Rexford “Rex” L. Hunter , 75, of Wasilla, died unexpectedly at home on April 26. Rex was born in Klamath Falls, Ore., in 1933 to Rexford Lee and Mabel Miller Hunsuker.

Displaying a green thumb at an early age, he grew his own victory garden and shared his many prizes with the neighbors. No stranger to hard work, he had adolescent responsibilities ranging from bucking hay to working in the family business.

Rex proudly served in the Navy in the Korean War on both submarines and surface ships, returning with several ribbons. After the military, he pursued his advanced engineering and safety education as well as reconnecting with his family’s Alaska heritage. Dating from the early 1900s his family owned and mined the Independence, Mabel, Lucky Shot and various other gold mines in the Willow area. During his early years in Alaska, he worked for the Corps of Engineers building Dew lines across the state and establishing runways on Elmendorf AFB. For some 15 years, Rex returned to the Lower 48 where he continued his education while working as a sheriff in Fresno, Calif. Here, he cultivated his love of flying into a reality by piloting search-and-rescue operations.

Given a job opportunity to return to Alaska, Rex worked at Prudhoe Bay as the senior safety engineer for ARCO retiring after many years of enjoyed service.

After retirement, he cherished his time with family and friends, enjoyed the great outdoors, flying and operating a B and B. Rex loved bowling with the “Frisky Seniors” and the “Over the Hill” gang; was a member of the Pioneers of Alaska and served on the board of his local fire department.

Rex will be remembered for his quick wit, generous heart and his love of friends and family.

Rexford “Rex” L. Hunter is survived by his partner Patricia Fleming, son Rex Hunter and wife Judy of Wasilla and grandchildren, Tyler Hunter, Carlee Hunter and Amanda Hunter. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary “Miki” Hunter; parents; and grandson, Steven Hunter.

A memorial service with military honors will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Valley Funeral Home Chapel, 151 E. Herning Ave., Wasilla.