Dannie Wesley Garroutte

Longtime Alaskan and Ninilchik resident Dannie Wesley Garroutte died Feb. 27, 2009, from complications of Lou Gehrig's disease at his home in Ninilchik. He was 83.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Carol Bock Hall at the Ninilchik Fairgrounds. The Rev. Julie Wasser will officiate.
Mr. Garroutte was born March 9, 1925, in Pleasant Plains, Ark.
He graduated from high school and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Feb. 17, 1943. He served during World War II and was honorably discharged on Feb. 21, 1946, with the rank of gunner's mate second class.
He moved to Alaska in 1956 and lived in Seward. He moved to Ninilchik in 1958. He also lived in Seldovia in 1966-67.
Mr. Garroutte worked as a commercial fisherman for many years, retiring in 1992. He also worked on the trans-Alaska pipeline. He belonged to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and did many carpentry jobs through the years.
Mr. Garroutte was a member of the Methodist church and American Legion Post 18 in Ninilchik. He also served on the Alaska Board of Fisheries in the 1970s.
"He was very active in the community," his family recalled. "He was a great husband and father, and a good provider. He homesteaded in Ninilchik in 1957 and lived there until he died. He also helped on many statehood committees."
Mr. Garroutte was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Nina Garroutte; brothers, Tony, Isaac, Oscar and George Garroutte; and sisters, Mona Owen and Annie Stidman.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Rosalie Garroutte of Ninilchik; daughter, Vikki Garroutte Simpson of Homer; sisters, Wreathie Walker of Yuba City, Calif., and Gracie Cooper of Sullivan, Ind.; and many nieces and nephews.
Rather than flowers, the family prefers memorial donations be sent to the ALS Association, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 250, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301, or the Ninilchik Senior Center, Ninilchik 99639.
Arrangements were by Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai.