Richard Voss

1937 - 2014

Long time Alaskan Richard Voss died Sept. 16, 2014, in Soldotna, Alaska, with his wife, Diane, and a close friend by his side. Richard was born April 17, 1937, in San Luis Obispo, Calif., to Roy Voss and Bernis Brown Voss. The Voss family moved to Petaluma, Calif., where he graduated from Petaluma High School in 1954 and began his career as a Teamster, primarily driving a propane tanker. He lived in Petaluma until moving to Alaska in 1972. Richard's love of Alaska began on a hunting trip with his father in 1970. He returned to California with the goal of learning to fly and moving to Alaska to pursue his love of hunting and fishing. That goal was accomplished when he flew his first private plane to Alaska in 1972. His Teamster career continued in Alaska, primarily as a "stringing" truck driver on the North Slope. Richard retired in 1993, after back surgery. During his recovery he began a hobby: collecting and refurbishing old tin lithographed toys and trains. The hobby eventually led to a booth at Pack Rat Antiques. He lived in both Anchorage and Soldotna, finally settling in Soldotna in 2003 when he and Diane had a home built on Denise Lake. In his retirement he continued his love of flying, hunting and fishing. He flew his 1955 SuperCub until shortly before his death. His home was a showcase of trophies from his hunts in the Lower 48 and Alaska as well as his favorite tin toys and trains. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Bernis Voss. He is survived by his wife, Diane Carlow of Soldotna; daughters, Lynn Voss of Petaluma, Calif. and Lori (Dino) Grossi of Penngrove, Calif.; step-daughter Nancy (Mark) McQueen of Anchorage, Alaska; brothers David (Kathryn) Voss of Hot Springs, Ark. and Jerry Voss of Watsonville, Calif.; grandchildren Mario and Christine Grossi, Kayla Voss, and Elizabeth and Kathleen McQueen. Richard's family would like to thank all the physicians, health care workers and especially the many dear friends who helped and supported him over the last six years. At his request, no services will be held. His ashes will be returned to California.