CLAUDE FATE BRANKS

Claude Fate Branks, 61, died Monday, Jan. 17, 2005.

A memorial service officiated by Tony James will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 20, at Tug Bar at Goose Bay Inn, Mile 18.5 Knik-Goose Bay Road, Wasilla. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so at that time to the Knik-MacKenzie-Bay Lions Club or send it to KMB Lions, P.O. Box 877638, Wasilla, AK 99687.

Mr. Branks was born Oct. 28, 1943, in Buncombe County, N.C. He was diagnosed with cancer in March 2004 and fought desperately to hang onto life. He had been a resident of Wasilla since 2000.

Mr. Branks was a Mason and master tile setter, past member of the Brick Layers Union in Anchorage, a qualified consultant with Party Lite Gifts and an active member of Knik-MacKenzie-Bay Lions Club, Wasilla and most recently a cook at Tug Bar at Goose Bay Inn.

He volunteered his time on numerous projects, to include giving his expertise and time to construct the World War II Veterans Memorial, 11th Air Force Division at Merrill Field.

His loved ones wrote, "Claude loved life, fishing and riding his four-wheeler. He was always there to lend a hand whenever help was needed."

He is survived by his mother, Alice Bates Branks; and, in his words, "best friend, soulmate and guardian angel, Esther Baker; daughter, Deanna Hardy, and her husband, James, of Flat Rock, N.C.; chosen sons, Bobby and Ray Roberts; sisters, Joann Baltzo, Carolyn Moore and Marie Martinson; brothers, Gene Childers and Michael Branks; grandchildren, Breanna and James Hardy and Bobby, Jacob, Casey, Huston and Walker Roberts; many nieces and nephews, and many close friends and chosen family members here in Alaska.

His father, Andy Branks, and his brother, Forrest Branks, preceded him in death.