Joel Armstrong

Joel Fletcher Armstrong, beloved son of Linda and Wayne, and brother to Hannah, Scott and Josh, passed away May 28, 2011.

Born Oct. 20, 1993, Fletcher was approaching his 18th birthday full of promise and a joy for life. "He left us all too soon," his family said. Fletcher's funny, friendly, sensitive and loving nature will be deeply missed. He loved his sister Hannah; they completed each other with the love, affection and tenacious humor sparking between them.

Born and raised in Chugiak, Fletcher had a great love for anywhere and everywhere fun, especially Alaska outdoor adventures with friends and family. His extended-family homes of Seattle, Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky and Florida were destinations for family sojourns and father/son adventures. This became part of the fabric of his life.

His Alaska home supplied Fletcher with year-round good times: snowboarding at Alyeska, snowmachining and snow skating at Nancy Lake, fishing, archery, shooting skeet and trap, rafting and boating, BMX biking with his buddies, and camping at Dolly Varden Lake, Nancy Lake, Deep Creek, Eklutna, Talkeetna, Homer and Seward -- rain or shine.

Fletcher touched everyone with his quick wit, clever comebacks and dry humor. He could always lift the moment with humor, especially for his fellow students at high school. No matter how zany or the possible consequences, he always concluded, "it was so worth it."

Fletcher's first job began last January as a delivery driver for China Lights. Working brought him pride and independence.

As soon as the snows melted, Fletcher and his buddies could be found "frolfing" daily at the Eagle River-Chugiak courses. Fletcher always enjoyed some alone time, just "chilling" at home with his family, recharging his batteries. This spring, he purchased his own Kawasaki dirt bike and enjoyed riding with his dirt-bike friends. He was voted Junior Prom Royalty for this spring's prom. His immediate dream was to have a job that would allow him enough money and time off to enjoy a big, noisy truck with a snowmachine sticking out of its bed. Life was so good.

Fletcher attended the Eagle River Elementary Optional Program and Mirror Lake Middle School and would have graduated from Chugiak High School with his class of 2012.

The outpouring of grief and support from the Eagle River-Chugiak community reflects the positive impression Fletcher left in the hearts of all who knew him. In kindergarten, his teacher shared,

"Everybody wants to be Fletcher's friend," and that continued -- his life was filled with so many friends.

Fletcher leaves behind his mother, Linda and father, Wayne; sister, Hannah and Cody Rymut; brothers, Josh and Scott; sister-in-law, Melissa; and "our close Alaska family -- too many to mention (but they know who they are) -- always there with loving support."

Fletcher's Seattle family includes Grandfather, Capt. Richard B. McNees; Uncle Richard and Aunt Cathy McNees; Uncle Kurt Gores and Aunt Cheryl McNees; and cousins, Benjamin, Jonathan, Kelli and Amber. His Tennessee and Mississippi family includes Grandfather Arthur Herr; Grandmother Elizabeth Armstrong; Uncle Alan and Aunt Pam Armstrong; Uncle Barry Armstrong; Uncle Ty and Aunt Connie Armstrong; Uncle Billy Armstrong; nieces, Breana, Ashlyn, Jessica and Andria; and cousins, Christina, Jason, Sarah, Amelia, Samantha, Justin and MaryBeth.

A memorial service will be Thursday at 2 p.m. at Chugiak High School Auditorium to celebrate the love, joy and laughter that Fletcher shared with his family and friends. A reception will be afterward in the cafeteria.

A scholarship fund has been established at Wells Fargo Bank in Fletcher's name. Donations may be made to the Joel Fletcher Armstrong Memorial Fund.