Francis Lynn Twigg

Talkeetna resident Francis Lynn Twigg, 89, died at his home Oct. 28, 2011, with his beloved wife and family at his side.

A celebration of life in honor of Francis is from 1 to 5 p.m., Nov. 6, with Ed Craver officiating at Sheldon Community Arts Hangar, 22249 S. D Street, Talkeetna.

Francis was born Sept. 12, 1922, in Fife Lake, Mich., to Claude and Fannie (Doherty) Twigg.

“Twigg was an ‘old-timer’ of Talkeetna, Alaska arriving in 1950,” his family wrote. “He was well-known and respected for his humble wisdom regarding survival in this life that included flying, trapping and hunting.”

Twigg learned the ways of the wilderness surrounding him and respected its beauty and bounty. He occasionally found himself at a piano in one of Talkeetna’s establishments, such as the Fairview Inn, playing honky-tonk music and dancing with all the pretty ladies of the community. His favorite dance partner, however, was his wife, Connie, whom he referred to as his “buddy.”

Twigg served in World War II in locations such as northern Africa and Italy. He was a scout who led mule trains across the Italian mountains and fought in the battles of North Appennines Po Valley Rome, Italy. Twigg also witnessed the public hanging of Mussolini and his girlfriend.

Twigg is an icon for the community of Talkeetna and the last of the “old-timers” of his era, which included the likes of his best friend Don Sheldon, pilot Cliff Hudson and miners and trappers Rocky Cummings and Jim Beaver. Twigg will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

“We will all be looking for him further up the creek,” his family and friends said.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Claude and Geraldine Twigg; brothers, Dale, Alan and Rex Twigg; and sons, David and Lonnie Feeley.

Surviving are his wife, Constance Marie Twigg of Talkeetna; brother, Wayne Twigg of Pontiac, Mich.; daughter, Connie Richardson of Texas; son, Vye Feeley of Talkeetna; daughter, Duronda Twigg of Trapper Creek; grandson, Joshua Feeley of Talkeetna; and numerous other grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Arrangements were by Valley Funeral Home.