JOHN W. MUSGROVE

Palmer resident, John W. Musgrove, 78, died peacefully at home on Nov. 22, 2002. Mr. Musgrove was born Oct. 14, 1924, in Topeka, Kan., and moved to Niles, Calif., after World War II. He served in the United States Navy.

Mr. Musgrove married his wife of 54 years, Virginia Spence on Oct. 1, 1948, in California. He moved his family to Palmer in May of 1963. John owned his own tire business in Centerville, Calif., and worked for San Jose Tire prior to moving to Alaska. He began his Alaskan employment with Barnhart's Butte Sawmill, in 1964 worked for Matanuska Maid selling farm equipment, in 1966 he was with Northern Commercial Tire Company, and in 1970 he was manager for Hartley Motors, retiring in 1986.

Mr. Musgrove had a passion for giving back to the community. He felt everyone should give time and service in some way to the community where they lived. In California, he served 25 years with Boy Scouts of America, as a volunteer fireman in Niles, and held memberships in VFW, Kiwanis and Jaycees. In Alaska, he served as assistant fire chief with Butte Fire Department, two terms as a Mat-Su Assembly member and was a Palmer Moose member. His highest commitment most recently was to the Palmer Lions and helping with the annual gun show. In 2002 Mr. Musgrove received the Lion's highest service award, the Melvin Jones Fellow.

His family wrote, "John was a loving, kind and gentle-natured man. He treated all people fair and equitable."

Mr. Musgrove is survived by his wife Virginia; mother Maude of Palmer; brother and sister-in-law, Leon and Barbara of Washington; sister Ada of California; sons and daughters-in-law Ronald, Mike and Susan, and Stan and LaQuenta, all of Alaska; grandchildren, Jessica, Joshua, Martha, Danny; Kathleen, Sabrina and husband Jason, Tamara; Julie, Tonya, Jacob and Chris. He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, 10 great grandchildren, and many extended family friends.

His father Clarence Musgrove preceded him in death.

No memorial or visitation service is scheduled. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Palmer Lion's Club, K9 at P.O. Box 393 Palmer, Ak 99645-0393.