ROBERT E. CHACEROBERT E. CHACEROBERT E. CHACE

Robert Elliot Chace, 70, of Palmer, died May 12, 2001, at his winter home in Everglades Picayune Strand, Fla., after a five-year battle with cancer.

He was born Dec. 31, 1930, in Danvers, Mass. He served in the Air Force as staff sergeant during the Korean War from 1948-1952, where he was able to learn the Japanese language.

After returning from Japan, he was employed by New England Telephone as a repairman and later became chief of police in Hancock, N.H. In the early ‘60s he worked for Gotham Industries, a plastics manufacturer in Fitchburg, Mass., and was soon promoted to plant manager of their New Orleans factory. In 1966 he became plant manager of their largest operation, located in Chicago.

At the age of 40, he decided to escape the rat race and live his dream. Within three months he had sold their suburban home and most of its contents, loaded the van with his five children, a dog and guinea pig, hooked up the travel trailer and headed for Alaska, brave wife Anita by his side.

While driving through Palmer on the way to Anchorage, they liked what they saw and decided to stay awhile. That was 1970.

His family wrote: "Being semi-retired gave him the opportunity to become an assistant guide and camp cook, and work a gold claim in the Chickaloon mountains. His business ventures include establishing family-operated G-ABETAR Café in downtown Palmer from 1971-1977, owner/operator of Chace Lounge in the 1980s — "home of good food and lousy service," owner and manager of Chace Chalet Apartments, and owner/operator of B&B Better Bargains secondhand shop since 1986.

"Due to declining health, he spent the last three winters in Florida, where he was affectionately known as "Mr. Bob."

His community service contributions include being past commander of American Legion Post 15 in 1977 and 1978; organizing and emceeing the annual Volunteer Fireman's Recognition Celebration, founding the local American Legion's flag program; initiating the "Friendly Rider" program, modeled after a similar program in Valdez; and being instrumental in establishing Palmer's sister city relationship with Saroma, Japan. He was also involved in legal action which enabled the general public access to the Point MacKenzie land lottery.

His family wrote: "He loved hunting and exploring the wild places of Alaska by foot and horseback with his horse, Billy. Fishing out of Seldovia and spending time on his boat were favorite pastimes. He enjoyed singing and was always in high demand on karaoke nights. He loved good food and good talk . . . his friends say he had the gift of gab! Not only was he a creative, outstanding cook, but he had that special ingredient that gives life's stew its flavor.

"Bob had a special talent for inspiring and helping others in need. He didn't need material things to make him happy. Just give him a friend or someone to help."

Mr. Chace is survived by his wife of 46 years, Anita Chace; daughters and sons-in-law, Melinda and Larry Briggs of Wasilla, Robin and Mike Houtte of Palmer, and Pam and Brad Lewis of Palmer; son, Tim Chace of Palmer and son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Dana Chace of Alma, Colo.; and brother and sister-in-law, George and Carol Chace of Dennis, Mass. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated and his ashes scattered over Byers Peak. A memorial service is planned for May 25 at 4 p.m. at the American Legion Post 15 on Outer Springer Loop in Palmer.

The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the American Cancer Society or Palmer High School's Saroma Scholarship Exchange Fund, 1170 W. Arctic Ave., Palmer AK 99645.