Michael Willard Hope

Michael Willard Hope, 68, passed away peacefully March 27, 2013, at St. Elias hospital in Anchorage from complications of diabetes and agent orange.

He was born Feb. 2, 1945, in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., the son of Willard and Clarice (Taylor) Hope.

A celebration of life service in honor of Michael is at 1 p.m., April 20 at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wasilla with the Rev. Ann Whitney officiating. Graveside services with Military Honors are at 1:30 p.m., April 22 at Ft. Richardson National Cemetery in Anchorage. Those attending the service are asked to meet at the Main Gate at 1 p.m.

Michael was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran who served our country proudly and was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America in Wasilla. He was a member of the Mt. McKinley Lions, Miners and Trappers and was involved in their ball, which they have every year. He attended Lake Superior University and received his bachelor’s degree. He also received his master’s from Central Michigan University. He moved to Alaska in 1985 and worked for the Akeela house as a counselor, where he retired in 1996. He also worked for Alaska Pacific University as the Assistant Dean of Students.

He lived in Wasilla with his wife, Sally, where he enjoyed watching TV, especially to cheer on his University of Michigan sports teams.

Michael will be remembered by his wife, Sally, who said although he was guarded about his experience in Vietnam, he took pride in his service there. Sally will also remember him as a highly intellectual man who had a dry wit that would make people around him smile.

Surviving are his wife of 38 years, Sarah (Sally) Hope; daughter, Collette Seabrook; grandson, Cory Seabrook; and his brother, Gerald Hope.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Willard and Clarice Hope.

The family of Michael suggests memorials in his memory be made to the American Diabetes Association Alaska, 801 W. Fireweed Lane, Anchorage, AK 99503.

Arrangements were entrusted to Kehl’s Palmer Chapel, 209 S. Alaska St., Palmer.