John and Dolly Graybill

Well-known Alaska bush pilot John Graybill and his devoted wife of 58 years, Dolores "Dolly," died when their plane went down in inclement weather on Aug. 12, 2010, while headed home to Chugiak from the McGrath area.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Peters Creek Christian Center on Chapel Road in Chugiak. A celebration of life will be after the service at John and Dolly's airplane hangar.

John Lee Graybill was born Nov. 29, 1930, in Ann Arbour, Mich.

Dolores "Dolly" Mae Graybill was born June 7, 1932, in Dearborn, Mich.

It has been said they were one of a kind, while in fact they were one. John was the epitome of a true Alaska pilot and without his wife Dolly there wouldn't ever have been a llegendary John Graybill.

After marrying, John and Dolly moved from the Dearborn/Ann Arbor area while Alaska was still a territory in the early 50's. They started their family in Fairbanks soon after John got his wings. Adventurous and hospitable, the Graybills and their wide circle of friends enjoyed the great outdoors and flew extensively throughout every corner of the state.

Both of them were interested in and respectful of Alaska's Native people. They particularly loved their cabin in the Iliamna/Kochanok area and having friends from all over the world come and visit for hiking, beachcombing, fishing, cookouts, family time and even taking a hot tub in a remote volcanic pool.

For the last couple of decades John used his camera to extensively shoot big game and landscapes while Dolly continued in her mastery of wild game cookery and gardening. She was highly successful at homemaking in the Bush as well as at their home in Chugiak.

The family wrote: "This is the end of an era for many, many people. John & Dolly were the center of activity for pilots from all over the country and of course especially in Alaska. Although the family recognizes the incredible number of friends throughout the world with thankfulness for the love and devotion they have given John & Dolly through the years, we are most humbled and thankful for the blessing we have had to be able to call them our own."

The Graybills were preceded in death by their grandson, Vinnie Morrison.

They are survived by their children, John E. Graybill, Teri Jones, Lori West, Cori Frankenfield and Meri Teich, as well as their families who live in Alaska, Washington and Florida; and by 18 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory, Wasilla Chapel.