Jewish Community Alliance honors Eiffel Gilyana with life event

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Family and friends celebrated the life of a Jacksonville canoeist Sunday.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Jewish Community Alliance to share stories about how 46-year-old Eiffel Gilyana impacted their lives.

Gilyana disappeared on Dec. 23, 2023 while paddling near Vilano Beach. He was found dead three days later in South Ponte Vedra Beach.

“He always kept it positive and was just glad to be here,” said Gilyana’s friend, Rio Robinson.

Eiffel Gilyana’s friend and co-worker Rio Robinson told a crowd of hundreds, you could always tell when he walked into a room from two things: His beaming smile and the smell of sardines.

Robinson fittingly started the speech about his friend by cracking open a can, because it was Gilyana’s favorite snack, and he seemingly was always eating them.

Sardines weren’t the only thing Gilyana took with him anywhere he went – his friends and loved ones told the crowd he always had a positive attitude, a passion for fitness and love for his family.

“He had so much love and appreciation for life,” said Robinson.

Tears and laughter filled the room as folks remembered Gilyana who tragically died during a canoe trip the weekend before Christmas.

Gilyana served as the director of fitness and wellness at the Jewish Community Alliance, where CEO Adam Chaskin says he helped countless people meet their goals.

“No matter how full his plate was, he always found time to give you the individual attention,” Chaskin told First Coast News. “I think things like this, help the family further understand what a huge impact he had in our community.”

Gilyana’s son, Joseph, says he’ll try to smile through everyday, just as his father always did.

“He can look at any situation, no matter how downhill it’s going, and figure out exactly what needs to be done to turn it around,” said Gilyana.

Chaskin says the JCA plans to add a permanent memorial to honor Gilyana.