Daniel K. Kay

Daniel K. Kay, 79, died Sept. 16, 2013.

He was born Oct. 19, 1933, and lived a wonderfully full life filled with many adventures. He was a great pilot and flew a number of times from Alaska to the Lower 48. He was a hunter, providing the meat for his family from the age of 9. He even took his wife of 55 years hunting on their honeymoon, him a country boy and she a big-city girl.

They were Alaska residents since 1982. He was a commercial tile setter since 1958 and was a union member for more than 50 years. He has “left his mark” in a few places in this state. To mention just a very few: Fifth Avenue Mall, Alyeska Prince Hotel, military jobs on all bases in Alaska, Seward Hospital, six or more schools in Wasilla (his place of residence) and more in Anchorage and Bush villages.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Steven and Violet Kay; brothers, Robert and Paul; and his faithful companion of the last 13 years, his dog Benjamin.

Surviving are his wife, Jean; son, Roland; daughter-in-law, Carrie; grandchildren, Zachary and Kassandra; his daughter Adamy; grandchildren, Brandy Strong-Adamy and Cody Adam; son, Steve; daughter-in-law Lynn McCormick; his two dachshunds, Miss Penny and Mr. Bits, whom he had as bed partners (his kids could not believe it at first). He had a large extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Dan and his sons, and the ones who adopted him as “Dad,” helped him construct some beautiful homes in the Wasilla area. His sense of humor was dry and he enjoyed tripping people up. He was loved by all he worked with for 50-plus years. He was still setting tile and could still get down on his hands and knees when he retired at age 74. He proposed to his wife Jean the second time he saw her. She laughed and said he was nuts or out of his ever-loving mind. He won her over and we thank him for that to this day. I love you Daniel.

A potluck celebration of life is from 3:30 to 8 p.m., Oct. 13 at the Palmer Elks Club on Finger Lake off Bogard Road, 2600 N. Barry’s Resort Dr., Wasilla.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wasilla Hospice.

Arrangements were with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory.