William “Bill” Nixon

William James Nixon, 76, died at his Wasilla home Sept. 10, 2010, with friends and loved ones by his side. He was born Oct. 24, 1933. A long-time Alaska resident, Bill lived in many places and was known by many names. In the U.S. Army stationed in Delta Junction as a communication switch board operator, he was known as “Red.” As owner of a long-time street sweeping business in Anchorage, he was known as “The Street Sweeper Guy.” Most recently retired and living in Wasilla, he traveled to and from Anchorage Market and Festival and many other events around Alaska as a food vender known as “The Funnel Cake Man.”

Bill loved being his own boss making his own decisions. He also loved to be in a vehicle of any kind, the longer the road trip the happier he was. He loved trains and collected model trains for many years. He liked cats, and had one that drove with him everywhere including sweeping the Anchorage streets.

An avid gardener, Bill had many rose gardens throughout the years. He was very peticular about his gardens and always kept them full, beautiful and well maintained. His roses will be missed by many.

Bill was preceded by his mother Hilda Homes and father Charles Nixon. He is survived by his sister Dorothy Squance, and niece Lynn Squance, cousins Linda Corcoran, Brian Holmes, and Barry Martin all of Canada. Bill will be missed by all his family and friends; he was strong, fiesty and always ready for conversation and coffee. So come join us at Bill’s favorite restaurant, Roadside Inn Parks Hwy, just past Pittman Road at 9 a.m., Nov. 10, 2010 to remember “There goes the Funnel Cake Man.”