Richard L. Rice

Longtime Alaskan and Korean War Veteran Richard L. Rice gave up his long-term illness battle and died on Father's Day, Sunday, June 21, this year. Affectionately called "Dick" by everyone who knew him, he was born in New York City on December 9, 1933, to now deceased parents Jack and Florence Rice.

His tumultuous childhood behind him, Dick enlisted into the Air Force and served as an AP in Korea during the war for three years, finally stationing him in Anchorage in 1952. When he left the Air Force, he married, started a family and quickly adopted Alaska as his new home. Dick became a wild game hunter guide, enjoying boundless areas of Alaska in which to hunt before statehood, and most of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough territory afterwards. For 30-plus years he guided clientele from all over the world.

After his divorce, he found himself a single father of six children and ultimately settled in Palmer as his community of choice. He met and married his now widow, Laura, in 1975 and together they raised three more children over a 40-year span. Dick's love of the outdoors and his passionate patriotism defined him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Laura Rice; his sister, Carol Rice; his children, Curtis Rice, David Rice, John Rice, Charlene Holloway, Rose Rice, Anthony Evan, Denali Rice and Lee Ann Gagnon. He was pre-deceased by two of his children, Rick Rice and Ray Rice. He leaves behind 30 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and three cousins in Colorado and New Jersey. Funeral services will be held at Kehl's Mortuary in Palmer, Saturday, June 27, at noon. Flowers would be most welcome. The VFW Post #9365 in Wasilla will be hosting a memorial at 5 p.m. later that evening.