JOSEPH O. MAHER

Joseph O. Maher, 66, of Big Lake, died Feb. 22, 2003, of respiratory failure in Scottsdale, Ariz. while on vacation.

Mr. Maher was born July 23, 1936, in Broadwater, Neb. He was raised in San Pedro, Calif. and moved to Alaska in 1957. He lived in Anchorage until 1993, retiring in Big Lake.

After serving in the Army, he moved to Alaska ferrying airplanes from the Lower 48 with his brother Raymond. He then worked for Reeve Airways, Sunset Motors and the Teamsters. He owned a milk route in Anchorage during the '60s, providing home delivery in Anchorage and the Valley. He then worked for Sea Land until his retirement. He was a member of American Legion and the Elks.

Mr. Maher is survived by his wife of 42 years, Cecelia; his mother, Charlotte Maher of Chandler, Ariz.; daughters, Kimberly Louk, Viki Kaas; and his son Ron Hightower, all of Anchorage. He is also survived by grandchildren Lisa Hightower of Florida, David Hightower of New York, Rachel Hightower of Oregon and Rachelle Louk of Washington; Jacob Hightower, Michelle Coffman, Renae Kaas, Kellie Knutson, Lynsey Kaas and Courtney Louk of Anchorage; great-grandchildren James Knutson and Kailyn Ashton of Anchorage; niece Janet Shepard; nephews Mike Maher of Arizona and David Maher of Washington.

A celebration of life will be held March 9 at 3 p.m. at the Hanger Lounge in the Big Lake Motel in Big Lake.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Salvation Army, Family Services, at 546 E.