Remembering Dan and Mary

To the editor:

My name is Patrick Brown and I am proud to call both James “Dan” Ducey and Mary Kvalheim good friends. I express my condolences to their families as I too am sorry for your loss and saddened by their departures.

I would enjoy taking a few moments to share about both of them since life is about living and sharing with the eternal promise of sharing a really, really long time with our family and friends.

James was always kind, respectful and mindful of the needs of others above himself. The last time we spoke in person was at the Mat-Su Transportation Coalition. He was not his best and I could sense his struggling. Since I had been ill he stated he missed me and asked to pray for me; health, wealth and prosperity to us all. We prayed together, and most of all he said he was praying for me and encouraged me. It made a difference in my life.

Since I have broken eyes I did not see as others might have, I saw a pillar of faith and hope and love. He never complained of his medical conditions. He helped me understand this is a fractured world, but our hope is from above. Dan, I will miss your humor, too! God speed!

As an official in Mat-Su Toastmasters and involved with advocacy for the disability community, I often encountered “Mary K,” as we called her with loving respect. She helped me to enjoy the journey more than the destination.

Always in pain she would arrive late to meetings, not because of bad habits but of victories over illness to complete the journey, even though it took a while. She was always welcome!

Mary’s intensity for life was so evident! In the midst of a speech presentation she would interrupt the speaker, not to be rude; rather, she was so engaged in the moment that she needed more information or answers. Your advocacy will be missed, but the real pothole in our lives is the joy and laughter you shared with us Mary!

Mary once told me when she was through advocating and taking a break that she had a passion project. What? She told me that when Alaska became a state the federal government was to transfer about 3 million acres back to the state of Alaska. Not yet! Why? Well Mary would make sure it was accomplished. If senators and Congress members accepted the position, then they accept the responsibilities!

“Now get to work!” was a favorite phrase of hers. “I am working now Mary; faster, smarter and stronger than Astronaut Steve Austin, the ‘Six Million Dollar Man!’” we would joke.

I choose to surround myself with greatness, and both Dan and Mary were greatness near me and they will be greatly missed.

Challenges continue, but we are built upon a sure foundation with pillars as Dan and Mary in our community. Bye for now!

Pat Brown

Wasilla