JASON MICHAEL MACH

Longtime Alaskan and Wasilla resident Jason Mach, 27, died Dec 25, 2003, at home.

A celebration of life was held at Wasilla Assembly of God on Jan. 3, 2004, at noon. In accordance with Jason's wishes, a viewing will not be held and he will be cremated.

Jason was born June 2, 1976, at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, to Joseph and Kelly Mach. He attended Chugiak High, finishing his post secondary education after earning his GED. He moved with his father to Minot, N.D., before moving to Oklahoma City where he attended Oklahoma State University and later Tulsa Welding School.

After graduation, Jason moved to New York to live with his father. A short time later he moved back to his family and friends in Alaska.

Upon his return, he started his own company, Valley Framing, and has built many quality homes and offices throughout Alaska.

Jason married high-school sweetheart, Dana Strandberg, the mother of daughter, Christina Mach. Jason later found his second love, Rhonda Loyd, the mother of son Joseph Michael Mach.

The family writes: "Jason always lived life to its fullest. He knew he could achieve any goal he set his mind to. He has seen much of the world and experienced much of what it offered and wanted more. He has skied some of the world's best mountains and SCUBA dived in some of the world's clearest waters. He has been, done and seen much of what others will only dream of. His next adventure was to sail the open seas with his two children Christina and "little" Joe.

Dad writes: "He was a man who I am proud to call my son and also a man who was my best friend. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten."

Mom writes: "I will remember his humor and miss gazing into his beautiful blue eyes."

His grandfather, Edward A. Mach, preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughter, Christina; son, Joseph; brother, Jordan Ross; father, Joseph Mach; mother, Kelly Ross; grandparents, Carol Galvin, Jack Galvin, Pauline Mach; and numerous family members who will miss him.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting contributions to a memorial fund in Jason Mach's name, at Alaska USA Federal Credit Union. The funds will be used to establish a memorial in the Matanuska-Susitna area.