Stanley Vlahovich Jr., of Palmer, died Nov. 14, 2009, at home.

Stan was born on June 3, 1958, in Anaconda, Mont., to the late Georgia and Stanley Vlahovich Sr.  He graduated from Anaconda Central High School, Montana School of Mines and the University of Montana.

Stan had a long-time career in forestry and fire, starting with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. In 2001, he fulfilled a life-long dream of moving to Alaska, where he worked as a stewardship forester for the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. He was well known within the fire community. Stan met Jeanne, whom he called his “lovely wife,” in 1981 and they were married in 1982, making a family with Jeanne’s daughter Kim. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and participating in his hobbies of hunting, fishing and traditional archery. He loved to learn and share his knowledge. He will be missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Surviving Stan are his wife, Jeanne; daughter and son-in-law, Kim (Joel) Albea, of Sheridan, Wyo.; grandsons, Brandon and Evan Albea; and his brother, Robert Vlahovich.

Services will be held at Kehl’s Funeral Home in Palmer, Alaska, today, Nov. 22, at 2 p.m. with a potluck celebration of life held afterwards at the Elks Club. An additional service will be held in Montana at a later date to be announced.

Memorials can be made to the Traditional Archers of Alaska (c/o Vikki Gross, HC 31, Box 5147, Wasilla, AK, 99654), or to a local Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation chapter.