Michael G. Kemmis

Michael G. Kemmis passed Sept. 28, 2007, at his home near Palmer, Alaska. His family and friends will celebrate his life at the time of the next full moon, Oct. 26, 2007. Michael was born June 14, 1980, in Fairfield, Calif. He completed high school through home courses, but would tell others, "Do not drop out; stay and graduate." He had many different jobs, mostly in food service management. Michael benefited from his affiliation with the Salvation Army and St. Joseph's Catholic Churches in Idaho and Oregon. He came to Alaska in May 2007 and worked this past summer at Clover Pass Resort in Ketchikan. He caught a 185-pound halibut his first time out.

Just previous to his passing, Michael had decided to make Alaska his home. Always having been caring and attentive to friends and family, he was happily immersing himself into renewing his relationships with his existing family, as well as newly extended family members Karen Choate and Greg, Jen and Tanner Lenthall. The many close and special times enjoyed with him since his recent return from his fishing job will be greatly treasured by his mother.

Michael leaves his mother V.L. "Jo" and stepfather Robert Armor of Alaska; sisters, Jamiann Blackshire of California and Amanda Leigh Kemmis of Washington; two special nephews, Daniel James Hartman of California, and Adam Aron Hartman of Idaho; grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Kopecky of Illinois; his biological father and wife James and Terri Kemmis and stepbrother Joel of Coeur d'Alene Idaho; many aunts, uncles and cousins of the Thurlow, Rienschmidt, and Youngblood families across Idaho, Washington, Montana and California; many friends he cared about so much everywhere he went, in particular Mark and Sheri Nielson, Mr. and Mrs. Wild, their daughter Cindy, and their grandchildren Heather, Jimmy and Cheryl, all of Oregon.

The family is in need of, and would appreciate any, help to cover funeral expenses and have established a memorial fund at Mat-Su Valley Federal Credit Union, 1020 S. Bailey St., Palmer, Alaska 99645.