Anthony J. Dampier

Anthony J. Dampier, 77, died Dec. 6, 2012, at his residence in Wasilla.

A “Wind in the Willows”-inspired celebration of life for Tony’s family and friends is planned next summer.

Tony was born in Liverpool, England, on Nov. 11, 1935. Throughout his life, Tony worked and excelled in a variety of occupations, from merchant banking in London to owning and operating two commercial fishing trawlers in Scotland — the “Andrea” and the “Katie-Jo” — to holding general manager positions in engineering companies in Saudi Arabia for more than 30 years. Tony and his family settled in Alaska after having been evacuated from the Middle East in 2004.

Tony was known for his wry sense of humor, dedicated work ethic, ability to solve complex engineering problems, his love of the outdoors and for his role as a teacher to all who knew him. Tony was a world traveler and took great pride in teaching his daughters about different cultures throughout the world. Tony was still a Bedouin at heart, however, and stayed true to the saying, “you can take a Bedouin out of the desert, but you can’t take the desert out of a Bedouin.” Tony carried this sentiment with him as far as Alaska, along with the respect of all the people and cultures he came across.

Surviving are his loving wife, Christina Dampier; daughters, Morgan and Haley of Wasilla, Jo of Spain, Lita of Australia, and Andrea of England; sons-in-law, Kerry of Spain, Des of Australia and Mabby of England; nephews, Ian Dampier of New Zealand and Robin Dampier of Australia; and five grandchildren, Kirin, Olly, Joe, Gavin and Heather.