Richard F. Weare

Richard Francis Weare, 89, died Jan. 11, 2010 at his home in Wasilla, Alaska, surrounded by family.

He was born Feb. 3, 1920 to Clifford R. Weare and Ethel Baxter at home near Noxon. He attended school in a one-room schoolhouse on Bull River near the location of the present-day Bull Lake Rod and Gun Club and later in Noxon.

He married Othelia Magdalena Schanzenbach on June 26, 1944 and together they had three chidlren – Richard Roy “Mickey,” Karen Elaine and Cheryl Ann. He also had two sons from a previous marriage – Michael Richard and Lannie Leroy.

Mr. Weare worked as a logger, school bus driver, bus mechanic and owned two body shops in Alaska, where he and his family moved in 1967 after selling his ranch on Bull River.

In 1994, the couple purchased a homestead in Central, Alaska, and lived like pioneers. They also traveled for many years in their motor home and went on fishing and camping trips with children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one great-granddaughter, Breanna Clark; and two great-grandsons, Joshua Moffitt and Cliford Felts.

Mr. Weare is survived by his wife, Othelia (Toots); children, Mickey and wife Judy of Noxon; Karen and Cheryl of Wasilla, Alaska; Mike and wife Tawyna of Spokane, Wash.; and Lannie and wife Jeannie of Bigfork; 21 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

The family requests memorials be made to Cystic Fibrosis (www.65rosescff.org), the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org) or the American Lung Association (www.lungusa.org).

Graveside services are planned for Thursday, Jan. 28 at 2:30 p.m., at the Noxon Cemetery. A potluck luncheon will follow services at the Noxon Fire Hall located across the street from the local school.

Condolences may be sent to Othelia Weare at 3060 Lazy Eight Court, PMB 493, Wasilla, AK 99654.