MICHAEL SEWARD

Michael Seward, 37, died April 15, 2008 near Sheep Mountain.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, April 25, at Valley Church of Christ, Mile 36.6 Parks Highway. Pastor Tony Cloud from Soldotna Church of Christ will officiate.

A celebration of Sewards’s life will be held following the service at the Palmer Moose Lodge, 110 S. Cobb St.

Seward was born in San Francisco, Calif., on Aug. 22, 1970. He graduated from high school in 1989 and immediately joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines and was honorably discharged at the rank of corporal. His family said Seward remained dedicated to his country and proud of the freedoms he fought for.

Seward’s love of the outdoors led him to Cooper Landing in 1994, working as a raft guide for Alaska Rivers Co. He enjoyed rafting, climbing, skiing and cycling. He was an avid sportsman, hunter and outdoorsman. Seward lived in Cooper Landing when he met the love of his life, Teri. They lived in Soldotna until moving to Palmer in 2005. They were married in Kauai, Hawaii, in February 2006.

Seward worked for Alaska Towers Services before being hired as an electronic maintenance specialist and tower climbing instructor for the State of Alaska. It was a job that he deeply enjoyed.

“Michael was a devoted and dedicated husband, father, and friend,” his family wrote. “He lived with an immense passion for life. Michael profoundly loved his family and celebrated his reunion with them at the end of each workday. His investment in others inspired many loyal enduring friendships. Michael shared compassion, strength, and love with all who knew him.”

Michael is survived by his wife Teri; children Quinn, Madison, Carly, Allie, Jacob, Logan and Riley; parents Clifford and Miriam Craner; sister Vanessa; grandparents Richard and Helen Seward, Elaine Augustofson, Jerry and Shirley Craner.

A memorial fund for the benefit of the Seward family has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank, account #2272537008.

Valley Funeral Homes & Crematory of Wasilla and Palmer is assisting the family.