Forrest Vaughn Dow

Longtime Wasilla resident Forrest Vaughn Dow, 71, died Dec. 25, 2012, at Providence Alaska Medical Center, due to complications of cancer.

A celebration of life is at 3 p.m., Jan. 26 at Mug-Shot Saloon, 251 W. Parks Hwy, Wasilla.

Forrest was born June 9, 1941, in Newport, Vt., to Carlton Wilder and Jessie Elizabeth (Parker) Dow. He graduated in 1958 from Hartford High School in White River Junction, Vt. He honorably served in the U.S. Navy from 1959-63.

Forrest moved to Wasilla in 1977. He owned and operated Dow Welding until the mid-1980s.

On Sept. 2, 1995, Forrest married Shelia Tallman. He enjoyed hunting, welding and spending time with family and friends.

Surviving are his wife, Sheila (Tallman) Dow of Wasilla; daughters, Colleen Fidler of Palmer and Karyn Clark of Concord, N.H.; sons, C. Robert Dow, San Rafael of Calif. and Kevin Dow of Philippine Islands; three sisters; four brothers; and grandchildren, Sierra and Cannon Fidler of Palmer.

Preceding him in death were his father, mother and stepmother, Mary Dow.

In lieu of flowers, send memorial donations to 1361 Lake Lucille Drive, Wasilla, AK 99654.

Arrangements entrusted to the Cremation Society of Alaska—Matanuska-Susitna Valley. A guestbook is online at alaskacremation.com.