LAWRENCE D. PRICE

Lawrence D. Price lost his battle with cancer on March 23, 2005.

Services were held at the Valley Harvest Church in Palmer on Saturday, March 26, at 1 pm. The Rev. Joe Hand officiated. The Rev. Elliott of Anchorage will be attesting to his relationship with Mr. Price.

His family wrote, "He went through his treatments with courage and dignity. It is difficult, if not impossible, to convey how wonderful, loving, giving and precious our father was. He was a great man in our eyes.

"Dad worked hard his entire life to provide for his family, which included his wife, Joann (Thompson) Price; children, Ann Fisher and husband, Kelly, Janet Curtiss and husband, Reginald, and Jerel Price and wife, Kimberly, and his grandchildren, Arielle Woods, Cheyann, Kyle and Meighan Fisher, Kie Curtiss, Naomi and Dawson Price.

"He also made the time to care for his 90-year-old mother-in-law for many years during her winter stays in Fairbanks. He was truly proud of and took great pains to care for his children and grandchildren. Although many lived far away, they remained close to his heart.

"He would spend hours reminiscing and telling stories about Cheyann Fisher, Arielle Woods, Kie Curtiss and Dawson and Naomi Price. The last six years of his life he devoted himself to the only grandchild who lived near him, Cheyann Fisher. They were rarely apart from each other and developed a strong and loving bond. He was Cheyann's Papa and she was his Little."

Mr. Price worked 12-hour shifts for more than 17 years at Gilmore Tracking Station in Fairbanks and always made time for his family. He spent most of his life in Fairbanks and then moved to Wasilla and built his retirement home in 2003 to be near his granddaughter, Cheyann, who lived across the street.

Later in life, he had injuries that caused chronic pain, but he refused to allow it to limit his activities - he smiled and laughed through it all.

"Dad was always strong and courageous regardless of the situation, he met his challenge head-on and was humble in his accomplishments," his family wrote. "He gave freely of his time and attention and would do anything to help others.

"His hunting and fishing experiences with his late brother-in-law, Harry Carroll, on the Salmon and Yukon rivers brought him much joy. The tales he told left everyone in stitches. He also loved to cook and fed many in his lifetime.

"Dad will be remembered for his unending love and kindness. He was a gently man who was quick to love and slow to anger. His job on earth was a tough one but he rose to the challenge and is now reaping his reward in Heaven. God has another angel who we will see again someday. Words cannot express our appreciation for all that you have given to us while you were here. We love you now and forever, Dad."

He is preceded in death by his parents, Laurence and Marguerite Price and brother, Jerry Price of Burlington, Wash.

Surviving members include brothers Duane, Roger and Phillip Price; sister, Julie Smith; sister-in-law, Jessie Carroll, and mother-in-law, Mary Thompson of Chalkyitsik. Others who touched him were special lifelong friends, Dave and Irma Arrants of Wasilla and Bruce and Debbie McGhie of Fairbanks.

Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.