Roger Winfield Austin

Roger Winfield Austin, 64, died Oct. 23, 2012, at his home in Wasilla.

A celebration of life is at 4 p.m., Nov. 1 at Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla. Pastor Gary Oathout will officiate.

Roger was born Oct. 25, 1947, in Norway, Maine, to Horace and Pauline Austin. Roger came to Alaska with the Air Force in 1967. He fell in love with the beauty of Alaska — the hunting, fishing and snowmachining — and he never left. Roger moved to Wasilla 10 years ago after living for years in Anchorage. He was a member of the Operators Union Local 302 until his retirement six years ago. He worked as a heavy equipment operator on various street and road projects statewide. He loved NASCAR auto racing and working on old cars and trucks.

Roger was a friend to all and touched many people’s lives by helping those in need. He was always there to lend a helping hand. Roger was the person you could go to for honest feedback. He was easy to talk to and gave good advice. Roger was an independent spirit who did things his way. He showed his tough guy exterior, but inside he was a teddy bear. We will miss him so much.

Roger is survived by the love of his life of 21 years, Sandra Holmes of Wasilla; daughter and son-in-law, Paula and Reid Novosel of Big Lake; grandchildren, Ryan, Alyssa, Raeona and Colton of Alaska; great-grandchildren, Clara, Bailey Mae and Justice of Alaska; brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Vicki Austin of Maine; his beloved dog, Casey; and devoted cat, Miss Kitty. He was dad, grandpa and uncle to so many more.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Pauline Austin.

Arrangements were cared for by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory. Please visit Roger’s online guestbook and obituary at alaskanfuneral.com.