Remembrance service Sunday for former Wasilla mayor

WASILLA — The Wasilla mayor who led the city during its transition from a second- to first-class city will be remembered at a celebration of life Sunday.

Friends and colleagues are invited to join Ken DeCamp’s family from 2 to 5 p.m. at Evangelo’s Restaurant in Wasilla for a reception to share stories about the longtime Wasillan. DeCamp, 66, died Dec. 9 after a long battle with liposarcoma.

Richard Kenneth DeCamp served two terms on city council and was elected by the council to serve as mayor in October 1984. When the city changed to a first-class city, voters elected Charlie Bumpus to the paid mayor’s post and DeCamp finished his term on council.

DeCamp, who was remembered by colleagues as a meticulous surveyor, great family man and an animal lover, went on to serve on the Mat-Su Borough platting board.

Marilyn McGuire, who also served Wasilla as mayor, worked with DeCamp professionally during her 32 years at the Borough offices. McGuire recalled DeCamp as a very exact, very ethical surveyor.

Colleen Cottle, who served on Wasilla City Council with both DeCamp and his wife, the former Ruth Reed, echoed that praise.

“He was such a good surveyor that no one ever questioned his work,” Cottle said.

DeCamp was a licensed surveyor in six states and served on the board of the Alaska Society of Professional Land Surveyors. DeCamp’s skills were shared with new generations of surveyors. He taught surveying courses at Anchorage Community College in the 1980s and mentored young surveyors.

One of DeCamp’s other passions was his animals, including German shepherds, which were often in his truck with him.

DeCamp was involved in many local organizations, boards and groups, among them the Little Dribblers. While some perceived the large man as gruff, longtime friend Greg Berg said he was an honest, admirable man who was picky about everything he did.

“He got things done,” Berg said. That included volunteering his time to do the surveying, help with drawing plans and other assistance building King of Kings Lutheran Church with Berg.

DeCamp was born, raised and educated in Oregon, coming to Alaska in 1967 to work with the Bureau of Land Management. He opened his surveying office in the late 1970s.

Survivors include his wife, who he met while serving on city council, and six children.