Peninsula loses a pioneer

The Kenai Peninsula recently lost an Alaska Pioneer. He requested no memorial, funeral or tears, saying “I am just a man.” Born on the East Coast, he was a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. A World War II veteran, he joined the Army, was stationed in the South Pacific, landed on Iwo Jima and saw the American flag raised both times. He moved to Alaska in 1964, rebuilt the telephone switch house for the Kenai Peninsula, and commercial fished Cook Inlet. He was hard working, kind, quiet, patient and witty.

Each New Year’s, he toasted the New Year with his wife — 67 times. For 2016, raise a glass in his honor.