STEPHEN LARRICK FLORES

Beloved son, brother, father, uncle and friend Stephen Larrick “Critter” Flores passed away March 5, 2010, in Anchorage at Providence Extended Care Center from complications of diabetes. He was supported by his family with prayers, but surrounded in comfort by the group NOAH, the wonderful doctors and nurses at the Care Center, along with his best friend of over 30 years, CJ Cook of Wasilla.

Critter was a resident of Wasilla and Talkeetna. He was born in Nacogdoches, Texas, on Sept. 7, 1948. The oldest of eight children, he was always on the move and always looking toward the far horizons and sunsets, either through his travels or his music. After a stint in the Navy, he pursed a career in music as a DJ in radio and nightclubs, traveling around the United States working and living. He lived like most of us dream of doing. Eventually his travels took him to Alaska, then to Keystone, Colo., but he eventually settled back in Alaska, where his heart and soul was. He was our “Jeremiah Johnson,” carving a life (literally) out of the wilderness; a great outdoorsman.

As his brother Wil states, which is so true, “Critter was a kind and generous person … liked by all who ever met him, … and one hell of a good friend to those who crossed his path. His desire to live a free and unprejudiced life was his blessing, and not always appreciated by those who don’t. May God keep him in His loving arms, and one day we will meet him at the top of the mountain that he loved so much. Critter had also chosen these words for his Epitaph: ‘Weep not for me, for now I am wild and free.’”

He is survived by his mother, Billie K. Linzy of Jacksonville, Fla.; brothers, Marshall (Melissa) Flores, Wil (Claudia) Flores, Charlie and John Linzy; step-brothers Jeff and Jon Linzy; CJ Cook (best friend and brother in spirit); sisters, Mona (Bruce) Peterson, Johnnetta Scott, Mary Anne Castro and Rose Garza; and nephew Stephen Flores, as well as many more uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. Critter also leaves behind his beloved half-wolf dog, Worthless, who now resides with CJ Cook and family in Wasilla.

And for those who prefer to, memorial contributions maybe made to The American Diabetes Association.

Arrangements entrusted to the Cremation Society of Alaska. An online guestbook can be signed at www.alaskacremation.com.