CALVIN Z. RATHBUN

Wasilla resident Calvin Zay Rathbun, 79, died at his home Jan. 14, 2004.

Graveside services will be held at Fort Richardson National Cemetery on Tuesday at 2 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Stu Ramstad, Phil Ramstad, George Pitrawke, Herman Gates, John Harris, Dennis Gould and Thomas Snow.

Mr. Rathbun was born Aug. 6, 1924, in Ft. Pierre, S.D.

He spent much of his life in the mining and construction industries, working on projects from Hawaii to Barrow.

Mr. Rathbun was a veteran of World War II and was the recipient of the Philippine Liberation Medal, Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medal. He served as a sergeant, squad leader and as a 30-caliber machine gunner.

His family wrote, "He was a great husband, father, grandfather and a good friend to all who knew him."

His step-daughter, Stella, wrote that Cal was the kindest man she ever knew. He loved her children, Janell, Shayla and little Cal, and was the best grandpa to them, taking them for car rides to feed the ducks, going to all their little league games and always being there for them. "He allowed the kids to drive his car (against their mother's wishes) around the block, even though they had to sit on his lap. Cal was very much loved by them all and will be missed so very much," she wrote.

He was preceded in death by his son Robert who died in service in Vietnam, and by his good friend Niel Beaton.

Mr. Rathbun is survived by his wife of 29 years, Helen, and his children Richard, Randy and Ronald; step-children Herman, Martha, Stella, John, Jo and Donne; and many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.