Richard Arnold Redd

On December 29, 2023, Richard Arnold Redd set out on one final expedition: to meet with Jesus in Heaven. From his birth in Corpus Christi, TX in 1948, to his passing in Wasilla, AK, Dick lived 75 years full of adventure and hard work-often in his beloved outdoors-for the benefit of his family.

From a young age, Dick enjoyed hunting in the backwoods and marshes of East Texas. A star football player for Beaumont High, he went on to play ball for Tulane University before earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas.

While in college, Dick met the love of his life, Marilyn Starkey, on a visit back to Beaumont. The two married in 1971, and headed off to adventure in northern Ontario. Feeling the allure of the Last Frontier, they then set out for Alaska, where Dick found work on the North Slope.

With the birth of their first child, Janise, the two moved to a small plot of land south of Wasilla, where Dick built the family home. As more children arrived-first Willis, then Benjamin-he expanded the house to make room for his growing family. An ardent do-it-yourselfer, he did the work himself, and took on several other projects, among them building and operating his own shrimping boat.

With kids growing up, Dick took a job coding for the Alaska Department of Natural Resources before moving to Matanuska Electric Association. He was also active in his faith as a board member and treasurer of Wasilla Assembly of God, then as a volunteer at Northgate Alaska, and mentored prisoners for several years.

In his free time, Dick was always outdoors: hunting, fishing, canoeing, or summiting a yet unconquered mountain.

Dick is survived by his wife and children, brother Cecil Jr., and seven grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Billie. A memorial service will be held this summer. No flowers, please-just think of him sometime when you also are enjoying his wild, wonderful outdoors.