Bradley James Merkt and Brian Ricky Lee Quammen

Bradley James Merkt, 22, and his cousin Brian Ricky Lee Quammen, 27, died May 8, 2012, after a head-on collision in Canada.

Bradley was born Nov. 7, 1989, to Dale and Kathy Merkt in Oklahoma, where he was raised. He moved to Alaska in January 2007 with his parents, who owned North Bowl in Wasilla for a long time. After working for the bowling alley, Brad worked at the Wasilla Fred Meyer.

Bradley was an amazing young man who had a passion for life. He enjoyed Alaska’s outdoors, often going fishing, hiking, camping, four-wheeling and shooting. He loved his car and its loud music with bass. He loved to hang with friends playing pool, Frisbee golf, Xbox and playing pranks on friends and family. He would always have a good joke to tell and a way to get you laughing and smiling.

Surviving are his parents, Dale and Kathy Merkt; sister, Jennifer Merkt of Glenpool, Okla.; great-grandmother, Gloria Weimer; grandparents, Ray and Helen Merkt of New York; grandfather, Don Soderquist of Bixby, Okla.; grandparents, Jim and Nilah Smith of Inola, Okla.; and many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

Brian was born Sept. 22, 1984, to Chris and Denise Quammen in Oklahoma.

He was raised in Beggs, Okla., and enjoyed his job as a machinist. He had a strong relationship with his God, making it obvious to everyone.

He loved to play the drums, go four-wheeling and camping with his brother and coordinate family get-togethers and cookouts.

Surviving are his parents, Chris and Denise Quammen of Beggs, Okla.; brothers, Chris Quammen Jr. of Beggs, Okla., and Matthew Quammen of Bixby, Okla.; sisters, Pam Quammen of Bixby, Okla., Jessica Quammen of Beggs, Okla., and Angie Dyer of Beggs, Okla.; grandparents, Don Soderquist of Bixby, Okla., and Jim and Nilah Smith of Inola, Okla.; and many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life is from 1 to 3 p.m., May 20 at the Wasilla Lake pavilion. This will be a casual dress potluck.

The family asks for financial donations to help with funeral and other related costs. Donations will be accepted at North Bowl, 3650 Palmer-Wasilla Hwy., during business hours at the front counter and at the services on Sunday.