John A. Abshire

Wasilla resident John A. Abshire, 82, died Jan. 20, 2011, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.

A potluck gathering to share memories is scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m., Feb. 5 at Admiral’s Place, 9350 Independence Drive in Anchorage.

John was born May 17, 1928, in San Antonio, Texas. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He came to Alaska in 1954 and resided in Anchorage and Douglas prior to living in Wasilla. He worked as a Local 751 ironworker in the construction industry. From 1976 to 1986, he was elected by Local 751 membership as the union’s business manager. From 1986 to 1989, he was employed by Jermain, Dunnagan and Owens attorneys at law. From 1989 to 1995, he was deputy commissioner of labor for the state of Alaska, and from 1996 to 2003 he served on the Alaska Workers Compensation Board.

“Throughout his career, John was in every respect a tireless advocate for the dignity and needs of the working people of Alaska,” his family said.

Survivors are his wife, Kris Abshire; daughter, Alyson Belle Bybee of Anchorage; granddaughters, Fawn Morgan and Holly Macaras of Bellingham, Wash.; grandson, Chance Dean Bybee of Wasilla; and stepson, Patrick Robertson of Las Vegas, Nev.

Memorial donations are encouraged to Ironworkers Local 751 Apprenticeship Training Program, a non-profit organization.

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory of Wasilla.