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| Jerry Purser |
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| Written by Theresa Daily | |
| Sunday, 01 April 2007 | |
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In 1975, Jerry accepted an extension agent position with the University of Alaska Fairbanks. At this time, he also married Carolyn, his "partner and friend" for life. They moved to Palmer in 1979, and Jerry became the agricultural resource agent with the University of Alaska, a position he held until his retirement in 1996. The university awarded him the prestigious professor emeritus title in 1997. Jerry's lifelong dream of mushing dogs became a reality in 1982 and remained a significant part of his life for the next 24 years, until he was diagnosed with cancer. He treated his sled dogs as "family." The highlight of his mushing career came in 2000, when he and Carolyn ran their dogs with Norman Vaughan in the Serum Run from Nenana to Nome. His family wrote: "Leisure activities always included other people. Jerry was a gregarious individual with a magnetic personality. A short conversation with Jerry and he was your friend for life. He and Carolyn carved a remote cabin complex out of the wilderness along the Yentna River, which he enjoyed so much. Over the years, he entertained countless friends and relatives there. In addition, Jerry had a strong curiosity to see other parts of Alaska. To that extent, he, along with family and friends, pursued numerous hunting, fishing and floating adventures into the backcountry of Alaska. He also was an avid reader with a voracious appetite for Alaska history, as evident in his collection of books. "Jerry had a kindness and generosity that was an inspiration to all that knew him. His ever-present humor was infectious and warmed the hearts of all. He lived his life to the fullest, with honesty, compassion and integrity. His absence leaves a large void in the lives of many." Jerry is survived by his wife, Carolyn; sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Bob Barton of Marble, N.C.; brother and sister-in-law, Floyd and Nancy Purser of Andrews, N.C.; sons, Frank Purser of Dana, N.C., and Charlie Purser of Raleigh, N.C.; daughter, Tonya Purser-Bruechet of Spokane, Wash.; stepson, Mark Knighton of Kingman, Ariz.; four granddaughters; and one grandson. As per Jerry's request, he will be cremated and his ashes scattered along the Iditarod Trail in front of his cabin on the Yentna River. The family requests that in lieu of memorials, donations in honor of Jerry Purser be made to the Willow Dog Mushers Association., attention Erin McLarnon, P.O. Box 858, Willow 99688 Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla. View & sign the guest book for Jerry Comments (0)
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