Terry Lee Caldwell

Terry Lee Caldwell, 67, passed away peacefully in Wasilla Sept. 23, 2013, surrounded by his loving family.

Memorial service for Terry was Sept. 27 at Fort Richardson National Cemetery with full military honors. Bishop William Nicholson officiated.

Celebration of life will be held among Terry’s snowbird friends and family in Arizona in November.

His ashes will be scattered in his hometown LaSalle, Ill., Arizona and in Alaska in Chicken, in the Kuskokwim area and on his favorite golf course.

Terry was born Jan. 8, 1946, in LaSalle, Ill., to Paul and Velma Caldwell.

After graduating from LaSalle-Peru High School, Terry served his country in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam. Terry eventually moved to Eek, Alaska in 1970 with his wife, Sally, and lived in other areas such as Bethel and Palmer. After 2007, he spent his winters in Arizona and summers in Alaska either in Wasilla or Chicken.

Terry worked as a commercial fisherman when he first moved to Alaska. He chose a career as a youth corrections officer until he retired in 2005. After retirement, he continued self-employment as a woodworker.

He always kept himself busy whether it was coaching his grandsons’ youth football team or attending one of his clubs: GPAA and AMVETS. Terry had a passion for gold mining, four-wheeling, football, fishing, hunting and trapping, traveling and woodworking.

Many people have said that Terry never met a stranger. He was an instant friend to everyone. The most important thing was his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved to spend time with them and attend their sporting events. He was their greatest fan. He now has a seat on the 50-yard line cheering on his grandchildren and yelling at the refs.

The family wrote: “We would like to thank all the health care providers who helped out so many times and at all hours of the night. Also, to his many close friends and family who visited, sent cards and their love.”

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Velma Caldwell.

He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Wayne Reichard of Arvada, Colo.; daughter and son-in-law, Julia and Tyde Riopelle of Wasilla; son, James Caldwell of Anchorage; sisters, Jennifer Cole, Trude Fleeman, Paula Decker, Barbara Nelson and Teena Crain, all of California, and Mary Bortolazzo of Idaho. Terry is also survived by six grandchildren.

Arrangements cared for by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory.