Neil Alexander Meglitsch

Accomplished artist, Ferrier and teacher, Neil Alexander Meglitsch, 66, died June 21, 2011, at Providence Alaska Medical Center.

No service is planned. Please join in a potluck gathering of family and friends to celebrate his life from 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday, July 2 at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Hall, 3333 Denali St., Anchorage.

Neil was born Aug. 31, 1944, at the Army Air Force Hospital on Mabry Field near Tallahassee, Fla. to Paul and Alison (Mitchell) Meglitsch. He graduated in 1963 from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa. He attended the University of Iowa where he graduated with a master’s degree in fine arts. Neil’s art hangs in many private homes and is included in the Anchorage Public Library’s permanent collection.

He married Collette Fry in February 1975. They arrived in Anchorage in June 1975 in a truck rigged for horse shoeing. Neil continued to shoe horses across the state until shortly before his death. He was also employed by the Anchorage School District as a substitute teacher.

His family wrote: “Neil was a leader in the Boy Scouts of America and a mentor to many. He was always willing to share his knowledge. He was also a great storyteller. He will be truly missed. We hold Neil in our minds and hearts now and forever.”

Neil is survived by his son, Angus Meglitsch; son and daughter-in-law, Colin and Tabatha Meglitsch, Takotna; daughter and son-in-law, Emily and Kaleb Johnson, Knab, Utah; sister and brother-in-law, Gail Meglitsch and Rowan Tipton, Knoxville, Tenn.; brother, Steven Meglitsch, Oslo, Norway; former spouse, Collette Fry, Anchorage; and grandchildren, Jubilee, Aurora and Philana Johnson and Arrow and Belladonna Meglitsch.

His parents preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice in Neil’s name.

Arrangements were by the Cremation Society of Alaska.