ANDREW ACE

Andrew Scott “Drew” Ace died June 27, 2008 as the result of an accident at his Big Lake home. Services were held July 2 in Palmer, with the Rev. Micky Boyer as officiant. A private internment of his ashes followed at the Pioneer Cemetery.

Ace was born Dec. 16, 1979 to Kathleen McKelvey and John Ace in Harrisburg, Penn. His family returned to Alaska before his first birthday, and he made the Valley his home for the rest of his life.

Ace attended high school in Sutton and Palmer, and worked most of his life in the construction trades, most recently for Wesgro Drywall in Wasilla.

Ace and his wife Susan, nee’ Norberg, began their relationship in October of 1999 and were inseparable from that point on. They married Jan. 1, 2003.

Ace’s greatest passion was fishing. “Even as a child, you knew if you couldn’t find him, you could just go down to the river and he’d be there all by himself — fishing,” his family wrote. He also enjoyed carving ivory and creating unique wooden furniture from the remnants of the Miller’s Reach fire.

Ace had many struggles and challenges in his short life, his family said. He met every one of them head-on, with such strength and determination that those who knew him respected him even more. The family agrees there will be a huge void in their lives without Ace’s smile, his unique sense of humor and his tough-mindedness.

Ace is survived by his loving wife, Susan, of Big Lake; son Brandon of Soldotna; step-children Thomas, Jeremy, Shannon, Amanda and Sierra of Big Lake; parents Kathleen McKelvey and John Ace of Palmer; siblings Jene’ (David) Hodges of Palmer, Matthew (Joe Dea) of Valdez, Angela (John) Marden of Palmer, Troy (Isis) Ace of Palmer and Robin Ace of Wasilla; grandson Bryson “Pumpkin-Head Jr.;” and 18 nephews and nieces, all of Alaska.

Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory assisted the family.