Todd Petersen

Anchorage resident Todd S. Petersen, 47, died Oct. 12, 2009 at home surrounded by his wife and children.

A celebration of life and barbecue will be from 5-8 p.m. Sunday at the Alaska Aviation Museum, 4721 Aircraft Drive. Guests may bring a dish to share.

Todd was born Oct. 1, 1962 in Vancouver, Wash. He graduated from Hudson Bay High School in 1981. His passion for aviation became clear from an early age. He received his student ticket and did his first solo flight at 16. He worked for two years at Pearson Airport. He then attended Clover Park Vocational School in Lakewood, Wash. and obtained his airframe and power plant (A&P) mechanic license in 1984. Todd then moved to Alaska and spent the last 25 years working in aviation. He worked 10 years for Northern Air Cargo as an A&P mechanic and then as a base and flight line inspector. Todd joined Everts Air Cargo in 1996 as an A&P mechanic. He later became the maintenance supervisor and was influential in fostering and supporting the overall safety culture of the company.

His family wrote: "Todd's passions extended beyond round engines to include barbecuing at home and work, archery, restoring his '67 Camaro and woodworking. He created many 'one of a kind' pieces for his family and a display case which hangs in the Everts Air Cargo lobby. He was commonly referred to as 'Todd, Inc.' by friends and neighbors, as there was never a project that he couldn't handle. Todd was a loving husband and dedicated father"

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Petersen; and his brother, Micah Petersen of Vancouver, Wash.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, JoAnne and two children, Ryan, 17, and Micaela, 14, of Anchorage. He also leaves behind his mother Barbara Petersen; brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Suzie Petersen of Vancouver, Wash.; father-in-law, Herman Rascoe; sisters-in-laws, Terri Schwartz and Roxanne Bova; and brother-in-law, Dominic Rascoe all of Plattsburgh, N.Y., and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made at any branch of Alaska USA Federal Credit Union #1487234 to aide in his children's college education.

Arrangements are under the care of Anchorage Funeral Home & Crematory.