Paul Donald Barnhardt

Longtime Alaska resident Paul Donald Barnhardt passed away Nov. 8, 2015, at the age of 83 at home.

Paul was born in Endicott, New York, and arrived in Alaska in 1947, driving up the highway from Vestal, New York, with his parents, maternal grandmother, two siblings, his uncle driving one truck, three dogs and two cats. On Sept. 7, 1947, they joined two older children and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. One truck contained the saw mill that would become Barnhardt’s mill. Paul loved hunting and fishing with his brothers for food.

He attended Palmer High School, and after graduation joined the Marines, serving in Korea where he was awarded the Purple Heart. He worked the block plant by Barnhardt’s mill, then went on to be a police officer on the original Anchorage Police Department and in other places in Alaska. He was with his wife, Libby, for over 35 years and worked with her in real estate. He was preceded in death by his father, William “Bud” Barnhardt; mother, Claire; brothers, William “Buster” Barnhardt, and John Barnhardt. Paul was a lifetime member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Elks, VFW, AmVets, and a member of the Moose and American Legion.

He is survived by his children, Pauli (Terry) Olson, Donald Jay Barnhardt, Kenneth Barnhardt, Ben (Angel) Barnhardt; his sisters, Drucilla Kendrick and Hazel Koppenburg; 14 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He loved all the family gatherings and talking of old times, having company on the deck and patio at home. His quiet sense of humor and love will be sorely missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church at 2 p.m Nov. 24, 2015, with a reception to follow.