Richard Truett, husband, father, brother and grandfather, died Aug. 12, 2009, in his home in Big Lake as the result of cancer, with his wife of 43 1/2 years, Joan, at his side.

A celebration of life will be held Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Palmer Elks Lodge, 2600 N. Barrys Resort Road, Wasilla. At a later date his ashes will be spread in the mountains that he loved in Healy.

Richard was born March 27, 1943, to Robert and Lois Truett in Stockton, Calif., the fifth of 10 children. Richard has been in Alaska since his family moved here from California when he was a young boy. He enjoyed all that Alaska had to offer from boating, fishing, hunting, guiding, trapping, snowmobiling, motorcycle racing and even as a musher as a teen. His favorite places to spend time were at Lake Louise and Fielding Lake with friends and family.

Richard married the love of his life, Joan Irene Harrison, on Jan. 15, 1966, in Fairbanks. They had two children, Linda and Daniel. Richard and Joan made Healy their home, where they raised their family and enjoyed life. After retirement, they traveled and then made their home in Big Lake. Richard worked as a heavy equipment operator for the city of Fairbanks, Usibelli Coal Mine and briefly with McKinley National Park before returning to Usibelli Coal Mine until his retirement in 1992. Richard was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, member of the Teamsters Union, Elks Lodge in Fairbanks and Palmer.

He is survived by his wife, Joan, of Big Lake; daughter, Linda, and her husband Brian Winner of Anchorage; son Daniel and his wife Beth Truett of Palmer; and four grandchildren, Christian Winner, Bradley Truett, Haley and Tanner Brewster; as well as his sister Alice Johnson of Illinois, Dorothy Valdon of California, Margaret Eklund of Iowa, Donald Truett of Arizona and James Truett of Ireland, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Richard will be greatly missed by all.

Richard was preceded in death by his loving mother Lois, beloved father Robert, sister Rose Marie Truett Denmark, brother Robert “Skippy” Truett and sister Lois Marie Truett.

The family asks that if you would like to make a donation that it be made to the Palmer Elks BPOE 1852 in memory of Richard Truett.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Hasara family at the Cremation Society of Alaska. An online guest book can be signed at www.alaskacremation.com.