Big Lake resident, Steven M. (Frenchy) LaPorte, 51, died of cancer Sept. 26 at his home in Big Lake. A memorial service will be held Friday at 1 p.m. with a public viewing to be held Wednesday between 1 and 4 p.m., both to take place at Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel, 1015 S. Check St. in Wasilla.

Steve was born March 7, 1958 in Duluth, Minn.

He moved to Alaska in February 1985 with his wife and daughter. Steve worked all over Alaska in the oil industry and was the Safety Officer at Nordic-Calista Services, Inc. in Anchorage for the past eight years.

He loved camping, fishing, hunting and pulling the kids around on the sled or just sitting with his family and friends around a big bonfire. Steve loved grilling outdoors and was known as The Grill Master. He was also known for baking the best pecan pie. He also loved fixing things around the house and loved Western movies, especially those with John Wayne in them.

Steve was a true warrior and he loved Alaska. He thought of a warrior as an individual who is so prepared to face the challenge before him and believes so strongly in the cause he is fighting for that he refuses to quit. During his four-year battle with cancer, Steve never quit and his spirit was never conquered.

His family wrote: “Steve was an exceptional son, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He lived for his family and spent all his free time with them. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a great spirit about him. His love and comfort will be greatly missed by all of those who knew him.”

He was preceded in death by his mother, Barb LaPorte and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia LaPorte of Big Lake; daughters, Sierra Beaty of Wasilla, Lanae LaPorte of Big Lake, Victoria LaPorte of Big Lake; daughter and son-in-law, Erica and Ryan Simmons of Big Lake; son, Dawson LaPorte of Big Lake; granddaughters, Alyssa, Faith and Autumn Beaty of Big Lake; grandsons, David Beaty III and Jarrison Simmons of Big Lake; father, Leslie LaPorte of Ocala, Fla.; brother, John LaPorte of Little Falls, Minn.; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many, many friends.

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel in Wasilla