Roger Winfield Austin

Photo:

Roger Winfield Austin

WASILLA, AK — Roger Winfield Austin, 64, died on October 23, 2012 at his home in Wasilla, Alaska.

Roger was born October 25, 1947, in Norway, Maine to Horace & Pauline Austin. Roger came to Alaska with the Air Force in 1967. He fell in love with the beauty of Alaska, the hunting, fishing and snow-machining; he never left. Roger moved to Wasilla 10 years ago after living for years in Anchorage.

He was a member of the Operators Union (I.U.O.E.) Local 302 until his retirement six years ago. He worked as a heavy equipment operator on various street and road projects statewide. He loved NASCAR auto racing and working on old cars and trucks.

Roger was a friend to all and touched many people's lives by helping those in need. He was always there to lend a helping hand. Roger was the person you could go to for honest feedback; he was easy to talk to and gave good advice. Roger was an independent spirit who did things his way. He showed his tough guy exterior but inside he was a teddy bear. We will miss him so much.

Roger is survived by the love of his life of 21 years, Sandra Holmes of Wasilla; Daughter and son-in-law, Paula & Reid Novosel of Big Lake; grandchildren, Ryan, Alyssa, Raeona and Colton of Alaska; Great-grandchildren, Clara, Bailey Mae and Justice of Alaska; Brother and sister-in-law, Ron & Vicki Austin of Maine; his beloved dog, Casey and devoted cat, Miss Kitty. He was dad, grandpa and uncle to so many more.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Horace & Pauline Austin.

A celebration of life was held Thursday, November 1, 2012 at the Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla, Alaska. Pastor Gary Oathout officiated.

Arrangements were cared for by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory. Please visit Roger's online guestbook and obituary at alaskanfuneral.com