JOHN ALLAN TABER

1934 - 2016

John Allan Taber, age 82, fought a courageous battle with cancer that ended in the comfort of his home on Tuesday, December 13, 2016. His loving wife of nearly 33 years, Lavone, was by his side. John was born December 3, 1934, in Kansas City, Missouri. He lived a full and adventurous life with passions and interests ranging from the martial arts, electronics, aviation, and countless other hobbies. He was a dedicated life-long learner. John served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was an IBEW journeyman electrician for many years. Upon completion of his Master's Degree at the University of Missouri, he began an additional career in Education. He held positions as a vocational education instructor and administrator at Maple Woods Community College, Kansas City, MO. In 1981, John accepted a position within the University of Alaska. He loved flying and piloting his own plane. He loved living in Alaska and lived his life always looking to the horizon. John was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Ruth Estaline, and brother Albert Taber. Survivors include his wife, Lavone Taber, of Anchorage; sisters Ruth Taber of Las Vegas, NV, and Carol Galiza of Colorado Springs, CO; daughters Deborah Shiner (Jim) and Lynn Brown (Phil), and son Jim Taber (Lisa); stepdaughter Kathleen Voge (Greg), and stepsons, Terry Garringer and Kevin Garringer. John had nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He loved his family dearly and he will be missed. John took great pride in making positive contributions through his work and his numerous organizational memberships. He was an intelligent and complex man who forged his own path in life. Interment will be held at a later date in Fort Richardson National Cemetery, Fort Richardson, AK. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's memory can be made to the Al Aska Shrine Patient Transportation Fund (907-274- 4344) or the Shriners Hospitals for Children at www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org. Arrangements are with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel.