Stephen Charles Alward

Palmer resident Stephen Charles Alward, 68, died on Dec. 19, 2010, at his home of Lou Gehrig’s disease.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Stephen was born Sept. 25, 1942, in Charlevoix, Mich., and shortly after became an Alaska resident. He lived in Kotzebue from August 1992 to June 1999. He was employed at the Mat-Su Borough School District and Norghwest Arctic Borough School District from August 1992 to June 1999. Stephen retired from the state of Alaska in 1999.

His family writes: “Steve was an independent, private person who enjoyed the outdoors, whether it be snowmachining, jeeping, or four-wheeling. He loved watching the looks in the kids’ eyes as they reeled in their first fish.

Steve loved his family, from his immediate family to his in-laws to those he ‘adopted.’ We will all cherish the memories of our beloved Steve. We would like to thank the friends and family who visited with Steve during his illness. Also, to Mat-Su Home Hospice for making him comfortable.”

Steve was survived by his wife, Elise Alward; son, Michael Alward of Washington; a granddaughter, Alyssa Alward of Washington; brothers, Burt Alward of Topock, Ariz., David of Willow, and Ted and Joe of Wasilla; sisters, Mary (Jim) Whitman of Peters Creek and Sue (Kenny) Hightower of Palmer; and mother-in-law Edith Melton of Buckland.

Arrangements are with Legacy Funeral Home — Kehl’s Palmer Chapel.