RICHARD CRAVEN HOPE

Richard Craven Hope, 76, died Sept. 23, 2004, due to complications of a stroke in May, after fighting for months at Providence Alaska Medical Center's care unit.

No services were held. Mr. Hope had asked for his ashes to be scattered in the ocean in Oregon and in Alaska.

Mr. Hope was born Feb. 4, 1929, to Walter and Mary Hope. He grew up in Ventura, Calif., and earned his high school requirements in the armed services. He was a Marine firefighter on naval ships and had medic training in World War II and the Korean Conflict.

Mr. Hope was stationed at San Margarita Naval Base in USMC Sergeant Company 'C." He received two honorable discharges from service.

He worked as a general contractor builder in Paradise, Calif., and as a firefighter saved many people's lives. Mr. Hope was a member of the John Birch Society and hosted parties for visiting politicians involved in the "Support Your Local Police" campaign in Paradise, Calif.

He was married and had four children, then moved to Eugene, Ore. in 1965. Mr. Hope relocated to Alaska in 1974.

He enjoyed singing songs, fireplaces, sitting around the campfire, picnics and adventure. Mr. Hope enjoyed wildlife and the pioneer spirit. He also enjoyed travel visiting his kids in Oregon, watching the waves and the beach and collecting seashells and driftwood.

His favorite pastime was politics and his greatest drive was to build.

His family wrote, "He has many tract houses to his credit. And his oldest son, who had his journeyman's license in plumbing, played a major part in accomplishing our family's development of all the houses and developments he built in Alaska.

"One of the biggest projects, named Carolynn Acres, has 14 four-plexes and was built by a group effort on our family's part. All were involved in labor and sweat and tears. It's still there in Anchorage on Muldoon Road. Our father was an admirable man with positive words to say, always looking for the bright side of life. [He] took pride in his accomplishments.

"My father dedicated this project to a real estate lady named Carolynn, who was killed by a drunken driver in the 1980s. My father will be greatly missed, as will his encouraging words and the pat on the back to say 'Well done.' May he rest in peace."

Mr. Hope is survived by his children, Mary Hope, Sheri D., Greg Hope and Deborah L. Hope, all of Oregon; grandchildren, Kira, Katiey, Jimmy and Traci, Emerald, Eric, Jacob, Alexis, Timothy and James; one great-grandchild, Adien; stepson, Donnie Short and stepdaughter and stepgranddaughter, Becky E. Short and Christina Short. He is also survived by a sister, Barbra Robison of California and brothers, Ray Weigle of Utah and John Weigle of California.