Wilbur Eugene Bline

Wilbur Eugene Bline, 84, died Feb. 3, 2011, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Wasilla after a brief illness.

Born in Walla Walla, Wash., on Sept. 10, 1926, to George and Bertha Bline, he lived in Milton Freewater, Ore., and farmed the Washington and Oregon valleys for many years. Wilbur married the love of his life, Darlene Wolford, and they had their first of two children, George and Glori, in Walla Walla. He farmed, played baseball and reared his children for the next few years.

When he turned 30, he opted to change his life’s direction. He moved his family to California to complete a dental degree. He and Darlene then had two more children, Carol and Greg.

Following graduation, he and his family moved to Alaska, where he practiced dentistry for the next 20 years. As a dentist, Wilbur was active in both the Alaska and national dental societies.

When their youngest child, Greg, was 6 it was discovered he was experiencing autism. Helping him reach his fullest potential then became a driving force for Wilbur and his family.

An avid fisherman and hunter, he was happiest on the water. Whether it was deep-sea fishing for halibut or faster-paced salmon fishing, he delighted in sharing the experience with his family, friends and relatives.

Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents, George and Bertha; as well as his brothers and sisters, Norman, Ralph, Archie, Faye, Florence and Blanche.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Darlene of Wasilla; children, George (Diana) Bline of Wasilla, Glori (Roger) Strickler of Wasilla, Carol of Ohio and Greg of Wasilla. Wilbur is also survived by grandchildren Laurelie and Jacob Bline; Ryan (Sarah) Strickler and children Samuel and Lindsay; and Ashley (Andrew) Cunnington. He is also survived by his daughter from a previous marriage, Linda Elder of Oregon (through whom he has additional grandchildren and great-grandchildren).

Wilbur will be memorialized with a private service at Fort Richardson Air Force Base on Feb. 10. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hope Community Resources, which has always been so helpful with his son Greg with autism, or the Autism Society of America, Alaska Chapter.