Michael Alan Minsch

Longtime Alaska aviator Michael “Mike” Alan Minsch, 60, died March 19, 2010, in Wasilla after losing a valiant fight against cancer.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Alaska Aviation Museum on Lake Hood.

Mike was born March 3, 1950, in Bellingham, Wash. His family lived in Friday Harbor, Wash., during his early years with a short stay in Boise, Idaho, before moving to Alaska as a teenager in 1963.

Mike’s life in Alaska began in McGrath, where his father worked for the Federal Aviation Administration. As a young man, he attended college in Fairbanks and built a log home there with his wife, Pam. Eventually, his aviation career required moving his family to Anchorage. In 1983, he moved to Willow so he and Pam could raise their sons closer to the Alaska he loved. Mike lived in Willow until his death.

The lure of flight captured Mike early. His first instructed flight was in Friday Harbor. He joined the Civil Air Patrol while living in McGrath and went on to make flying his career.

Mike worked at Alaska International Air, where he started as a loadmaster and ended up sitting in the left seat as a captain. He went on to fly for Mark Air, Atlas Air and finally Lynden Air Cargo. During his worldwide travels Mike came to love the people and country of Germany and appreciated their fine beer. In an aviation career spanning four decades, Mike mentored many an Alaska pilot.

Besides flying and working on his own airplanes, he enjoyed fishing, shooting and traveling closer to the ground in his motor home. The life he led in Willow with his family was a true Alaska adventure every day. His favorite fishing spot was Chitna, where he introduced the fine art of dip-netting to both his sons and his grandchildren.

He is survived by his children, Christine Schmidt, Jeff Minsch and Christopher Minsch; grandchildren, McKenzie Schmidt and Gregory Schmidt; parents, Alan and Lois Minsch of Chehalis, Wash.; siblings, Tim and wife Sharon Minsch of Homer, Patrick and wife Josephine Minsch of Juneau, Kelley Minsch of Idaho and Kevin Minsch of Washington; and his former wife of 25 years, Pamela Minsch of Wasilla. There are many friends in Alaska and around the world who share his loss.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society or Mat-Su Hospice.

Arrangements were by the Valley Funeral Home & Crematory.