Lyle Wesley Straight

Palmer resident Lyle Wesley Straight Sr., 77, died Sept. 8, 2012, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center of natural causes.

He was born Jan. 2, 1936, in Wyoming to Wesley and Lucille Straight.

Lyle received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army on Sept. 30, 1962. He was a man of many talents. He broke horses for a living in his earlier years, did mechanic work for Muffler City and Bonafide Construction in Anchorage and was a heavy equipment operator in the Valley for Dave Dilley and Son’s and Cold Weather Construction on the North Slope.

He never officially retired as his passion for “dirt work 7 well witching” was always present.

From a Quonset hut on the banks of Peters Creek in Birchwood in the 1960s, he moved his family 6.5 miles up Knik River Road to a parcel of land he worked tirelessly on for years to achieve patent. After patent was granted, the site became known as The Straight Family Homestead.

It is here that Lyle requested his cremated ashes and those of his beloved wife Doris be scattered. He was an extremely devoted family man. Many family members, friends and strangers will remember his generosity.

Preceding him in death by his wife, both parents, eight brothers, three sisters and four grandsons.

Surviving are sons, Lyle Jr. of Indiana, Don (John) of Anchorage and Gary (Toni) of Palmer; daughter, Ronda (Kenny) of Palmer; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews; and his companion for the past seven years, Katie Bickel.

At his request, no services are planned, but the family will hold a celebration of life at the Elks Lodge in Palmer at 6 p.m., Sept. 19.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Providence Hickel House, 3967 Piper Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508.