Gary Fawcett

Long-time Alaskan and Matsu Valley resident Gary Michael Fawcett, 66, passed away on Friday, July 7th, 2023.

A private burial ceremony was held at Ft. Richardson National Cemetery on Friday, July 14th. All are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Palmer Train Depot on Sunday, July 23rd, at 4 PM.

Gary was born on April 15th, 1957, in Riverside, California, to Iola Edwards and Melton Fawcett. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Riverside, CA, in 1975. After high school, Gary served as a firefighter in the US Army from 1975 to 1980. He married Olivia "Libby" Bopp on April 24th, 1976. The Army took them to Ft. Jackson, SC, Chanute AFB, IL, Ft. Devens, MA, and finally to Ft. Richardson, AK, in 1977. Upon discharge in August 1980, they decided to make Alaska their home.

Gary was a truck driver for Span Alaska Consolidators in Anchorage and Weld Air Alaska in Wasilla. He loved adventuring with friends via ATV and snowmachine and spending time at their remote cabin. Many have commented that you have not been on a true adventure until you experienced a "Gary Adventure." Gary also collected custom vehicles. He especially enjoyed anything with some age, a good engine, and chrome. He kept them polished, and they never saw the rain. He loved cruising on a sunny day.

Gary is survived by his wife, Libby. His daughter and son-in-law, Amber and Trey Lindstrom, and Grandsons, Trey "TJ" Lindstrom of Palmer and Leeland Gotzler of WI. Nephew Cory Fawcett, his wife Tammy, and their children Clayton and Lacy of Ashland, OH. Sister-in-Law Debbie Fawcett of Ashland, OH. He is preceded in death by his parents, Melton and Iola Fawcett, and his brother, Dawayne Fawcett.

Instead of flowers, the family asks that, with a cheerful heart, you offer your time, talent, or treasure to those in need or most vulnerable, just as Gary would do. "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4 (ESV)