David J. Pixley

David J. Pixley, 66, passed away March 30, 2010, at home with his friends surrounding him after a long, courageous battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life and potluck with be held on April 10 at 2 p.m. at the home of Gary and Libby Fawcett.

David was born Nov. 4, 1943, in Muncie, Ind., to Ruth and John Pixley. In 1991, Dave moved from Washington to Alaska, living in various cities all over, including Sutton, Palmer, Adak and Galena, finally calling Wasilla his home.

Dave worked as a heating, refrigeration and boiler specialist. He worked for Johnstone Supply in Anchorage, Space Mark Inc. in Adak, Chugach Development Corp. in Galena and retired from Shaw, Inc. at Ft. Richardson in 2009.

Dave loved the great outdoors, hunting and fishing. Fishing was his passion. Anyone who went fishing, clamming or shrimping with Dave will attest that it was an experience to remember. He was a great cook and took great joy in feeding his friends. He liked to hunt and gather wild mushrooms that he included in some of his dishes. He enjoyed playing his guitar and jamming, singing country songs or just sharing stories and shots of tequila. Dave was a very talented, hard-working, generous and humorous individual who blessed the many lives that he touched.

He is survived by his son, David “Butch” Jones and his wife Reina; and grandson, Kyle David Jones all of Renton, Wash.; daughter, Jodi Henley and her husband Rob; grandson, Seth Alan Henley and granddaughter Danielle Henley, all of Colorado Springs, Colo.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Pixley, and mother, Ruth DeVay Pixley.

Memorial donations can be sent to Mat-Su Homecare and Hospice, 950 E. Bogard Road Suite 132, Wasilla, AK 99654.

Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla.