Tyler J. Beckham

Tyler Joseph Beckham, 16, died Dec. 29, 2007, at Turnagain Pass in a snowmachining accident.

Viewing will begin at 2 p.m. with the funeral service following at 3 p.m., Friday, Jan. 4 at the Wasilla Bible Church. The Rev. Jim Eller will officiate.

Beckham was born July 26, 1991 in Anchorage and was a lifelong Wasilla resident, who was in his junior year at Wasilla High School. He also attended Wasilla Bible Church and was the Wasilla High Car Club president, as well as being a member of the Great Alaska Council, Troop #395.

His Eagle Scout project was at the Palmer Hay Flats Scout Ridge Overlook, and was involved with Bear Paw and the Great Alaska Council. His hobbies included snowmachining, four wheeling, hockey, auto repair and fishing.

His family wrote: “Tyler was an adventurous 16-year-old young man who couldn’t get enough of what Alaska’s great land has to offer. His love for the outdoors combined with his knowledge and love for motorized vehicles made for some awesome adventures with family and friends. Tyler was a fun-loving young man with a great sense of humor. He was a kind and generous individual who was always ready to lend a hand to whoever needed it. With the culmination of Tyler’s Eagle Scout Project, a board of review would have been the last step in him receiving the award of Eagle Scout. His family and friends are very proud of him for all of his achievements. Tyler was a very special person to all the people whose lives were blessed with his presence. He will be greatly missed by all of us that were.”

Beckham is survived by his parents Joseph and Patricia Beckham, and brother Kyle Beckham, all of Wasilla, aunts and uncles, Barbara and Charlie Andrist of Palmer, Margaret Ramsey, Nancy Mokay, John and Holly Hewitt and Wayne Mondore, all of New York, Robert and Lori Hewitt of Florida, Richard Beckham of Utah and Juanita Beckham of New Hampshire and numerous cousins.

The family requests memorial donations in his memory be made to the Backcountry Avalanche Awareness Response Team, 1830 E. Parks Hwy., Suite A-113, PMB 403, Wasilla, AK 99654.

Valley Funeral Homes and Crematory of Wasilla & Palmer is assisting the family.