Charles Akers

1939 - 2016

Charlie Akers, 76, passed away recently at Mat-Su Regional in Palmer, Alaska, after a long battle with prostate cancer, and later Alzheimer's disease. Charlie was born and raised in rural Maine. He started skiing at a young age and became competitive in high school and at the University of Maine. He competed in the 1960 Olympics in cross-country skiing. In 1961, Charlie enlisted in the Army and joined the Biathlon Training Unit at Fort Richardson. Charlie competed once again in the Olympics, but this time in the biathlon, in the 1964 Games. Charlie placed 16th and was the top American finisher. In 1964, Charlie settled in Palmer, Alaska, and was hired by the Mat-Su School District. Charlie was a principal, serving most of his years at Wasilla Junior High and Palmer High, before his retirement in 1986. Not long after he moved to Palmer, Charlie married Pamela Webb and had two children: Charlie Jr. and Kimberly. In 1973, Charlie married Linda Akers. Charlie loved the outdoors and all that Alaska had to offer. After retiring, Charlie turned one of his passions, flying, into a business: Alaska Mountain Air. For 16 years he flew hunters, fishermen and sightseers. Charlie served the Valley in several other capacities. He was a member of the Fish and Game Advisory Board for many years. He also was on the Greater Palmer Fire Service Area Board for over 20 years, and was a Palmer Volunteer Firefighter for 33 years. Charlie is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Charlie Jr. of Anchorage; daughter, Kim Akers of Palmer; two grandsons, Jason and Derek of Palmer; brother, Leon Akers (Trudy) of Maine; sister-in-law, Cynthia Akers of New Hampshire; and five nephews and one niece. He was preceded in death by his brother, Melvin Akers of New Hampshire. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice. There will be a Celebration of Life for Charlie on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at Palmer High School, at 6 p.m. Charlie did not want a funeral and the sadness that often accompanies one. We hope this will be a time to "toast and roast" Charlie, and give him a good "send off." Bring finger foods, if you want, but your presence is what we value most. To read Charlie's full obituary, please go to the Legacy Funeral Homes link: http://www.legacyalaska.com/obituaries/Charles-Akers-3/#!/Obituary.