MARTIN (MARTY) JOSEPH FINE

Marty Fine journeyed home May 8, 2005, after a gallant battle with esopha-geal cancer. He died peacefully at his home in Wasilla, surround-ed by family and friends.

A visitation will be held at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 11, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1201 Bogard Road, Wasilla, with a funeral Mass to begin at 5 p.m. and receptions following at the church and at the home of the family.

Mr. Fine was born Dec. 22, 1953 in Goldendale, Wash., to Les and LaVern Fine. He came to Alaska in 1962, residing in Anchorage until 1974.

He was a graduate of East Anchorage High School, in the class of 1973.

Mr. Fine moved to Wasilla after graduation, and lived there until his death.

He had a 27-year career with the state of Alaska, beginning summer seasonal in 1976 with the Division of Parks and Recreation and from 1981 to the present with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management as an emergency management specialist.

He received many certificates of recognition from the governor and other state officials for his participation in disaster recovery.

He will be greatly missed by his friends and coworkers.

Mr. Fine loved his family and community. He was instrumental in the development of the Meadow Lakes Fire Department and community council. He loved to fish, hunt and snowmachine.

His loved ones wrote, "He was famous for having large gatherings and celebrations. He touched many people with his humor and kindness. His loss will be felt deeply by many."

Mr. Fine is survived by his wife of 29 years, JoAnne Marie; mother, LaVern Fine; daughter and son-in-law, Leslie and Kemane Wright; grandchildren, Justine, Kemane and Jada; brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Mara Fine; sister and brother-in-law, Diann and Bob Berry, all of Wasilla; sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Don Riel of Grandview, Wash., and many nieces and nephews, cousins, uncles and aunts.

He was preceded in death by his father, Les Fine. Memorial donations may be made to any cancer research facility.

Funeral arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla.