Arthur A. Allaire

Arthur A. Allaire, 84, died Nov. 22, 2012.

He was born Dec. 26, 1927, in Lawrence, Mass.

Art proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Anchorage, where he met and married Hazel in 1948. They were married for 64 years. He retired in 1967 from his last station at Andrews Air Force Base, where he finished raising his children. He returned to Alaska in 1999 to live with his daughter when his wife’s health was deteriorating.

He will be remembered as a man who loved his family, enjoyed church, driving a nice car, playing cards, playing the harmonica, singing and shooting pool. He was a good-natured jokester who liked playing Santa Claus (with his Santa shape, he was a hit).

In February of this year he moved to the Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home in Palmer because of his worsening chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He enjoyed roaming the halls in his electric wheelchair and flirting with the pretty ladies of all ages. His family is very grateful for the caring professionals at the home.

He told one of his daughters Jesus was his best friend.

Surviving are his loving family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Glenne and Rick Ralls of Wasilla; Rick T., Hunter and Olivia Ralls of Anchorage; Sherry and Travis, Brock, Triston, Delaney and Jada Humble of Wasilla; Lisa and Gary Samuelson; Sharla and Berto, Bella, Gianna, Giancarlo and Luca Oliveri; Tammi Samuelson; Jeremy and Sarah Samuelson of California; Marty and John Petitt, Jodi, Richard, Maya, Gavin, Nolan and Sadie Dennis of Texas; Joshua Jenkins of California; Jodi Allaire; and Aaron Allaire, Grace, Shoshanna, Alex, Tristen, Sophia and Alana Allaire of Maryland.