Joshua N. Hathaway died on May 3 at his sister LuAnna’s house, surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was 38. He had fought a courageous battle with brain cancer over the past two years.

Josh was born on the Vineyard on July 19, 1979. He spent most of his childhood and young adult years on the Island and graduated from Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.

For all who knew him, he would be described as a “one of a kind” individual with many talents and interests. He had a large circle of friends he’d gathered over the years and was a very loyal and devoted friend. This was evident at the farewell party given for him at LuAnna’s house in Townsend on April 14. Friends and family came from near and far to celebrate Josh and spend some final precious time with him.

He loved to travel and did several cross-country trips, stopping to live in New Mexico for awhile and then California for a bit. He lived and worked in Boston and Hull for a time and also spent several months living in and exploring Hawaii. As much as he enjoyed his adventures, he always came home to the Vineyard. He was a hard worker often working two jobs. Though he tried his hand at many things, he usually came back to doing concrete formwork and/or landscaping.

Josh had many passions, the greatest of which was motorcycle riding. He loved the wind in his face and the sense of freedom it provided, but more than anything, he loved to go fast. He also loved fishing, boating, water sports and gaming. Following his first surgery, he would get up early in the morning and walk down to Katama Bay to watch the sunrise and an occasional fish jump. He appreciated the beauty of nature and the Vineyard.

Though Joshua’s time on Earth was cut short, he lived a full and adventurous life. As he was often known to say, “don’t talk about it. Be about it.”

He is survived by his parents, Gary Hathaway of Maine, Jessica Oliver of Vineyard Haven, and his stepmother Lynda Hathaway of Edgartown. He leaves behind his beloved sister LuAnna, her sons Desmond and Silas Pinkham and her husband David Rotondi of Townsend and devoted brothers Gary Jr., Brian and his wife Jamie, and Kevin Hathaway of Edgartown. Stephanie Cormier and Neal Fogarty of Townsend helped care for, love and entertain Josh in his last months. Also left behind are his grandmother Sandra O. Wells and her husband, Jim, of North Port, Fla., his uncle Jessie Oliver and his wife, Alison, his aunt Lizzie Jones, uncle John Jones, uncles Dana Gaines and Warren Gaines and his wife Debbie, cousins Karen, Molly, Wendy, Lisa, and Eric Hathaway, Jacob and Kayla Oliver, David, Joe, and Shelly Jones, Cassaundrea, Michaella, and Daniel Gaines, and April and Samantha Hargy. He was predeceased by his younger brother Timothy Joseph Hathaway.

He was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A celebration of Josh’s life will be held on Sunday, June 24, beginning with a motorcycle ride at 6 a.m. A gathering will take place at 9 a.m. at the Hathaway property on the Boulevard, at the bottom of 21st street in Edgartown, followed by a beach party and fireworks.

A gofundme account has been set up to help the family with expenses, or you can make a donation in his name to the charity of your choice.