David Gonzales (Durty Dave)

Talkeetna resident David Gonzales, 66, died peacefully March 25, 2014, at his sister’s in Big Lake.

He was born Dec. 15, 1947, in Van Nuys, California. In 1950, David, known as “Dirt” to his closest family and friends, relocated to Alaska; later serving in the Navy.

Famous for his Mexican food, David also enjoyed motorcycles, ATVs, animals, tinkering, woodworking, gunsmithing and crafting moose turd novelties.

His family said, “David will be missed and remembered by family, friends and brothers that know and love him unconditionally. His “unique” temperament, his big, giving heart and his faithfulness in being a lifetime friend ... no matter what.”

David was preceded in death by his father, Joe Gonzales, and many brothers.

Surviving family from Anchorage are his wife, Bev Gonzales; daughter and son-in-law, Marcilena and David Bedard; and daughter, Alicia Gonzales; his Big Lake family includes his mother, Connie Perkins; sister, Teresa “Teddy” Gonzales; brother-in-law, Tom Fenner; niece, nephew-in-law and great-nieces, Dana, Erick, Danielle, Rylee and Jaydin Wilkerson; in Wasilla, niece and great-nephew, Brandy and Joe Sakis.

In Kansas City, his sister and brother-in-law, Rebekah and Kevin Kurz; in Pennsylvania, his nephew and great-nieces, Carl, Maddy and Nikki Kurz; in California, aunts, Lilly Viveros, Mary Gonzales and Celia Baltazar, and cousins, Brenda Viveros, Marcia Cajiga, Frances Baltazar and Angel Lujun; in Connecticut, nephew and great-niece, Terry “Bear” and Cierra Gonzales; many “nephews” and many brothers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at any branch of Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union and shared branching with Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union, Account #145560.

A celebration of life and potluck is from 2 to 5 p.m., May 4 at the American Legion, Mile 46, Parks Highway in Wasilla. David’s cremated remains will be buried in Chase.

Thank you to Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory of Wasilla.