JOHN WILLIAM HERDINA

John William Herdina of Big Lake died of a heart attack on Sept. 20, 2001, in Anchorage.

Born in White Salmon, Wash., Jan. 11, 1950, he came to Alaska in January 1955. A lifelong Alaskan, he graduated from West High School in 1968. A Vietnam War veteran, he served in the U.S. Army from 1969-1971.

He worked for Spenard Builders Supply for nearly 20 years, starting in high school on a school-to-work program in 1967. Following his discharge from the Army, he went to work full time for SBS in 1971 and relocated to Wasilla in 1976, where he worked as truck driver and delivery dispatch manager. He delivered lumber to thousands of homes and was a familiar face around the Valley. From 1986 to present he was employed by Iditarod Development in Anchorage.

According to his family, Mr. Herdina loved living at Big Lake and enjoying the solitude of the lake during the weekdays. He loved water sports and could be seen zooming around the lake on his jet skis or floating Alaskan rivers with friends and family.

Known as "Cowboy John," he loved cowboy boots, hats and country attire.

His loved ones wrote: "John loved his family and friends and once you were his friend, you were his friend for life. Nothing made him happier than being outdoors enjoying Alaska."

He had a big heart, was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his children, Nicholas Herdina, Olivia Holland and son-in-law, Korey Holland; granddaughter, Hailey Holland; siblings, Beth and Larry Asplund, Michael and Debra Herdina, Bonnie and Bill Hager; and companion, Merletta Constance, all of Alaska; stepfather, William Currin; uncle, Gus Herdina; and cousins, of Oregon; mother of his children, Mary Alice Jones; and his many, many nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Herdina and Velma Herdina Currin.

A celebration of his life was held at his home in Big Lake on Sunday, Sept. 23. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the memorial fund for his granddaughter, Hailey, at Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union.