Wylie Patrick Betts

Life long Wasilla resident Wylie Patrick Betts passed away on November 1^st, 2018 in Valdez, Alaska while visiting loving partner Judy Minnick for the weekend. Wylie was born on November 17^th, 1945 a son of the late Bill and Marie Betts who settled in the Mat-Su-Valley after getting married in 1939.

Wylie joined the Navy in 1965, proudly serving his country during the Vietnam War. A lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 9365. Wylie returned to his hometown in Wasilla after Vietnam to continue his life as a son, brother, husband, father, musician and friend.

Wylie began long haul trucking with best friend Jack Barber in 1969. From across the state, from Prudhoe Bay, to Beaver Creek to Valdez and Homer Alaska, He truly enjoyed the open highway. Wylie logged nearly two million Miles during his “trucking days”. Proudly retiring from Sea Land Trucking in 2005 to focus his time and energy on favorite hobbies and past times with family, friends, music, the outdoors and a little travel. Wylie especially enjoyed spending the long summer nights and short winter days with Son Buford Betts and Grandson Davyn, fishing, snowmobiling and playing his favorite country music. Whether Wylie was playing the Guitar or the Mandolin or just enjoying the view of Lake Lucille from his living room window, he was certainly at his best taking pictures of the local birds, the Alaska landscape or Bald Eagles. Wylie took great pride in maintaining his property, whether by himself or with the help of anyone who could chop wood or use a wrench to keep the Big Boy Toys in top running condition. Having built the ideal “smoker” anyone with fresh Salmon knew Wylie would be there to lend a hand in the cleaning and canning of the yummy treats from Alaska’s many rivers and open waters.

Wylie is survived by loved ones Wetzel Betts, Buford Betts, Davyn Betts, and Karen Betts: All of Wasilla. Selina Betts Manson: of Portland OR, Solitaire Betts: of Soldotna AK and countless cousins in Alaska and through out the United States.

Please join us in Celebrating a Life Well Lived to Honor Wylie on Saturday, November 17^th 2018 at VFW post 9365 at 2:00 pm. Located at 301 East Lakeview Ave. Wasilla, AK 99654

Bring your favorite stories to share, your warm memories and your appetite!