Richard Francis Weare

On Jan. 11, in accordance with his wishes, Richard Francis Weare died peacefully at his home in Wasilla with his wife and family by his side.

He was 89 years old.

He was born Feb. 3, 1920, to Clifford R. Weare and Ethel Baxter at home near Noxon, Mont. He attended school in a one-room schoolhouse on the Bull River.

He married Othelia Magdalena Schanzenbach on June 26, 1944 and together they had three children, Richard Roy “Mickey,” Karen Elaine and Cheryl Ann. He also had two sons from a previous marriage, Michael Richard and Lannie Leroy.

In 1967, Richard and Othelia loaded up the family and headed north to Alaska, where he owned and operated Weares Body Shop in Palmer and then Glennallen. He loved to fly, he loved to hunt and fish, and spent all his time with his wife and family. His outgoing nature garnered lifelong friendships from Montana to Alaska, and his at his body shop the coffee pot was always on.

In 1994 the couple purchased a homestead in Central, and lived there for 10 years before returning to the Valley. They liked to travel in their motorhome and went on numerous fishing and camping trips with children and grandchildren covering nearly every road and stream in the state looking for fishing holes.

He was preceded in death by one great-granddaughter, Breanna Clark; and two great-grandsons, Joshua Moffitt and Cliford Felts.

Mr. Weare is survived by his wife, Othelia (Toots); children, Mickey and wife Judy of Noxon; Karen and Cheryl of Wasilla; Mike and wife Tawyna of Spokane, Wash.; and Lannie and wife Jeannie of Bigfork, Mont.; 21 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held Jan. 28 at the Noxon Cemetery. A potluck luncheon followed services at the Noxon Fire Hall.

The family is grateful to the nurses and aids of the Hospice of Mat-Su for all their help and support over the past few months, and request that memorials be made to support hospice.

Condolences may be sent to Othelia Weare at 3060 Lazy Eight Court, PMB 493, Wasilla, AK 99654.