Delbert Alan Mayse

Longtime Alaskan Delbert Alan Mayse, 55, died Aug. 5 at Southcrest Hospital in Tulsa, Okla., due to complications from pancreatic cancer.

Delbert was born on Jan. 30, 1954 in Avenal, Calif., to James and Nellie Mayse. After graduating from high school he attended and played football for the University of Southern California. He first moved to Alaska in 1977 and married Mary (Voorhis) Hannigan on June 12, 1978. In 1989, he and his family moved to Wasilla.

Delbert was a Global Freight Movement Administrator III at Federal Express where he worked for more than 30 years. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing. Other hobbies included bowling, playing poker and coaching his sons’ Little League baseball teams. For years Delbert and his family opened their doors to the community each Halloween for their annual Fairview Loop Haunted Barn.

His family wrote: “Delbert loved his family dearly and spent his life striving to provide the best life for them. He had a way of communicating acceptance and understanding without even speaking a word. His gentle smile conveyed deep love to his wife and children. He bravely fought cancer for five long months so that he could be here for his family.”

He is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law David Hannigan of Wasilla, Travis and Becky Mayse of Kenton, Ohio, Michael Mayse of Ada, Ohio; daughters Mellissa Mayse of Wasilla; and Sara Mayse of Palmer; brother James Mayse of Ada, Ohio, and sister Carole Robinson of Coalinga, Calif.; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Delbert was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Mayse and his sister-in-law Kay Mayse.

A visitation will be held Monday from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 6 p.m., at Alaska Heritage Memorial Chapel, 1015 S. Check Street, in Wasilla. His ashes will be entombed alongside his beloved wife’s ashes at Pioneer Cemetery in Palmer.

In lieu of flowers, Delbert asked that memorials be made to Boys & Girls Clubs of America or Big Brothers Big Sisters.