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Gregory Duane Saxton
Soldotna resident Gregory Duane Saxton died Saturday, May 10, 2003, in a tragic accident at his home in Soldotna. He was 13.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date.
Greg was born Jan. 18, 1990, in Soldotna. He was an outgoing, caring, young man who never met a stranger. He was a lover of the outdoors, enjoying fishing and hunting. He had a passion for fishing and truly loved living on the Kenai River.
"Greg had just recently earned his brown belt in karate. His laughter and his love of life will be profoundly missed by his family and many friends, old and young alike, " his family said.
Greg is preceded in death by his grandparents, Alva and Dorothy Saxton.
He is survived by his parents, Bob and JoAnne Saxton of Soldotna; brother, Robbie of Soldotna; grandparents, Harold and Florence Cameron of Casa Grande, Ariz.; aunt, Sheri Cameron of Glendora, Calif.; and "Uncle Bill" Gavin of Soldotna.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Greg, to the International Shriners Headquarters, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607-1460 or to a charitable organization of choice.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
Judy Ann Miles
Former Kasilof resident Judy Ann Miles died Saturday, April 12, 2003. She was 52.
There will be a celebration of life for Ms. Miles on Sunday, May 25, at 405 Candlelight Drive in Kenai. For more information and directions, call Amanda at 283-4695 or Carla at 262-6873. Ms. Miles was cremated and her ashes will be kept with her family.
Ms. Miles lived in Kasilof off and on for many years. She loved the way of life here and being able to spend time with her many family members in the area. Most recently she lived in Clyde Park, Mont.
She enjoyed singing, dancing and planning events. Most of all she loved spending time with her friends and loved ones.
"She was a wonderful, bright and loving woman, " her family said.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Barbara and Junior Coker; son, Joseph Westerfield; nephew, Jared Galloway; and uncles, Jack Hatten and Buddy Hatten.
She is survived by her companion, John Williams; daughters, Stephanie Thomason and Amanda Westerfield; sisters, Carla Coker and Shirley Lesh; and eight grandchildren.
Paul Clayton Kelly
Soldotna resident Paul Clayton Kelly died Feb. 20, 2003, of leukemia at the veteran's hospital in Seattle, Wash. He was 67.
A gathering is planned to share, honor and celebrate Mr. Kelly. For information on the time, date and location of the gathering, contact 252-2024 or P.O. Box 3682, Soldotna, AK 99669.
Mr. Kelly was born June 3, 1935, in Boston, Mass. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1952 and served in Korea. He studied linguistics at Flathead Valley Community College in Montana.
Mr. Kelly came to Alaska in 1976 and lived in Kodiak for a short time before moving to the Funny River Road area. He worked in aviation electronics as a Marine and as a millwright in Montana. He managed the Tesoro gas station in Soldotna for many years and worked for Global Environmental Systems in oil refinement operations, which took him to many places in the state.
Mr. Kelly was a member of the NRA, the Universal Life Church Inc., and the Hawaii Cannabis Ministry. He enjoyed the computer game "Everquest, " crossword puzzles, gardening, science fiction, astronomy, panning gold, photography, chess, mushroom hunting, the game "Magic: The Gathering, " reading and feeding the local birds. His dogs B.B. and Spatswere like members of the family to him.
"Paul will be remembered by those who knew and loved him as one of the coolest guys that ever lived. He was a generous, loving father and dear friend. Intelligent and fond of knowledge, he was interested in many things. He liked imaginative and creative things like fantasy and art, and was intrigued by the sciences and what might be possible in the future. He enjoyed being a character in the virtual world of Everquest, and had many exciting times there. Of all the works and types of art that he admired, he may have found a beautiful female form to be the most wonderful and pleasing.
"He loved language and word play and had a wonderful way with them in his conversation and thought. He enjoyed collecting and posting clever quotes of wisdom and humor. He was independent in thought and in lifestyle and was irked by what he saw as foolish or meddlesome, be it in government or elsewhere. He believed in the right to keep and bear arms. Almost all of his 25- plus years in Alaska he lived tucked into the woods out off Funny River Road away from the amenities and hubbub of town. Paul was not particularly devoted to any religious faith, but he never wholly discounted the possibility of some sort of hereafter, maybe even one where true justice is done. He was many things - gruff, warm, tough, loose, charming, exuberant, funny, great and small. A formidable opponent at Trivial Pursuit, a tireless putterer, his spaghetti and 'cranban' preserves and many other things that he did and was, will be missed. It is hard to lose him, but we are glad we had him and have him still in our hearts and in ourselves, " his family said.
Mr. Kelly is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Amanda of Soldotna; and son Daniel of Anchorage and his family of Amy and Patrick; and several friends who were like brothers and sisters.
K. Darrell Rogers
(Kenton) Darrell Rogers, 58, died Friday, May 23, 2003, at his home in Seward following his battle with lung cancer. He was 58.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 30, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Seward.
Mr. Rogers was born Jan. 15, 1945, in Medford, Ore., to Dora and Art Rogers. He graduated from Eagle Point High School in Eagle Point, Ore. He came to Alaska and settled in Seward in 1978. He was a member of Seward Elks Lodge No. 1773 and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
He worked as a musician, playing guitar professionally from the age of 18 in Oregon, California, Colorado and Nevada through his tenure in Alaska. His music is what brought him to Alaska in 1977 when he was hired to play in Soldotna "for six weeks." He fell in love with Alaska immediately and couldn't leave. He moved to Seward in January 1978 and played music at Solly's Lounge, the Pioneer Bar and Tony's Bar. That summer he went to work for Seward Trading Co. as its "live butcher" and worked there for 10 years. In 1988, Darrell went into business in the Pioneer Bar and Frontier Restaurant until 1989. From 1989 to 1998, he and his wife, Kim, owned and operated Dreamland Bowl. Since retirement, he worked summers for Parks and Recreation, played music with "Glacier Country" and spent precious time with his family.
"Darrell was a kind-hearted man with high values and ethics. Highest on his priority list was family. He was a loving father to his children, each of them loving him for his strength, heart and honesty. He was a devoted husband and best friend to his wife. His grandchildren all loved 'Papa' without reserve. He will be missed, " his family said.
He was known for his generosity, loving nature and sense of humor.
"He was the king of the one-liners!" said his son-in-law Greg Mercer. He shared his music talents with those who needed him. He played guitar for numerous weddings, funerals, fund-raisers and just about any occasion he was asked. One of his fondest memories was being asked to play for Jack and Nancy Sadusky's 50th anniversary party, "because he played for their 40th." He and his wife, Kim, were part of the local band, Glacier Country, with whom he played music and sang from 1994 up to the day he lost his voice in 2002. He has written and recorded several songs.
Mr. Rogers was preceded in death by his parents and older brother.
He is survived by his wife, Kim Kowalski-Rogers of Seward; their children and spouses, Jeremy and Wendy Rogers of Seward, Marti Garrett of Seward, Toni and Greg Mercer of Anchorage and Brady Garrett of Everett, Wash.; grandchildren, Zachary, Allison and Steven; sisters and brothers-in-law, Kay and Lee Hayes and Bobbie and Dale LeBlanc of Medford, Ore.; and many nieces and nephews in Alaska and Oregon.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial contributions be made in Mr. Rogers' name to the Polar Bear Jump-off Festival-American Cancer Society at P.O. Box 386, Seward, AK 99664.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
Robert Serge
Homer resident Robert Serge died in an ultralight accident Wednesday, May 21, 2003, at the Homer Airport. He was 45.
Memorial services will be held 7 p.m. Friday, May 30, at the Lands End Resort in the Quarter Deck Room. The Rev. Floyd Seekins will officiate.
Mr. Serge was born June 8, 1957, to Dominic and Janina Serge in Chicago.
"Rob's passion for life knew no bounds. He embraced all of life's challenges as adventures, pursuing excellence in all he did: in his work, his hobbies and in his relationships, " his family said. "Rob committed his life to the Lord as a young boy at his grandfather's funeral. He strove to follow his Lord Jesus and walk in God's enduring grace. His church families of Grace Bible Church in Homer and Fish Creek Community Church in Wisconsin played an integral role in his developing relationship with his Savior."
Rob loved his work as a builder of dovetail log homes. He enjoyed the process of artistically carving the dovetail joints to interlock together. Making pieces of life fit together for a beautiful purpose was his mind set. He knew all things work together for God's purpose and that God's plan is perfect, designed by unconditional love, enduring hope and saving grace.
Rob's passion for life extended to skydiving (he had 652 jumps), photography, hockey, music, playing guitar, hiking and his most recent discovery of ultralights. Rob always dreamed of flying and felt an ultralight was as close to a bird as one could get. He sought to learn all he could to prepare himself to fly. Over several months, Rob took lessons, read books, took classes and dreamed.
"His first solo flight ended tragically for those of us left behind, but he is now soaring the heavens with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, " his family said.
Rob had traveled all over the world and felt Homer was incomparable in its beauty and its people. Rob was a commercial fisher in Alaska in his early 20s, fishing out of Dutch Harbor and Homer. After Rob married Kathy, they moved from Wisconsin to Alaska in June 1993, beginning life here as newlyweds. They discovered an ideal spot out East End and together built their hand-hewn dovetail log home. As with all Rob's buildings, his legacy lives on through his work.
"Rob was dovetailed into many lives and the loss of him can only be filled with the love of God, " his family said.
Rob was the owner of Great Northern Logsmiths in Homer since 1993, Dovetail Bed and Breakfast in Homer since 1995, Imagery Imports in Fish Creek, Wisc., until 1992 and RS Carpentry in Egg Harbor, Wisc., until 1992. He had volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, as well as volunteering work for numerous people in need.
Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Janina Serge.
He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Katherine Serge of Homer; father, Dominic Serge of Ladylake, Fla.; brother and sister in-law, Al and Maria Serge of Chicago; and niece, Aileen Serge of Chicago.
Memorial contributions may be made in Robert's memory to P.O. Box 15023, Fritz Creek, AK 99603-6023.
