Harold “Dennis” Thatcher

Harold “Dennis” Thatcher died Oct. 19, 2011, one day after his 57th birthday. Dennis was diagnosed with lung cancer July 27, 2011.

Dennis was born Oct. 18, 1954, in Long Beach, Calif., to Bud and Sandra Thatcher. With the passing of Sandra mother, Bud remarried LaDawna Thatcher and they reside in Bend, Ore.

Dennis moved to Alaska in 1976 with his parents and two brothers. He was proud to serve his country in the Navy from 1973 to 1978.

While in Alaska, he became a member of the IBEW 1547 union and was a member for 30 years. He worked all over Alaska as a telephone lineman. Since 1997, worked for Norcon/CHM2 Hill.

His passion was riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and he participated in the MDA motorcycle ride for the past five years. He enjoyed golfing with his buddies. As an avid NASCAR fan and collector, Dennis and Diane attended two races in Las Vegas and Phoenix. Another hobby was camping in the motor home they purchased in March 2011. They drove up the Alaska Highway to begin his retirement and travel with his wife and two dogs, Bouncer and Bandit. They were in the process of selling their house in Eagle River and retiring to Oregon.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Diane of Eagle River; his children, Daniel and Shaun Thatcher of Wasilla, Michelle Wilkins of Eagle River and step-daughter Krista Garner of Portland, Ore. He also has one granddaughter, Serena. His father, Bud and LaDawna Thatcher live in Bend, Ore.; and he’s also survived by his brothers, Steve Thatcher of Seward and James Thatcher of Soldotna.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Sandra Thatcher.

A celebration of life Oct. 22, at United Methodist Church of Chugiak, 16430 Old Glenn Highway, with a potluck to follow at the church. Memorial donations may be made to Providence Hospice, 3435 E. Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK, 99507.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory of Anchorage.