Clayton S. Holzl, 53, died May 2, 2008, at his Houston home. Friends and acquaintances are invited to attend the memorial service, officiated by the Rev. Henry Woodall, at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14 at the Wasilla First Presbyterian Church, 1375 E. Bogard Road. There will be a remembrance celebration with his family and friends at the Houston Founders’ Day fireworks show on Saturday, Aug. 16.

Holzl was born Nov. 27, 1954 in Pasadena, Calif., where he attended Flintridge Preparatory School and La Canada High School in La Canada, Calif., Pasadena City College, and the University of Alaska Anchorage after coming to Alaska in 1982.

He was a licensed professional pyrotechnician, working in fireworks shows and sales. He was also a licensed hazardous waste technician who had an exceptional understanding of chemistry. He was a gun enthusiast, who also enjoyed fishing, and in his youth, enjoyed hang gliding and scuba diving, his family said. “We will miss him terribly, but will always keep him close in our thoughts,” his family wrote.

Holzl is survived by his mother, brother, sister, niece, nephew, grandniece, and numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles. His beloved father preceded him in death in 2006.

 His ashes will be interred at the Wasilla-Aurora Cemetery.

 Further information may be obtained by e-mailing clay_holzl_memorial@hotmail.com

 Valley Funeral Homes & Crematory of Palmer and Wasilla assisted the family.