Jan. 26, 2006

Michael C. Kolivosky

Michael C. Kolivosky, 65, died Jan. 22, 2007, in Chandler, Ariz.

He will be missed by his loving family and countless friends who will cherish memories of his wonderful sense of humor, magnetic personality, and love of life, his family writes.

Born Oct. 12, 1941, in Niagara Falls, N.Y., Kolivosky went to Alaska with the U.S. Army in 1964.

When he finished his service, he stayed in Alaska, joining the Alaska State Troopers, from which he retired as colonel, the organization's

&#8220top cop.”

He was a truly dynamic individual with many talents and interests, including being a steadfast fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears.

An outstanding athlete throughout his life, he was a minor league baseball player, a New York and Alaska heavyweight golden gloves boxing champion, a hockey player, a golfer and a lifelong softball player.

He and his devoted wife, Melinda, enjoyed each other and their life together, spending part of each year in Alaska and part in Phoenix, Ariz. They loved spending time with their many friends in both states, and lived every day to the fullest together.

He is survived by his wife, Melinda; daughter, Jennifer Kolivosky of Napa, Calif.; daughter, Karen Kolivosky Gardner of San Antonio and her husband, Bill Gardner; son, Michael P. Kolivosky of Washington; grandchildren, Ryan Marie Gardner and Mark Dobbs; and beloved dogs, Sophie and Seamus.

&#8220Mikey, Dad, the Old Man - we were so lucky to have you. You will live on in our hearts forever,” his family writes.

In lieu of flowers, he would prefer friends and family to invest their money wisely or buy themselves some Bass Ale.

A celebration of his life will take place at 4 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Palmer, 2600 Barrys Resort Road, on Monday, Jan. 29, 2007.

Robert W. Thompson

Robert W. Thompson , 82, died peacefully Jan. 13, 2007, at his home at Creekside Assisted Living in Palmer. A celebration of life is scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007, at the Lantz residence. Call for directions.

He was born Jan. 22, 1924, in Duluth, Minn.

He was very active in school sports such as basketball and football. After he graduated, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in World War II.

In 1952, he moved to Alaska with his family.

He first worked as a butcher, and later on became a contractor in Anchorage and then in the Mat-Su Valley.

Later on, he married his second wife and had two more children. He was an avid fisherman, and a basketball and football enthusiast.

He mostly enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren.

He was known by his quick wit and humor. He always knew how to make the grocery store gals chuckle. He lived a full, happy life and will be dearly missed by his family.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Alfreda Dumas of International Falls, Minn.; and his father, Robert Thompson of Seattle.

He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Kelly and Dustin Lantz of Wasilla, and Deb and Greg Alsterberg of Palmer; son, Christopher Thompson of Seward; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Judy Thompson; grandchildren, Michael Thompson, Samantha Ure, Elke Thompson and Marty Thompson, all of Palmer; grandchildren, Kylee, Ashlynn and Ethan, all of Wasilla; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Cole, Michaela, Riley and Azlynn of Palmer; sisters, Helen Virden of Marshall, Wis., and Shirley Thompson of International Falls; and his brother, John &#8220Tommy” Thompson of Ratcliff, Ken.

Local arrangements were provided by Kehl's Palmer Mortuary.