Bruce Edwin Braden

Bruce Edwin Braden, 54, passed away Dec. 21 at his home in due to a house fire.

There will be a memorial service in Friday at 2 p.m., at Christ First United Methodist Church at 5137 West Fairview Loop in Wasilla. Pastors Robert and Tori Hicks will officiate at the service.

Bruce was born on Nov. 10, 1955 in Lufkin, Texas to Edwin and Cecile Braden. He received his bachelors of arts in photo-journalism from SFA University in Nacogdoches, Texas.

In 1993, Bruce moved to Knik. He was involved in the community; he was on the Road Service Advisory Board and was a boy Scouts of America Assistant Scoutmaster. His hobbies included dog mushing, tin art, gardening and reading.

His family wrote, “A modest man with a big heart. He was a hero to the underdog, a champion without a trophy; he had a passion for helping others achieve their dreams and goals and never asking for anything in return. A true friend of castaways, giving them a new look on life, a messenger of the Lord. Bruce was a wonderful husband and friend and had room in his heart for all he met.”

Bruce is survived by his wife, Katharine (Kit) Braden of Knik; father, E.T. Braden of Lufkin, Texas; mother, Cecile Braden of Lufkin; sister and brother-in-law; Susan and Dale Ellison of Longview, Texas; sister and brother-in-law, Ginny and Neil Bowman of Pearland, Texas; nephew, Drew Ellison of Texas; nephew and his wife, Brad and Rosie Ellison of Texas; nephew, Matthew Bowman of Pearland; nephew, Scott Bowman of Pearland.

He was preceded in death by his uncle, Brad Braden, maternal grandmother, Mary Hoskins, and his loyal friend and lead dog, Buddy.

Bruce’s ashes will be scattered on Knik 200 Sled Dog Race Trail.

Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla is caring for the family.