Jesse Alexander Thayer of Vineyard Haven died peacefully on Feb. 16 after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. He was at home and surrounded by family and loved ones. He was 35.

He was born April 18, 1987 in Danvers. He was the oldest son of the late James Appleton Thayer and Lori J. Sukach Thayer. He was raised in Gloucester and graduated from Gloucester High School in 2005.

Before and after that, he worked many different jobs but most recently he found his calling in landscaping. He joined The Avant Gardener team approximately five years ago. He told people it was “the most prestigious landscaping company on the Island.” After just after two years of showing off his determination and leadership qualities, he was promoted to team leader. He was loved by his co-workers and clients alike and owner and good friend Ryan White described Jesse’s work ethic as unmatched.

To know Jesse was to love him. He was not only a hard worker, he was a kind, generous and driven man as well as being an amazing son, brother, friend and husband. He truly had a heart of gold for all people and all of his dear pets. He had a passion and knowledge for hip hop and was a hip hop connoisseur.

He loved being active and enjoyed riding his bicycle. He excelled at boarding and was an avid longboarder and skateboarder, willing to teach anyone who wanted to learn. He loved the beach in the summertime and dominated ultimate frisbee games.

He had a smile that could light up any room he entered. He brightened the day just by being a part of it and brought positivity to the party. He will be sorely missed by all the countless friends and acquaintances he has procured over his lifetime.

Jesse is survived by his loving wife Katherine H. Vincent of Vineyard Haven; his maternal grandmother Phyllis Sukach of Cape Coral, Fla.; his brother Steven Thayer and his fiancé Erica James of Windham, N.H.; sisters Kelly Thayer of Edgartown and Stephanie Dodge of Peabody; and many uncles, aunts and cousins.

He will be interred at 2 p.m. on April 22 at his family plot in Ipswich.

Memorial contributions may be made to the MV Skate Park, P.O. Box 1297, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 or to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1748, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.