Teddy V. Wilson

Teddy V. Wilson, 74, passed May 24, 2014, from complications of cancer, surrounded by his family.

He was born on Sept. 16, 1939, in Rawlins, Wyoming, to Ida and Glen Wilson. At his request, there will be no memorial service.

He and Rosemary Joecks eloped to Las Vegas and were married on July 2, 1960. They were in love from the moment they met, a love that was as strong on the first day as it was on the last, and a love that blessed them with 54 years of marriage and five children.

They made their way to Alaska in 1965 where he began a lifelong career in construction. A career that he loved for the visible progress that he could see each day and the fact that it took him all over Alaska. He worked at Alaska Airlines, Locker Construction and was a partner in McWil Inc. with his brother Jerry, to name a few. They raised their family in Anchorage before retiring to the home they built on Horseshoe Lake. A place where they had spent every summer as a family for almost 30 years before being able to permanently move there.

He was a loving father to his children, his grandchildren and his sons-in-law. He was a best friend to many and he never met a stranger that soon didn’t become a “Pard.” He was adored by all who knew him in part due to his positive “never been better” attitude and contagious sense humor that saw him through some of life’s toughest battles. His shop was the local gathering spot for all who came from around the lake to borrow a tool and hear a great story or get a short “life lesson.” He was a hardworking man whose body gave out long before his soul did and will forever be remembered by “the heat’s in the tools.” His character and sense of humor were bigger than life itself and his passing has left an unfillable void for his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemary; his daughters and families, GayNel and Ken Cardwell of Anchorage, Tonya and Mike Kish of Eagle River, Darcy and Eric Quam of Palmer, Kip and Tom Upchurch of Anchorage; grandchildren, Colby, Shayla and Lexy Cardwell, Cory and Tyler Wilson, Dean Musliu and McKenzie Kish, Henley Quam, Tatum, Logan and Peyton Upchurch; his brother, Jerry; and his sister, Billee Bucho.

He was preceded in death by his son, Cortney; his parents, Ida and Glen Wilson; and his brother, Ray.

Arrangements were made by the Cremation Society of Alaska, Mat-Su Valley. Words of comfort can be shared with the family at alaskacremation.com.