ALBERT PHILIP SMEEDEN

Wasilla resident Albert "Pip" Smeeden, 45, died Dec. 8, 2002, at his mother's home in Anchorage.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. at the Palmer Elks Lodge, 2600 N. Barry's Resort Road in Palmer.

Mr. Smeeden was born Oct. 10, 1957, in Sacramento, Calif. He moved to Anchorage in 1984 and then to Wasilla in 1992.

He worked in the construction business for many years. Most recently he was employed with VECO.

Is family remembers, "Pip grew up in Sacramento, Calif. He began competitive swimming at three years old and by high school he held many state swimming records. He moved to Alaska to be near his mother and sisters. In 1993, he married Ellen. The importance of family in his life continued to grow. He was the proud father of three beautiful children whom he adored. He showed pictures of his children to everyone and bragged about them at every chance he got. Pip was also an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed camping with his family. Playing pool was another of his passions. Pip was known for his generosity and love for helping others."

Mr. Smeedon was preceded in death by his father, Albert "Bert" Smeeden and his sister, Cynthia "Thia" Smeeden. He is survived by his wife Ellen Smeeden; daughter Healy; and his twin sons, Austin and Aaron, of Wasilla. He is also survived by his mother Joy Ellis-Ritter; sister Sydney Brown and her husband Richard Brown; nephews, Sean Smeeden and Wyatt Brown of Anchorage; as well as many other nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pip Smeeden's Children's Memorial Fund at Key Bank, 1150 Colony Way, Palmer AK 99645, account No. 720322004097.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home.