Keenan Evans Remele

Valley ATV trails will sadly be a bit quieter this summer since family man Keenan Evans Remele, 59, died Feb. 5, 2012, after giving cancer a run for its money. His wife was at his side.

Born April 5, 1952, in Ann Arbor, Mich., Keenan grew up with his brothers, Walter and James, in Wanakena, N.Y. A career as a jet fighter mechanic in the Air Force took Keenan across the country, where he eventually landed at Elmendorf Air Force Base. It wasn't long before he settled in the Mat-Su Valley in 1978 with his first wife and two kiddos, Arianna and Brett, who joined the party a little later.

Later in life, Keenan married his "Pretty Lady," Jody Pazaruski, and worked for Kakivik Asset Management as a radiation safety officer, a job he loved. A well-read and traveled perfectionist, Keenan found the most joy in woodworking and spending time camping and four-wheeling with his family.

Preceded him in death were his parents, Marilyn and Kermit Remele; parents-in-law, Gerry and James Pazaruski; and faithful dog, Beta and beloved cat, Rascal.

Keenan leaves behind a long line of loved ones looking forward to riding with him again one day, including stepson, BJ Magee; grandkids, Kyler Johnston and Kylee Covalt; brothers; and many in-laws, a myriad of nieces and nephews, and friends and co-workers.

Celebration of life is at 2 p.m., March 3 at the Elk's Lodge, Barry's Resort Drive off of Bogard Road in Wasilla. Come one, come all.