Eugene Carl “Butch” Varah, 74, died peacefully while sleeping Sept. 22 at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.

Gene was born Sept. 9, 1934 in Gillette, Wyo.

He served with the Air Force. In 1967 he became a resident of the Matanuska Valley. Gene came to Alaska to work on the Alaska Pipeline, he helped construct the Valdez terminal. Gene also worked for the railroad for several years. He was also a hunting and fishing guide in the ‘90s. Gene loved putting motors together, hunting, fishing and enjoying life. Gene is survived by his daughters Virgie Thompson of Houston, Valerie Ouellette of Willow, son Rodney Varah of Sutton, Dale Varah of Palmer, Loy-Dee Ballejos of Boise, Idaho; nine great-grand children and twelve grandchildren, four brothers and two sisters who live in the Lower 48.

Arrangements are with Kehl’s Palmer Mortuary. www.legacyalaska.com