Dana W. Wilson

Dana W. Wilson, 47, died Nov. 13, 2010.

Dana was born May 27, 1963, and raised in Alaska, residing in the Valley close to family and friends. He was a loner with a pioneer and ever-restless gypsy spirit. He was brilliant and always thirsting for knowledge, enlightenment and new things to learn.

He loved the outdoors, hunting, “4-bying” up mountains, glaciers and across rivers, and was always up for the next road-trip with family and friends. He was a Local 302 operator, commercial truck driver, mechanic extraordinaire and a real ladies’ man. Charismatic and entertaining, he always regaled all with the latest tale.

Dana had troubles in this world, but hung on and overcame them. It was important to him to pass on the knowledge and wisdom he had gained from the fiery trials he walked through. He was purposeful and exuberant about giving counsel to those who would listen and who he could keep from the same trials.

“Family, friends, their wellbeing, love and joy in life were important to him,” his family wrote. “He was taken from us too early at 47 — just when he could begin to express his deep, heartfelt love and appreciation for those around him. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered for his contribution to our lives.”

He is survived by two brothers, Pete and Larkin; two sisters, Debbie and Patti-Ann; nieces, Atlantis, Jennye, Isabella and Autumn; uncle, Phil Plack; aunt, Phyllis Wilson; the Ed Carney family of Washington state; and his good friends, who made the most difference at the greatest time in his life.

A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m., Nov. 27 at Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel, 1015 South Check Street, Wasilla. Condolences or contact can be made with the family via the following e-mail address: pattiannwilson@yahoo.com.