Richard Eugene Barlow

Richard Eugene Barlow, 86, passed away Jan. 26, 2016, as a result of injuries from a fall on Jan. 7.

Dick was born in Grand Ledge, Michigan, on Oct. 1, 1929, the only child of Raymond Eugene and Doris (Richardson) Barlow. Dick had a step-sister, Joan Harry, who had a grandson, Scott, from Fairbanks. Scott and Dick became very close.

Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946, retiring in 1968. He spent the majority of his service in the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU). He was honored to be chosen as the rifle coach of the 1968 Olympic biathlon team in Grenoble, France. During this assignment, he came to Fort Richardson, training in the Hatcher Pass area.

After retiring from the Army at Fort Richardson, Dick attended the police academy and graduated at the top of his class. His first assignment was in Cordova. He later moved to Palmer and retired from the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District.

Dick and Elizabeth were instrumental in founding the Mat-Su Running Club and enjoyed entering running events such as 10Ks and biathlons. He was also the founder and coach of the PHS Rifle Club, entering competitions around the state.

Dick was a faithful founding member of the Bodenberg Butte Baptist Church. He loved to sing and was a member of the Down Home Country Gospel group.

Dick was a lifetime member of the NRA. He loved the great outdoors, had a passion for living, and took every opportunity to do so. In his younger years, he loved to hunt and fish. But as he aged, he would rather carry a good book than a rifle. He also enjoyed diving, water-skiing, jet-skiing, cross-country skiing, (attempted hang gliding), riding motorcycles, and flying. Dick was a member of the Butte Airman’s Association.

The day Dick fell it was a beautiful clear day and he was at his hangar getting ready to take his plane up.

Dick is very much loved by many and will be greatly missed by all.

Dick is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ann (Imlach) Barlow; five children, Jacqueline Anne Hammond (Michael) of Pahoa, Hawaii, Joel Eugene (who preceded him in death at 4 months old), Cheryl Raynette Hahn (Richard), of Joppa Town, Maryland, Gloria Jean Butler, of Oxford, North Carolina, and Heather Tabler (David), of Dallas, Oregon; stepchildren, Larry Barnes, of Willow, Linda Mull (Tony), of Lake Stevens, Washington, Teresa Waymire (Bill), of Wenatchee, Washington, Cheryl Blaylock, of Palmer, Arthur Atkins, of Palmer, and Sibyl Atkins, of Willow; 18 grandchildren, William and Steven Doody, Nick and Joel Morris, Sheli Butler, Dominique Maus, Samantha Gallaway, Sarah Mull, Rachel Rudd, Christopher Merchant, Rich Summers, Kent, Will, Dylan, and Ty Blaylock, Jesse, Dustin, and Sydney Knapp; and 16 great-grandchildren.

A funeral was held on Feb. 1, 2016, at Bodenberg Butte Baptist Church, with military honors.

Memorial donations in his name may be sent to Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue at P.O. Box 876888, Wasilla, AK 99687.