MILTON JOSEPH MENARD

Wasilla resident Milton Joseph Menard, 78, died peacefully in his sleep April 14, 2004, after a long, hard battle with cancer. Milton, his wife Rose, and their children moved from Louisiana in 1970 to begin a new life in Alaska. He was a welder for Parker Drilling until he retired in 1987, which allowed him plenty of time for his hobbies.

Mr. Menard enjoyed growing good old southern tomatoes and cucumbers in his garden, hunting and fishing, and spoiling his grandchildren -- not one of them got away without a special nickname he made up just for them. He loved music and entertained anyone willing to listen to him play his guitar. Sundays found him playing at church while his wife of 52 years, Rose, sang beside him.

Mr. Menard was born in 1925 and raised in Perry, La. He learned English in school, but preferred his native French. He retained his strong flavorful Cajun accent and delightful sense of humor until the very end, much to the amusement of his family, friends and volunteers of Hospice, who were such great help.

He was preceded in death by his grandson Brandon McManamy of Palmer, his parents Marcellus Menard and Alicia Sherman, his brothers Paul and Marcel Menard, and his sisters Pauline Faulk and Marie Luquette, all of Abbeville, La.

He is survived by his wife Rose Menard and their four children and their families, Jim and Faye Menard, Tonie and Brad Roberts of Wasilla, Lisa Dunlap of Anchorage, and Shelly and Gaylon Peterson of Federal Way, Wash.; and all of his grandchildren, Melody, Meagan, Joel, Rachel, Ryan, Janae, Brandalynn, Joshua and Jeremy; as well as his sister and brother-in-law Rita and Minos Hebert of Palmer and their families.

Mr. Menard's service was held at Palmer Victory Fellowship, at 234 W. Beaver Drive, on April 17 at 2 p.m. with visitation at noon. Visitation was also held April 16 at Kehl's Palmer Mortuary at 209 S. Alaska Street from 5 to 8 p.m. Pallbearers were Jim Menard, Gaylon Peterson, Brad Roberts, Kevin Richards and Daniel, David, David Mark and Joseph Hebert.