Mike Lawless

Mike Lawless, 59, died March 2, 2011, at his home in Two Rivers.

Mike was born June 13, 1951, in St. Maries, Idaho, to Melvin Lane and Jeanne Pugh. He grew up in Idaho and graduated from Kamiah High School.

He served in the Marine Corps and settled in Alaska, where he did what he always dreamed of doing: mush in the Iditarod. He ran in 1986 and 1987, and he carried on the trail with him the Bill of Rights. When he was asked what position he placed in in the Iditarod, Mike's response was always "I finished.' Mike also won many dog-mushing events. He later co-founded On-By Kennels, a dog-mushing supply store, which operated from 1988-1998.

His favorite place was the "Lawless" fish camp, where he loved to subsist year-round and always welcomed anyone who stopped to visit. He always loved building a fire at camp, where stories were shared.

He was very active in baseball, and was a Fairbanks Goldpanners director and an assistant high school coach for the boys team.

He was one of those unforgettable characters who was unlike anyone else, with his charisma, intelligence, quick wit, and unmistakable crooked smile. All will remember Mike as a kind, loyal and generous friend who was always willing to lend a helping hand.

He was a man of his word, strong in both body and mind and never allowed any hurdles to keep him from his objectives. He loved to "chew the fat." Mike was intelligent and well-read and fed his mind with knowledge of all kinds. Mike was a true patriot with a passion for the Bill of Rights and the Constitution.

Mike was a devoted father. He considered his children his legacy and was thrilled each time a new grandchild was born.

He is survived by his siblings, Hosanna (Dixie) Lee and Katt Pinette; wife, Rose; children, Ira, Tiffany, Melissa, Jackson, Nathan, Marie, Bernadette, Jeanne, Antonia and Blair; many precious grandchildren; niece, Bethany Bogart; nephew, Daniel Lahaie; and his loyal dog, Kobuk, who was with him until the end.

Arrangements are with the Cremation Society of Alaska,www.alaskacremation.com.