Sammy Toothman

Willow resident Sammy Toothman Sr., 57, died June 4, 2011, at home after a courageous battle with cancer.

A celebration of life gathering in honor of Sammy is from noon to 10 p.m., June 16, at Jim Creek camping area near the Alaska Raceway Park in Palmer. David Sutton will be leading the time there together. Please join the family to share memories of Sammy. The family will scatter his ashes in Alaska.

Sammy was born Dec. 16, 1953, in Butte, Mont., to Henry and Elsie (Martinez) Toothman.

Sammy moved to Alaska in 1981 and lived in Willow with his wife, Marie, and family. He worked as a boiler maker in the construction business, and also worked as a welder and home-school teacher to his family. He enjoyed fishing and wild birds, which he loved to feed and watch outside his window at home. He also raised emu at his home.

Sammy’s family will remember him as a good husband and father who will be cherished forever by all who knew him.

“We will miss you, Dad, as will his wife, Marie, who knew him as Honey,” the family wrote.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Marie of Willow; sons, Sammy Toothman Jr. of Anchorage, Henry Toothman of Palmer and Max Toothman of St Paul, Minn.; daughters, Lisa Toothman of Ruidoso, N.M., and Teri Toothman of Anchorage. He is also survived by his grandsons, Alan Toothman of Ruidoso and Sammy Toothman III of Anchorage; and granddaughter, Savanah Toothman of Ruidoso.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Henry and Elsie; and sister, Roberta Toothman.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the family at P.O. Box 266, Willow, AK 99688.

Valley Funeral Home and Crematory of Wasilla cared for the family.