ROWDY JAY GASTON TABER

Funeral service for Wasilla resident Rowdy Jay Gaston Taber, 15, will be Aug. 12 at 2 p.m. at Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory, Wasilla,1015 S. Check St., with visitation beginning at noon. Burial will follow at Aurora Cemetery. Pastor David Pepper of the Church on the Rock will officiate.

Rowdy died Aug. 4, 2010, as the result of an auto accident at Point MacKenzie. He was born Feb. 16, 1995, in Forest Grove, Ore., and came to Alaska in 1995. Rowdy would have been a sophomore at Wasilla High this year.

According to the family, “They say the good die young, and that has never been truer than with Rowdy. He was a wonderful, amazing, awesome young man. His energy radiated into the world like a ray of sunshine. Rowdy lit the lives of many through his sincere smile and his incredible sense of humor. He loved four-wheeling, snowboarding, playing video games and guitar. He had a love for music and nothing made him happier than hanging out with his friends.

“He played basketball, soccer and football,” his family added. “He also had a very unique bond and love for animals. Rowdy had the heart of a bear: loyal, compassionate and generous. He was the type of young man who was never afraid to be himself no matter what the situation. There are not enough words to describe how much he is loved and how much he is missed. Rowdy’s spirit lives on in the hearts of many.”

Rowdy’s dad, Ron Taber, would like all of Rowdy’s friends to know that if there’s anything they need, he’s here for them. “God bless all you children and know that we love you all,” he wrote.

Rowdy is survived by his parents, Ron and Marcell Taber of Wasilla; brothers, Ron Jr., Joshua and Jacob; sisters, Janna, Lacretia, Ann and Kylie; maternal grandparents, Judy Teel and Ken Teel; paternal grandparents, Mary Joyce Baird and Ronald Marion Taber; and nine aunts and uncles and their families.

The family has requested memorial contributions be directed to the Rowdy Taber Memorial Account at any branch of Alaska USA.

Arrangements by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory.