JACK A. DUDLEY

Chugiak resident Jack A. Dudley, 76, died Thursday, Sept. 11, 2003, at his home following a brave battle with cancer, while also recovering from burns sustained in a house fire.

Mr. Dudley was born Dec. 5, 1926, to Paul and Velma Dudley in Portland, Ore. A World War II veteran, he joined the United States Navy in 1944, earned several awards while serving in the Philippines, and was honorably discharged in 1947. He joined his family in Richland, Wash. He met his future wife, Jo Dresser, and raised a family. He worked at the Hanford Project for 22 years as a power plant operator.

He was a member of the Local 302 Operating Engineers and a life member of the VFW Post 9785 in Eagle River. He moved to Alaska in 1970 where he worked on White Alice sites as a power operator, N.E. Cape on St. Laurence Island, Cape Lisburne and Tin City, and as a civilian water treatment operator at Fort Richardson.

He held a pilot's license and had an avid interest in airplanes, auto and boat racing and was a world history buff.

His family wrote, "He loved his family. He was a caring person with a great sense of humor. He never forgot those who helped him in his Cheechako days. This Sourdough will be dearly missed by his family and friends."

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul B. and Velma G. Dudley. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jo; son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Fran of Kennewick, Wash.; daughter, Dawn Steffey of Chugiak; daughter and son-in-law, Pamela and Clayton Carter of Chugiak; grandsons, Shad and Ryan Dudley of Richland, Wash., Desmond and Dylan Farrell of Kennewick, Wash., Donovan Steffey of Wasilla and Drew Steffey of California; great-granddaughters, Shade and Kieren Dudley; great-grandson, Garrett Farrell; brother, Jerry O. Dudley of Richland, Wash.; sister and brother-in-law, Diane and Kenneth Chubb of Kennewick, Wash.; numerous nieces and nephews; and his friend and caretaker, Terri Territo. A private service was held Sept. 13. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at VFW Post 9785 in Eagle River.

Mr. Dudley loved Alaska, his family said, and his cremated remains will be scattered over the mountains.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association.

Arrangements were made with Evergreen's Eagle River Funeral Home.