GORDON SHANIGAN

Gordon Randolph Shanigan, 53, died June 21, 2008, at home in Wasilla.

A celebration of his life will begin at noon June 28 at Word of Faith Assembly, 3701 E. Bogard Road, across from the Boys and Girls Club in Wasilla.

Shanigan was born Sept. 6, 1954, in Kanatak. After graduating from high school, he went on to attend two years of college and technical schools. He lived in Kanatak from 1954-1956, Pilot Point from 1956-1973, Eagle River from 1984-1986 and finally resided in Wasilla since 1986.

At the time of his death, he was working for Holland America Lines as an Alaska travel guide. He also worked as tribal administrator for the Native Tribe of Kanatak, was first mate on various boats and was a commercial salmon fisherman. He volunteered as guest speaker at schools to talk about native culture and enjoyed fishing, hunting, talking on the phone and doting on his grandchildren.

The family states, “Gordon Shanigan was my best friend, partner, companion and husband for 35 years. Our shared love and experiences will help me through his loss,” and, “I loved my dad dearly in the best and the worst of times,” and, “We loved to watch scary movies with poppa and sit with him in his chair,” and, “My brother had the smoothest tongue of anyone I ever met; he could talk you into anything he wanted,” and, “I will miss my brother’s daily phone calls just to check in with family and friends,” and, “My brother could be the most helpful, charming, endearing soul — a real people person, but he was impatient, temperamental and ornery at times too; a man with spirit and passion for the people in his life.”

At the time of his death, Shanigan was survived by his wife of 35 years, Jeanette Shanigan of Wasilla; sons, Donnavon and Shawn of Wasilla, daughter, Krystal Elliot of Utah; grandchildren, Nathan, Nichole and Savannah Shanigan, all of Wasilla; sisters, Marlane and Nikki Shanigan of Wasilla, Frieda Byers of Anchorage, Wendy Olson of Egegik and Kari Stiles of Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Mary Joy; brother, James Shanigan; mother-in-law, Glenna Jeanette Malley; and nephew “Sonny” Shanigan.

Memorial donations may be made at any Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, account No. 270440.

Valley Funeral Homes & Crematory of Palmer and Wasilla assisted the family.