William Arthur Forsberg

1951 - 2022

We are sad to announce the passing of William Arthur Forsberg, 71, of Healy, Alaska. He passed away in Kealakekua, Hawaii, on June 12, 2022, after a long illness.

He was predeceased by his wife, Linda Forsberg, and parents, Robert Carleton Forsberg and Patricia Ann Routledge. He leaves behind a brother, Richard, sisters-in-laws, brother-in-law and many friends.

Will was born in Lakehurst, New Jersey, on Jan. 2, 1951. He grew up in a military family, moving around from Guam to Iowa, to Washington, D.C., and eventually to Oxnard, California, where he spent his teenage years and graduated from high school.

Will attended the University of California at Santa Barbara and graduated with a degree in environmental sciences. As a young person, he was a surfer in California, and during his college years, he traveled on a shoestring throughout Europe and Central America, having many memorable adventures.

Eventually he made his way to Alaska, ending up at then-Mt. McKinley National Park in 1974, working seasonally in the maintenance department at the national park. He became part of a community centered around music and campfire gatherings, calling square dances, and set down roots in the nearby cabin community. There, he met and married the love of his life, Linda Johnson.

Will and Linda Forsberg shared many adventurous years together, running and racing sled dogs, kayaking wild Alaska rivers and endlessly building cabins in remote locations. One of their multiple businesses included using sled dogs to haul climber's gear up the flanks of Denali.

Will's interest in writing, politics and community-building were his passions. He possessed a sense of humor that could make friends, form bridges and build peace. He developed online blogs to share with others his lifestyle in Alaska and Hawaii and to contribute to an understanding of the dog mushing world.

Will was a valuable community leader and volunteered his efforts in creating a better place to live. He was one of the early residents of the Panguingue Creek subdivision near Healy and was a major force behind the construction of the road system, Panguingue Fire Creek Hall construction and volunteer fire department.

His passion for life never stopped and he continued to energize others with his adventurous stamina. In his later years, he spent time at his winter home in Hawaii, returning to his ocean roots. He was a strong swimmer, loved to snorkel and to paddle his kayak looking for whales. He bicycled regularly, both in Alaska and Hawaii.

Will was beyond generous and always looked for ways to help others. His endless energy to be alive in the world kept him exploring and spending time in nature, which he truly loved. He will be missed by those he leaves behind.

To honor his memory, there will be a celebration of life and potluck at 4 p.m. on July 23, 2022, at the Panguingue Creek Fire Hall. Please bring a dish to share and a story or an instrument.