Fran Pete Du Beau

A true Alaskan died July 10, 2014.

Fran Pete Du Beau, 78, was born Aug. 21. 1936, in Seattle, Washington, and spent most of his life in his beloved Alaska. His first six years were spent at Herendeen Bay on the Alaska Peninsula where his family lived in a tiny cabin and his father trapped and fished.

In 1941 the family moved to Seward so Pete could attend school. He gained his love of woodworking and carpentry at an early age, building one of the cabins at Lower Summit Lake with his father in 1947. Never having missed a day of school in 12 years, he graduated from Seward High School in 1954. Pete was blessed with an incredible artistic talent, especially in his depictions of Alaska wildlife. His artwork and calligraphy appeared first in the 1953 school annual. His science teacher was so impressed with Pete’s drawing and painting skills that he arranged an interview for Pete with executives of Disney Studios, but his parent would not let him go.

Pete then attended Wayland Baptist College in Plainview, Texas, graduating in 1959. Next he was youth pastor and choir director at a small church in El Cajon, California. In 1963 he moved his family back to Alaska, living in Moose Pass until the 1964 earthquake destroyed their home. After a brief period living in Seward again, he moved to Anchorage where he worked in carpentry and got his contractor’s license. He lived in Oregon for a short time where he designed and built two luxury yachts, one of which sailed around the world. Back in Anchorage he started his first contracting and cabinet making business, Sawdust Savage, which he dissolved after moving to Wasilla. There and for the rest of his life he was The Woodmaster. Pete was a master craftsman, building many beautiful homes and cabins around the state. He had gained his love of woodworking and carpentry at an early age, building one of the cabins at Lower Summit Lake along with his father in 1947.

As much as he loved his craft, he loved living the Alaskan Adventure even more. He spent every free moment fishing, hunting, clamming, canoeing rivers and lakes and exploring from his beloved boat, The Coelecanth. He loved driving the back roads and off-road trails just to see what he could see, claiming “I drive backwards as much as I drive forward,” which was almost true. An intelligent, well-spoken man with a wry sense of humor, he never stopped studying, whether it was ancient history, world religion, politics or science. He always had something interesting to debate or discuss.

Pete particularly loved animals. He had pet porcupines, a bear and numerous farm-type animals that were all rescued from dinner tables. He even made friends with a Siberian tiger that was rescued from a traveling circus. He often said that he loved critters more than most of the humans he knew. Pete lived a life few others will ever experience. He is greatly missed by all of his friends and family.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Frenchie and Emely Du Beau; brother, Al Andy Du Beau; and infant son, David Du Beau.

Surviving are his wife, Alice (Mickey) Du Beau of Georgia; daughters, Kathy Campbell of Wasilla and Marie Billings of Soldotna; son, Peter Burg of Colorado; aunt and uncle, Beverly and Willard Dunham of Seward; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

At his request there will be no services.