Paul 'Red' D. Putt Sr.

On Nov. 13, 2014, our Dad — Paul ‘Red’ D. Putt Sr., 76, — gracefully crossed the finish line on earth, due to the complications of radiation treatment.

He was born in Buffalo, New York, to Herbert V. Putt and Grace D. Putt.

He joined the Navy in 1959 and served his mission on the U.S.S. Harlan R. Dickson with an honorable discharge.

He married, had two children, was a business owner of Red’s Atlantic and became entirely consumed with his passion in life — racing. He raced at Lancaster speedway for many years winning many races and his legacy still lives on in Western New York.

In 1969 he began his journey to Alaska — the land he loves. He married and had three more children. Palmer became his home and he remained there. He was a master mechanic, not by degree, but by experience and innate abilities. He built Car Care Inc. in Wasilla in 1978 and ’79, he loved servicing our community, helping people with mechanical problems, tires, and marine services.

Red loved life! He loved his family and friends. He loved a ‘shot and a beer’ or two or four. He loved God and had an amazing spiritual side to him that not many knew. He loved adventure, escape, and running the large and amazing rivers of Alaska on his boat and snowmachine. He loved challenges, took risks, and was tough. He was probably one of the most stubborn people that heaven has received and definitely the most argumentative, but would also agree to disagree. His familiy said, “things that will always remind us of our Dad — running down the pig, Fox News, NRA, LaChoy Canned Chinese Food, Texas Red Hot’s, Buffalo Bills, potato salad, moose meat, sauerkraut, egg salad, oldies, dancing, R&B soul music — too many to mention. But one thing is for sure Dad — you were loved by so many, and you will be horribly missed.”

He was preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Grace Putt, his brother Ralph Putt, his niece Deborah Egan, all of Buffalo New York; as well as many extended relatives and great friends.

He is survived by his children, Paul D. Putt Jr. of New York, Sandy Sandvik, Wasilla; Jimmy Putt, Anchorage; Judy Putt, Wasilla; Kathy Mund, Anchorage; with honorable mention of Gina Jones of Wasilla, who loved Dad as her own. He has 11 grandchildren, two adopted and three greats – Tim, Heather, Stephanie, Nathan Bethany of New York, David, Matthew, Krystal, Meghan of Wasilla, Mike of Florida, Ashley, Scott and Randy of Anchorage and step-grandchildren — Jayna and Angel of Wasilla.

His family writes, “We are providing a non-formal, no ceremony, share the spirit, belly up to the bar last drink on ‘Red’ at Four Corners Lounge from 1 to 4 p.m., Nov. 29.^. One Keg of beer is on tap. As per instructions by our Dad, we will honor his request for his choice in services. He did not want a party, and said — ‘No parties, I’ve partied enough. I want hamburgers and hot dogs with a small church service and a bonfire in the front yard.’ Due to weather we will have this celebration of life on Dad’s birthday on April 19, 2015. Please email putt3814@yahoo.com with a name and address for a reminder card in April.”