David Pulaski

David L. Pulaski, 76, died Jan. 6, 2007, at Southwest Elders Home in Naknek.
A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. today at St. Theresa's Catholic Church in King Salmon.
Mr. Pulaski was born Sept. 15, 1930, in Coolidge, Ariz., to Robert and Blanche (Acree) Pulaski. In 1949, he graduated from Ventura High School in California, where he later met his wife, Shirley Elizabeth Bartholomew. They married and started a family. Coming from a restaurant family, he soon started cooking and graduated to management of resorts and bars. After a serious injury landed him in a wheelchair, he returned to school for most of the '60s, eventually receiving his teaching credentials in food service and hotel/restaurant management. Teaching became his life for the next two decades. Teaching for many colleges and for the state's regional occupational program, he enjoyed a variety of students young and old.
Mr. Pulaski, "Grandpa Dave," came to Naknek from northern California. He had retired there after leaving teaching, when he lost his eyesight to diabetes in the '80s. He moved to Redding, Calif., to be closer to his family. Then when the family moved north, he stayed behind as his bypass surgery tied him to the hospital for the next two years. He visited Alaska once before his surgery and wished to move here for his last days.
Grandpa Dave's hobbies were his family and food. He also enjoyed gardening, animals, Western novels, wrestling and a good discussion on politics or religion.
His family wrote: "David's knowledge, spirit and unique outlook on life will surly be missed. He lived his life on his own terms."
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Phyllis and Karl Williams of Naknek; stepson, Richard Darden of Naknek; stepdaughter and husband, Evelyn and Bill Fuller of Clovis, Calif.; grandchildren, Kim Higgins of Cottonwood, Calif., Christopher Stevens of Pflugerville,Texas, Allen Williams and Delta Bailey of Anchorage; brother, Bud Pulaski of Phoenix; and many nieces and nephews.
Mr.Pulaski was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his sister, Bernadine; and many brothers.
Friends who would like to send condolences may mail them to P.O. Box 28, Naknek 99633