Michael Petrov

Michael Chris Petrov died February 17, 2014 of complications due to cancer. He was born August 22, 1946 to Anthony and Martha Petrov in McMinnville, OR. He was introduced to firearms early, learning to shoot, to love guns, and to revere fine craftsmanship.

Mike attended high school in Broomfield, CO. At 17 he joined the Army. Stationed in Germany; he got his GED because someone told him he couldn't. After discharge, Mike flipped a coin. Alaska won, and he drove the Alcan in February '67. He may have met good friend gunsmith and shooter Bill Fuller and Betty in Cooper Landing on his way to the Kenai Peninsula. At The Fort he met many gun friends, friendships he kept all his life.

Mike settled in Sterling, and worked for Luke's Welding. In 1967 he met Janet, his future copy editor, and married her in 69. They welcomed daughter Charity in 1970. That summer he commercial-fished out of Ninilchik.

Mike's gun collecting suffered from a trailer fire late in 69. He switched from collecting guns to cartridges, just until he could rebuild his War Chest. Wherever he lived he made space for gun stuff, even just a corner or a tiny closet.

In 1974, he bought a home in Kasilof with his own shooting range. Working as an oil platform operator with a 7 on/7 off schedule, he had time to devote to research. By 1980, he was preparing his first article for Precision Shooting. In 1990 Mike became computer-savvy and his snail mail and e-mail ranged all over the world By 1995 his daughter convinced him to collect his articles into book form, Custom Gunmakers of the 20th Century, Volumes I (2005) and II (2013).

Michael is survived by wife, Janet; daughter, Charity, stepchildren, Diana Green, Darcy Youngberg, Ken Green and Lisa Green; sister, Maria Van Kempen (Eugene); brothers, Tony and John Petrov, Joe (and Ann) Petrov.

A celebration of his life will be held at Alaska Aviation Museum Monday, March 10, 1-3 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to BIG BROTHERS and BIG SISTERS.