JOHN PADIE

Houston resident John Paul Padie, 34, died May 5, 2003, at home, from an accidental gunshot wound.

A memorial service was held at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at Valley Funeral Home, 151 E. Herning Avenue in Wasilla, with Pastor Charles Miller officiating. Viewing and visitation were on Wednesday at Valley Funeral Home. Mr. Padie's ashes will be scattered at a later date in the Little Susitna River.

Mr. Padie was born March 7, 1969, in Anchorage. He lived in Anchorage until moving to the Valley in 1974. He graduated from Houston High School.

He was employed as a heavy equipment operator for Just Right Trucking, owned by Gary Miller in Houston.

His hobbies and special interests were fishing, hunting, camping, four-wheeler racing, snowmachine racing, stock car racing and collecting NASCAR collectibles.

His family said, "He lived life to the fullest while he was with us and will be missed by all his family and friends."

Survivors are his mother Marcella Padie; brother and sister-in-law Bob and Linda Padie; sister and brother-in-law Deborah and Kelly McManus; sister Rene McCord; aunt and uncle Barbara and J. T. Mac; fianc/e Terry Fife; nephew David Balthazore and his family, Mary, Tristen and Rachel Balthazore; nephews, Bobby Jr. and Jeremy Padie, Kyle and Kevin McManus; niece Mandy Munholland and her family, Jeff, Kelsey and Junior Munholland; niece Amy Padie; many family members throughout the Lower 48; many close friends in the Valley and Anchorage; and his loyal and best friend, Gumby.