David Harry Benedict

David Harry Benedict, 49, died Aug. 19, 2008 at Providence Alaska Medical Center of infections from cancer of the esophagi. As he requested, there will be no public funeral. A graveside service for family will be held at a later date.

There will be a celebration of life at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30 at Faith Bible Fellowship at 14159 W. Hollywood Road in Big Lake. Pastor Ethan Hansen will officiate. All are welcomed and asked to bring any pictures and memories to share. There will be a potluck following the celebration.

Benedict was born Feb. 19, 1959 in Anchorage at the old Providence Hospital on L Street. He went to schools in and around Anchorage, graduated and entered the construction industry. He graduated from a heavy-equipment school in Washington and then came back to Alaska to work for construction companies in Anchorage, Wasilla and the Bush.

Benedict enjoyed heavy-equipment work because he was a builder at heart. He enjoyed seeing things materialize from nothing, his family said.

He married Angela Leone Aug. 14, 1987. They divorced on Nov. 28, 1997, in Palmer. They remained close friends and worked hard to raise their sons together.

Benedict was diagnosed with cancer at the end of last year and started a regimen of treatments that couldn’t save his life. He leaves behind his parents Gordon H. and Annie E. Benedict of Wasilla; brothers John H. Benedict of Wasilla and Richard A. Benedict of Anchorage; sisters-in-law Westa Benedict and Debra Benedict of Anchorage; sons Ryan D. Benedict and Wade T. Benedict of Wasilla; stepson Cameron F. Olson of Wasilla; granddaughter Aurora Marie Benedict; nephews Daine G. Benedict, Cale R. Benedict and Bryce P. Benedict, all of Anchorage; and many friends and neighbors that he acquired in his lifetime. “Those who were fortunate enough to have known David will miss him.” his family wrote.