L.E. Wyrick

L.E. Wyrick of Willow, Alaska passed Sept. 4, 2016 at 83 years old.

Wyrick was born on Jan. 24, 1933 in Francis, Oklahoma to Leonard and Gertrude Wyrick. Wyrick grew up in Idabel, Oklahoma. Wyrick met his future wife, Marilyn during his high school years. They were married for 60 years. He married her the day after she graduated, then they headed north and never looked back. They stopped in Wyoming for a brief time, and finally ended up in Haines, Alaska in 1959.

Wyrick helped pioneer Alaska. He worked for the Local 302 Operating Engineers as a heavy equipment operator. He worked on building the Parks Highway, and even helped with the first Ice Road across the Yukon River when the pipeline exploration started. During those years he saw a lot of Alaska. After the pipeline construction, Wyrick started gold mining full time. In the early 1980’s, the family moved to Western Alaska to work a goldmine there. They had many adventures; both L E and Marilyn were licensed pilots. They never regretted a day they spent in the bush. In the late 90’s they started spending their winters in Willow, and mined during the summers.

Wyrick was preceded in death by his sweet wife Marilyn, and his son J.R. He is survived by his older sister Vivian Holt, his three daughters Susan Kay (Don Harding), Barbara Jo Wyrick, and Tracy Lee (Eric Holmberg). His grandsons Jason (Lauren), Jeff (Trisha) and great grandchildren Cameron, Cody, Caitlyn and Lily. Wyrick also left close family friends Jimmie Hutson, Lloyd Hood and Mansey Magnuson behind.

Funeral Service will be held Saturday Sept. 17, 2016 at 1 p.m. at the New Church of Christ, located at 1106 E. Palmer-Wasilla Highway. Legacy Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the arrangements.