David Charles Vigdahl

Longtime Alaska resident David Charles Vigdahl, 73, died Dec. 18, 2005, at Valley Hospital.

There will be no funeral, at Mr. Vigdahl's request. His wish was to be cremated and his ashes to be spread. A memorial celebration of his life will be announced later.

Mr. Vigdahl, son of David and Doris Vigdahl, was born June 26, 1932 in Mason City, Iowa. He moved to Alaska in 1945 with his mother. His dad came to Alaska in 1942 as a civilian contractor on the Al-Can. He stayed to work for the Alaska Road Commission.

The family stayed at ARC camps on the Richardson and Glenn highways, but called Palmer home.

Mr. Vigdahl was schooled in Palmer and, upon graduation, attended the Missouri School of Mines and the University of Washington.

He enjoyed school, but Alaska and construction were his first love. As a teenager he worked for his dad on various ARC projects. He also worked at a gold mine near Eureka.

Mr. Vigdahl started working in construction as a Teamster, then later joined the 302 Operating Engineers in 1960. He worked for numerous contractors throughout the state, building and rebuilding roads, airports and the trans-Alaska oil pipeline. He was part owner in his own construction company, Glacier Construction. Although he retired in 1995, his spare time was spent working around his home and yard. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and friends.

Mr. Vigdahl was a member of Pioneers of Alaska, a 50-year member of the Elks, spent many years as a Moose and belonged to the Mat-Su Sportsman's Club.

His family wrote, &#8220David will be missed (especially by his dog, Fritz) but he will be remembered by wonderful memories of a full, happy life.”

Mr. Vigdahl was survived by his loving wife, Rose Mary Vigdahl of Palmer; son, Scott Vigdahl of Wasilla; grandson, Chistopher Vigdahl of Wasilla; granddaughter, Autumn Vigdahl of Wasilla; sister-in-law, Rosemary Gilson Lull of Valdez; nephew, Kevin Lull of Valdez, and niece, Kena Lull of Valdez.