Justin Don Hemsley

Justin Don Hemsley 2 March 1987 – 19 March 2025 We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our fiercely loving and strong son, brother, uncle, fiancé, step-dad-at-heart, & friend, Justin. He was surrounded by family and departed to be greeted by his cherished mother on the afternoon of Wednesday, 19 March 2025 in Carson City, Nevada, USA. Born at home in Milpitas, California, USA, Justin knew he was loved from his first introduction to the world, already surrounded by six of his later-to-be-seven siblings. Always full of life and full of heart, our Justin kept everyone on their toes! The day after he was born his mama took him to meet a friend's also newly born baby girl, and he turned his head toward the young lady and let out a very clear, “Hi”; as Justin would tell you, he started talking right after he was born, and he never stopped! We also knew he would be quite the flirt, and “chick magnet” turned out to be a very appropriate nickname bestowed upon him by mom. “Bobb” became a family nickname not long after our family was complete (just ‘bobb’, which applied to everyone, or mom-bobb, for example, if you wanted to be more specific), which Justin claims he instigated–so he probably did! He turned his ability to make people smile into a way to help them feel better when they were going through a hard time, often calling out compliments when he saw someone feeling downtrodden; he knew the power of a smile to brighten someone's day and made a conscientious effort to uplift those around him, even complete strangers. To Justin it was worth embarrassing whomever he was with that knew him, if it meant possibly saving the life of a stranger by a simple and small act of kindness. At the ripe old age of two years old, his mom and a sister came upon him at his bedroom door, screwdriver in hand, having fully removed one door hinge and examining the upper hinge contemplatively, analytically. He never stopped taking things apart, fixing things, figuring out how they worked, and testing the limits of physical objects! Justin also enjoyed leisurely and outdoor activities, like fishing, camping, gold panning, and Nascar. Justin’s love of cars led to many interests, hobbies and careers. It came as no surprise that he found great purpose and drive to complete his Associates of Occupational Studies Degree at the Universal Technical Institute in Avondale, AZ, graduating with honors (Magna Cum Laude), specializing in automotive and diesel engines, and industrial technology. He also delved into creative forms of expression throughout his life, from culinary arts (including some bewilderingly confusing, and sometimes surprisingly good tasting combinations), to building things from scratch (including help to build a sister's house–he contributed a lot on that project, in work and fun while doing the work), and repurposing items that otherwise might appear to have completed their usefulness; he could see and utilize potential in many things, as he did in people, and worked painstakingly to skillfully bring out the best as he saw it. For Justin, the harder the challenge, the greater the satisfaction in accomplishing whatever he tried his hand at. For a time he was a highly skilled machinist by trade and took great pride in his ability to exceed already high standards of precision in his work. He could draw a straight line early on and contemplated studying architecture and drafting during his junior and high school years. He loved to sketch, to show you what he was talking about (with a glint in his eye of excitement for you to catch his vision) and it was rare to find him without a pen or pencil behind his ear, most often alongside a baseball cap. As an avid and skilled Pinochle player, he loved the innate challenges and skill involved, and it was one of his own unspoken ways of spending time with family. He didn’t always verbalize his priorities, but when he made time to be with you, you could understand that he was there on purpose, and with purpose. From a young age he took up Korean martial arts training (with some siblings, and later mom and dad as well), which enhanced his natural strength and skills, amplified his natural desire and ability to defend others, and developed a deeper discipline to better control his immense physical strength. Justin was very good at baseball as a youth, though team sports turned out to not be his favorite form of competition. Our brother enjoyed cooking up surprises as a way to show his love and affection, sometimes enlisting the help of one to surprise another, who was also enlisted, to surprise the first collaborator–the more complex the surprise and challenge, the better! Justin gave generously of himself throughout his life, and always saw the good in others, even when he couldn’t see it in himself. Justin learned early on, and fully embraced as he explored, his ability to skillfully color outside the lines, and to think outside the box. From the get-go, he broke a long-standing run by being the first child in our family to be born in an odd year, he was the first of his siblings to be born more than two years apart, and he was also the first of two to be born at home. Growing up with so many siblings Justin found it particularly difficult to feel and see how he fit into our large family, but because he was always so good at connecting with each of his family members, we knew he fit in just by being himself. Always the protector, he was a natural magnet for those who felt weak or vulnerable, he was one who children instinctively knew they were safe with, and animals knew he would help them if he could. Though not physically able to serve our country in the military by the time he was old enough to do so, his heart was red white and blue, and he embraced and deeply loved freedom throughout his life. Through heart-wrenching tragedy and tremendous challenges in life, Justin managed over time to turn his pain into more power to help others, and give of himself to the people he cared about, and that meant just about everyone. When recently asked why he hadn't gotten upset over something that seemed important at the time, he responded that it was one of the little things, and the little things just don't matter. Our beloved Justin is preceded in death by his kindred spirit mother, Donna Elizabeth Hoover (Hemsley), and beloved fiancée, Ashleigh Sargent. Justin is survived by his father, David Lee (Glenda) Hemsley, and his seven siblings, seven nieces, six nephews, and one grand-nephew: Richard (Chelsea) Hemsley, Mathew Bell, Aurika, Xyla, Alyx; Melody Hansen, Michael & Collyn DeGuarra, Chelsea & Megan Hansen; Jill (Robert) Mott, Adam; Teresa (David) Robarts; Ryan; Amy (Benjamin) Stewart, Rosella, Emily, Peter, Mary, Patrick; Darren. Justin loved–and thus was passionate about–being a brother, cousin, and uncle, a friend and a bodyguard, defender of justice, and defender of the innocent. He wanted people to believe in themselves and feel better about life, and especially themselves, for having known him, by helping them find their own inner voice and strength. He is grieved by many who knew him as a friend, because friends were always family to him. Justin’s lasting impact and legacy will continue in the lives of each of his family members, extended family, loved ones, friends, and the few precious little ones who were blessed to be loved by him like his own children. We love you forever, BOBB! We hope you're having some good laughs with mom/Grandma/Nana. Thank you for being ours, and for watching out for us until we meet again.

Tributes

Justin Don Hemsley

March 2, 1987 - March 19, 2025