Elmer Roland Soule

Anchorage resident Elmer Roland Soule, 86, died July 4, 2011, at the Providence Extended Care Center in Anchorage.

A celebration of life is at 4 p.m., Wednesday, July 13 at the Anchorage Funeral Home, 1800 Dare Ave. His children will spread Elmer’s ashes later at a private ceremony. For questions, contact Gloria Kurtzweil at (907) 240-6898.

Elmer was born Nov. 14, 1924, in Jerry City, Ohio, and moved to Anchorage in June 1962. As a young man, he drove interstate haulers. He was a gifted mechanic and helped many friends and neighbors with their mechanical problems. He supervised building homes for a son and one of his daughters. He built a cabin in Willow for his other daughter.

He loved flying, hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. He was a former Iron Dog Board of Directors member as well as a participant in several Iron Dog races. One tough year, he and his partner received the Red Lantern Award for being last team in; he never would quit. Throughout his life, he never quit, always finding a way to accomplish his goals.

“Elmer was a man of many adventures and represented the Alaskan spirit in almost everything he ever did,” his family wrote. “He will be dearly missed by family and friends alike.”

Memorial contributions in Elmer’s name may be offered to Life Alaska Donor Services, 235 E. 8th Ave., Suite 100, Anchorage.

Anchorage Funeral Home cared for the family.