Casey Bridges

Casey Bridges, age 19, died peacefully in his sleep at home in Eagle River on June 6, 2011.

Born Dec. 21, 1991, in Provo, Utah, Casey moved to Alaska with his family in August 1999. From his first moment in Alaska, Casey was in love with her beauty, wanting to spend his life here.

Casey graduated from Chugiak High School in 2010; he played football at Chugiak in grades 9 through 12.

He enjoyed the company and friendship of many people in the Anchorage-Eagle River communities.

Casey loved to serve others; his heart was pure. His infectious smile broadened each time he could ease another's burden. Casey loved life and lived it fully. All who know him experienced the joy and laughter Casey brought to this world.

An uncommon youngster, Casey began to follow both of his grandpas' examples, starting his own business at age 11. He bought his first tractor in the fall of 2002, then provided snow removal to many neighbors the following winter. Casey expanded to year-round services as more people in the Eagle River and Anchorage areas learned of this hard-working young man.

By age 16, Casey had contracted grounds-maintenance services at numerous single-family homes, an 80-unit apartment complex and three commercial buildings. During the winter, he plowed snow. Concurrently, Casey played hockey, football, earned his Eagle Scout, participated in the annual Bear Paw Festival, worked like a full-grown man building the family home, and completed high school. Despite an aggressive approach to personal achievement, Casey always had time to play with friends, comfort and serve those in need, and love his family.

Since graduating, Casey had worked for ANCOR and Carlos' Tree Service, as well as for the Vrem family of Eagle River at their Blue Mountain Lodge on the Alaska Peninsula. Casey loved working outdoors. He was preparing to attend the West Coast Training Heavy-equipment Operating School in Washington state this fall. His long-term plans included building a construction business with his older brother, Barry, an engineering student and Chugiak High graduate.

"Casey loved his family, and treated us with great respect and devotion," his family said. "From the day he was born, Casey brought us joy. Casey was a protector, a friend, a helper, a great son and brother. He truly followed the Lord's commandment to 'honor thy father and mother.' "

Casey is survived by his loving mother, Leesa; his father, Scott;his eldest sister and family, Samantha and John-David Anderson, and their children Julian and Tennyson; his older brother, Barry; and his older sister and loving confidant, Karlee. Casey also leaves behind his grandparents, Wilbert and Relia Skinner of Washington, Utah, and Barry and Gaye Bridges of Yelm, Wash., formerly of Anchorage. On his father's side, Casey leaves his aunts and uncles, Walter and Carol Bridges of Anchorage, and Tracey and Bob Kautz of Kenai, and cousins, Hunter and Grace Kautz, also of Kenai. On his mother's side, Casey leaves nine more sets of aunts and uncles, 56 first cousins who reside throughout the United States, and more.

Additionally, Casey leaves many close friends whom he loved and cared for with all his heart.

Often, he would spend hours talking with his mother about his concerns for those who were experiencing hardship in their lives.

"Thank you to the hundreds of people who have come by our home, and who have called, texted or emailed to express their love for our son and brother," his family said. "That love is a comfort as we say, 'til we meet again' to this wonderful young man."