ROBERT L. BUZBY

Wasilla resident and lifelong Alaskan, Robert Leroy Buzby, 91, died May 24, 2003, at Valley Hospital in Palmer, of congestive heart failure.

A memorial service was held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, at the Moose Lodge in Palmer, with Rev. Dyana Orrin of St. David's Episcopal Church officiating.

Mr. Buzby was born June 6, 1911, in Fairbanks, to Harry Ephraim and Louisa Jane Buzby. He lived in Fairbanks until 1947, in Palmer from 1949 to 1956, in Cold Bay from 1953 to 1954, again in Fairbanks from 1956 to 1983, and in Wasilla since 1983.

He worked for the Corps of Engineers at Ladd Field from 1941 to 1945. As there were very few employees in Alaska during the early 1900s, he was self-employed. He was a big game master guide and outfitter for 55 years, flew as a commercial pilot, owned his own logging company, trapped and farmed for a living.

He was a member of the Episcopal Church, and a lifetime member of the Pioneers of Alaska. He retired the Signal Corps Trophy for winning the dog race three consecutive years. This race became the North American Sled Dog Race. He was the president of the Delta Soil and Water Conservation District and won several awards. The Soil Conservation Award was for outstanding contributions to the wise use and management of the nation's natural resources and the Distinguished Service Award for distinguished service in the Salcha-Big Delta Soil Conservation District.

Mr. Buzby is survived by his wife, Mildred "Tiny" Buzby; his daughter Alice Renfro; sons, Bill, Dennis and Ed; 19 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory.