Don A. Davis

Longtime Alaska resident Don A. Davis, 83, died peacefully at his home on March 2, 2010. He was born and raised in Central California, the oldest of nine brothers and sisters.

His love of Alaska began in Southeast Alaska when, as a young child, he visited his grandfather, who fished the Alaska waters at the turn of the century. He returned numerous times and made it his permanent home in 1961 when the family moved to Ketchikan, and there he began his career in the field of corrections. He transferred to Palmer in 1962 and helped build the Palmer Correctional Center at Sutton, eventually becoming superintendent. One of his proudest accomplishments during this time was rebuilding and opening up the Chilkoot Gold Rush Trail of 1898 near Skagway, which has since become a National Park. After retiring from corrections, Don worked in the family business, Flowers by Louise.

He loved playing guitar and, with his best friend, created a band called the Drifters, which had a great following in the Valley. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, cooking his famous barbecue ribs, metal detecting and soaking up the sun while combing the beaches of Hawaii and California.

Don is survived by his wife of 54 years, Louise; his children, Jeri, Gary, Carla, Denise, Donny, Shirley and Sherry. He also has 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, who include locally, Desiree, Michelle, Jacie and DJ Leckwold.

Don’s love of God prepared him for a new life in heaven. He will always be loved and missed. Memorial services will be March 13 at 3 p.m. at the Palmer Highway Church of God.

Arrangements by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory, Wasilla.