William "Bill" Blizzard Sr.

William (Bill) Blizzard, Sr. passed away on Dec. 24, 2019. He is remembered by his two sons, his widow and his immediate Interior Alaska family, as well as many others he touched with his kindness.
Bill began his journey in Hancock, Michigan, in 1947. He attended Westminster High School where he was an athlete, and graduated in '65. After college, Bill found a passion in the works of civil engineering, where he became a land surveyor and draftsman.
By Volkswagen bug, Bill traveled to Alaska in the '70s where he continued his career, working on many projects including the trans-Alaska pipeline. He also found passion in mushing, at one point caring for over 60 dogs. He participated and won many short distance dog sled races, including freight races.
A jester at heart, Bill loved to make people laugh. His desire to bring smiles to a stranger's face showed his true care for others, as well as his passion for providing. He often prioritized others before himself, especially his family.
In 1986 Bill finally found his brother. They were separated in an orphanage when Bill was only 3. His motivation and drive to find his brother after so many years showed his true discipline to continue working hard, no matter what obstacles challenged him.
After beating neck cancer in 2004, Bill continued his work as a surveyor. He carried away the stress of home owners by providing to the best of his abilities, and helping them overcome their obstacles. His courage to keep going, even with the new challenges brought by his cancer, showed his absolute strength and perseverance.
Bill always said, with a smile on his face, "Even though you may not have family and love, if you have self discipline, motivation and drive, you can make something out of yourself some day." He will be missed by many, and anyone who knew Bill knows he would want everyone to stay positive and happy.