forward, to forgive, and to “stand tall above that water!”

Josh found some of his greatest peace while surfing. He loved snowboarding, fishing, and camping, and almost any activity where he could take in the fresh air and peace in nature. He is and will be terribly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution toward his young son Max’s upbringing and education. A GoFundMe has been set up in Max’s behalf and can be found at: https://gofund.me/3e3b2772

A Celebration of Life is being planned in March of 2024 to remember the good times and to paddle his ashes out to sea off the coast of San Diego.

To you, Josh, our brother, father, uncle, cousin, nephew,and friend, we shout, “Aloha!” and “Ohana!”

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