Francis Merle Buckwalter

Francis Merle Buckwalter, 81, passed away at home September 12, 2014.

A celebration of life will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Church on the Rock, 3572 W. Machen Drive, near Mile 45.5 Parks Highway in Wasilla.

Merle was born to Clyde Buchwalter and Frances Rumley on December 26, 1932, in Oregon. He was an only child. Merle came to Alaska when he was 15. He married the love of his life, Marian Grace MacNeven, when he was 21. They spent many years homesteading 160 acres and building a life together. The roads they used to drive are now hiking trails above the Potter’s Marsh train depot, before you head to Girdwood. They lived the hard life, hauling water from a creek, packing wood, all while raising their children.

Merle had excellent carpentry skills and spent many years working construction as a foreman for the north slope. He was happiest when he was at his cabin on Alexander Creek. A spark of life would come to him when he was there that was quite noticeable. He loved everything about being outdoors. He especially loved playing cribbage with his friends.

Great loss has occurred in losing Merle. He was part of a generation when your word was good and a handshake meant something. He was a wonderful father and a good friend to those who knew him.

Merle is survived by David Merle Buckwalter of Big Lake, Linda Dianne Moore of Big Lake, Tina Lynn Kruger of Anchorage, Marianne Larson of Willow, Daniel Roy Buckwalter of Wasilla, Bill Johnson of Wasilla, 25 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marian Grace (MacNeven) Buckwalter, their first-born daughter, Frances Loraine Swangel, and twin boys in the 1970s.

He will be greatly missed.