Wasilla resident, Richard "Rick" Hamlin, 56, died from complications of esophageal cancer, October 3, 2012, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, in Palmer, Alaska.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 501 E. Bogard Road, Wasilla, on Wednesday, October 10, 2012, at 4:00 p.m. Pastor Duane Hanson will officiate.

Rick was born on November 11, 1955, in West Point, Mississippi to Al and Nell Hamlin. He attended Forrest City High School, Arkansas Tech and East Mississippi Community College.

Rick moved to Alaska in 1988, living in Anchorage until 1998, then moving to Wasilla where he lived until his death.

Rick worked as a fishing guide, at Talaview Lodge in 1988; Airplane Mechanic for Airlift Alaska 1988-1998; and Aircraft Mechanic/Inspector for State of Alaska, Department of Public Safety 1998-2012.

Rick was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Public Employees Union, Local 71.

According to his family, Rick enjoyed fishing, hunting, flying, camping and shooting. The only thing that Rick loved more than Alaska was his daughter, Raynie and his family and friends.

Rick is survived by his daughter, Raynie Danielle Hamlin of Wasilla; his parents, Al and Nell Hamlin of Lonoke, Arkansas; sister, Sharon Hamlin of Starkville, Mississippi; sister Kim Blair, of Fayetteville, Arkansas and sister and brother-in-law, Michelle and Jim Carson of North Little Rock, Arkansas. He is also survived by his nieces, Crystal, Erica, Shannon, and Ashley and nephew Clint.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Sammy and Viola Moore and Alfred and Lotta Hamlin; great-uncle and aunt, Paul and Noreen Campbell.

Rick's cremated remains will be scattered at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hamlin Memorial Fund, c/o Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 501 E. Bogard Rd, Wasilla, Alaska 99654

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory, Wasilla