JACK H. MILLS

Jack H. Mills, 65, of Big Lake, died of cancer at the home of friends on Dec. 29, 2005.

Mr. Mills was born Feb. 7, 1939, in Granite Falls, Minn. He moved to Alaska in 1993. After losing all his belongings in the 1996 Miller's Reach Fire, he started from scratch and rebuilt his home, mostly by himself.

Mr. Mills had retired from Ford Motor Co. prior to moving to Alaska. He worked as a handyman, doing carpentry, drywall, plumbing, painting and other jobs for people he came to know. His friendly manner and quick smile made friends with many of those with whom he dealt.

Survivors include two sons and two daughters in Minnesota and a multitude of friends and acquaintances throughout the Mat-Su.

As Mr. Mills requested, he will be cremated and his ashes spread. He also requested that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made on his behalf to the Children's Hospital at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.