Richard Micheal Schiesl

Richard Schiesl was born to Mary and Jack Schiesl in Kenosha, Wis., on June 19, 1954, followed his mother Mary in death on March 22, 2010.

He is survived by father Jack Schiesl; brothers Dave, Greg, Mark and little brother Terry of “The Birch Creek Boys;” niece Jessica and nephew Chase; and numerous cousins. He is also survived by significant other Betsy Heilman and best friend Bubbha the “King.”

Rick moved to Mt. Hull in Washington in 1988 and traveled to Alaska in 1992 to stay. He was an independent fishing and hunting guide from Valdez to the Brooks Range.

Rick was also known for caretaking the historic Denali Fairview Inn for almost 10 years and rebuilding the West Rib Pub after a fire. He built the handicap trails in Sourdough and also the handicap access for Thompson Pass. Rick and brother Terry planted millions of trees on the Colville Indian Reservation in Washington, as well as providing firewood for people on energy assistance.

He loved to walleye fish under the Grand Cooley Dam, worked as an apple picker and fought fires as a volunteer firefighter in Washington state. He received several certificates for his generous support of The Wilderness Woman Contest and Bachelor Auction in Talkeetna. He was awarded for Community Service Award for the Talkeetna Village Park Enhancement Project.

He communed with all the animals of the world and spent time in most all our national parks. He grew many gardens and ate off the land.

Rick was authentic, resourceful and very artistic. He lived fully every day and up until the very end. Rick passed away peacefully with family present. Truly a one-of-a-kind human being.

There will be a celebration of life at the Denali Fairview Inn on Sunday at 2 p.m.