Harry Hassinger

Wasilla and Denali National Park resident Harry F. Hassinger, 83, died April 26, 2007, at AK Regional Hospital, Anchorage. He was surrounded by Phyllis, his beloved wife of 64 years, and his family.

Harry was born July 4, 1923, in Beavertown, PA., the only child of Jay & Minerva Hassinger. After retiring from dairy farming, a 2-year stint in the Peace Corps in Liberia, Africa, and 7 years managing a lodge in PA., Harry & Phyllis fulfilled a life-long dream in 1985 by moving to Alaska. Harry's years in Alaska were filled with adventure. He and Phyllis spent their summers in the bush, first with the BLM as campground hosts in Chicken, AK, then managing a lodge in Ekwok, and finally finding their permanent summer home in a 21-foot motor home at Wonder Lake Campground in Denali National Park. They spent the past 17 summers there greeting strangers and quickly turning them into friends.

Harry's life was a testament to integrity and generosity. People everywhere fell in love with Harry & Phyllis and they corresponded with many around the world. A dear friend recently said, "Harry was a man who would meet a stranger and have them walk away a friend."

Harry was a man of faith, and a member of First Presbyterian Church in Wasilla. During his years as a farmer, he served his community on the school board, on church boards, and as president or director of many farming organizations. He is a Past Master of Middleburg Lodge #619, and lifelong member of the Beavertown Rod & Gun Club. In Alaska, his love was volunteering, and he and Phyllis gained recognition 2 years ago for their 6,000 hours of volunteer service for the National Park Service

Harry is survived by his wife of 64 years, Phyllis; his daughter and son-in-law, Jo & Jim Wood of Eagle River, his son and daughter-in-law, Bob & Brenda Hassinger, Port Treverton, PA; grandchildren, Shannan King, Eagle River, Adriane Hassinger and Jason Knouse, Newport, PA, Chelsea & Brady Maxton, Marysville, PA, and five great-grandchildren, Evan, Gage, Jordan, Khiana & Logan.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 1375 E. Bogard Rd., Wasilla, on Sunday, April 29, at 5 p.m. It will be followed by a time of fellowship and refreshments. Arrangements are by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel.

David Alan

Tartachny

Palmer resident David Alan Tartachny, 48, died April 18, 2007 at his home suddenly.

David was born November 17, 1958 in Manchester, New Hampshire. He was the son of Dorothy of Indianapolis and the late Paul Tartachny.

He was the manager of the Palmer Arms Apartments in Palmer, AK since 2001.

David is survived by his wife, Monique; his beloved dog, Goliath; mother Dorothy of Indianapolis; brothers, Curt of Newton, Massachusetts and Paul of Monson, Maine; sister, Lynn of Indianapolis, Indiana; his life long friend Michael Saunders of Wakefield, Massachusetts; many aunts and uncles of Massachusetts.

Local arrangements were provided by Kehl's Palmer Mortuary.