Harry Carl Ramsey

Longtime Alaskan and former Willow resident Harry Carl Ramsey, 76, died June 28, 2012.

Harry was truly a pioneer in his life. He joined the Marine Corps at 17, went to Korea then returned and married Donna, his wife of 55 years. He left his home in St. Louis and went to California. In 1958, they traveled to Alaska with two sets of twins, where he became a commercial fisherman and plant operator for Homer Electric Association.

The couple had seven children; five within 34 months.

He was hired by Mobil Oil and moved to Anchorage and then on to Willow, where he was a road contractor and miner for many years. Harry and his wife moved to Nevada in 1988 where he started his second career, VTN Engineering.

The Ramseys then moved to Vancouver, Wash., where he played golf and enjoyed his family.

Preceding him in death was his wife Donna.

Surviving are his children and spouses, Mike and Michelle Spain of Hatcher Pass; Mike and Jan of Nevada; Ronnie and Carol, Dale and Robbie, Eddie and Nancy, all of Washington; and Pat and Alicia of Wasilla. Also surviving are grandchildren, Tammy, Shane, Joe, Jessica, Bobbi, Nick, Clint, Scottie, Dave, Samantha, Alissa, Matt, Jennifer, Leann, Rheannon, Carrie, Shane, Josh, Mellisa, David and Matthew; and many great-grandchildren.

Both Donna and Harry Johnson were cremated and their ashes brought back to Alaska to a final resting place in Willow.