Arrangements were made by the Homer Funeral Home.
Nancy Marvilene Upchurch
Former Anchorage resident Nancy Marvilene Upchurch died Saturday, May 24, 2003, at Heritage Place in Soldotna in the presence of family members. She was 79.
A memorial service for Mrs. Upchurch will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at Heritage Place.
Mrs. Upchurch was born Aug. 10, 1923, in Manchester, Texas, to Marvin W. and Fannie May (Johnston) Covington. She arrived in Whittier with her children aboard the USS O'Hara in 1957 to be with her husband, Joe, a civilian employee at the Army base. Mrs. Upchurch worked as civil servant for the U.S. Army while at Whittier and later at Fort Richardson from 1964 to 1975 while living in Anchorage.
In 1959, the Upchurches moved from the Port of Whittier Army base to Portage, where they operated Diamond Jim's bar and cafe, then moved to Anchorage in 1960. The Upchurches returned to Portage in 1961 to establish a home-site and operate the Portage Chevron Station and Cafe. Mrs. Upchurch acted as postmistress of Portage at the time of the great earthquake in 1964. Due to her outstanding service following the earthquake, carrying the mail by foot for over three months round-trip from Twenty Mile River to the Portage Glacier turnoff, she received a special award from John Gronouski, Postmaster General of USA, presented in the presence of then Governor William Egan on July 10, 1964. The Upchurches moved back to Manchester, Texas, when Joe retired in 1975. Mr. and Mrs. Upchurch established and operated the Pine Creek grocery and cafe, returning to Alaska in 1999 due to their declining health and to be with their children.
In retirement, Mrs. Upchurch enjoyed making and selling crafts, gardening and being with her family. She had a sharp sense of humor, a word of encouragement and a love of new adventure.
She was preceded in death by her son, Bobby, and by her husband, Joe.
She is survived by daughter, Nancy Nell Nelson of Soldotna; son, Billy Mac Upchurch of Eagle River; daughter, Karen Ann Higley of Baker, Ore.; son, Kenneth Ray Upchurch of Bandera, Texas; sister, Mary Frances Bailey of Plano, Texas; sister, Ann Lou Grimmett of Uniontown, Ohio; nine grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to Heritage Place, 232 Rockwell, Soldotna, AK 99669.
Gary H. Barnes
Gary H. Barnes of Sterling died Friday, May 30, 2003, at Central Peninsula General Hospital after a lengthy illness and complications from Hepatitis C. He was 46.
At Mr. Barnes' request, there will be no memorial service.
Mr. Barnes was born March 3, 1957, in Juneau to Harry and Nadine Barnes. He lived most of his adult life in the Kenai area.
"(We) will always remember him for his love for his dog, Rusty, and his four cats, also devotion to his many house plants and love of gardening. Gary had a wonderful sense of humor. He loved the Lord and we know he is with him now. His family will surely miss him, " his family said.
Mr. Barnes was preceded in death by his mother, Nadine, and brother, Johnny.
He is survived by his father, Harry F. Barnes of Soldotna; sister, Carole and husband, Rudy, Knopf of Lincoln, Neb; sister, Ginny and husband, Hector, Pe-a of Yucaipa, Calif.; brother, Randy and wife, Linda, Barnes of Kenai; brother, Larry and wife, Linda, Knaak of Wasilla; sister Nancy and husband, Henry, Haney of Nikiski; sister, Debbie and husband, John, Anderson of Kasilof; sister, Connie and husband, Mike, of Santee, Calif.; sister, Kimberly and husband, Bob, Najera of Pamona, Calif.; nephew, Bill and wife, Janet, Bushnell of Kenai; nephew, Tim Barnes of Juneau; niece, Lisa and husband, Bart, Boggan of Anchorage; niece, Christie Haney-Tweedy of Nikiski; nephew, Henry Haney of San Diego; niece, Jessica Taft of Ridgeway; niece, Brittney Taft of Bainbridge Island, Wash; nephew, Toby Tum Suden of Nikiski; niece, Angelique Tum Suden of Bainbridge Island; and many other nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Central Peninsula, 312 Tyee St., Suite 3, Soldotna, AK 99669 or to a charity of choice.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
George Andrew Coombes
Longtime Nikiski resident George Andrew Coombes died, Wednesday, May 28, 2003, at his home in Nikiski. He was 59.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, at the American Legion Post No. 20 in Kenai.
Mr. Coombes was born Dec. 1, 1943, in Aberdeen, Wash. He graduated from Moclips High School in 1961. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. He moved to Alaska in 1980 and worked all over Alaska as an electrician.
"George was friends with everyone and loved kids, " said his daughter, Kristina.
Mr. Coombes is survived by his significant other, Millie McDonald of Nikiski; daughters, Kristina Hodges of Anchorage, Dawn Coombes and Angel Vanier, both of Olympia, Wash.; grandson, Joshua Hodge of Anchorage; granddaughter, Abby Vanier of Olympia; sisters, Julia Dubois of Olympia and Becky Cormier of Oak Harbor, Wash.; and brothers, James Coombes of Seattle and John Coombes of Anchorage.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
