KENNETH EUGENE HUIZENGA

Kenneth Eugene Huizenga, 33, died Feb. 19, 2004, of natural causes, at Valley Hospital in Palmer.

Mr. Huizenga was born Oct. 1, 1970, in La Grande, Ore., and became an Alaska resident in April 1980. He lived in Anchorage until the summer of 2003 when he moved to Palmer.

He graduated from Dimond High School in 1988 and then became the hockey equipment manager for the University of Alaska Anchorage for three years. He also earned an airline dispatch degree in 2003, graduating with honors.

Mr. Huizenga was employed with Veco for several years, Anchorage Aces 1995-1998 as equipment manager and trainer, A-1 Fence 1998-2000 and was employed by Alaska Airlines at the time of his death.

He was also affiliated with the Little People of America and also volunteered his time as a youth hockey couch and as "Jingles" the elf at Santa C Productions.

His hobbies were hockey, fishing, golf, wrestling and baseball.

His family said, "Kenny was a special part of the community who touched numerous lives. His friendly, outgoing personality and smile would light up a room. He was a wonderful son, husband, father and friend. He will be dearly and forever missed."

He is survived by his wife Christina; daughter Mekenna; son Rich; parents Buck and Jeannie Huizenga; brother Adriel; grandmother Maxine Huizenga; aunt and uncle Paul and Sharon Sauer; uncle Andy Huizenga; cousins Diane and Jody of Anchorage, Brian of California, Marcene, Jill and Shane of Oregon; and numerous extended relatives.

Services were held Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Egan Center, with Mark Conrad officiating. A wake followed the service at Chilkoot Charlie's.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Huizenga Family Memorial at Alaska Airlines Employees Federal Credit Union on International Airport Road.

Arrangements were made by Witzleben Family Funeral Home.