William E. Dam

Oct 14, 1925 -

Jan 8, 2022

William E. Dam, born on Oct. 14, 1925, died peacefully at home on Jan. 8, 2022, at 96 years old. He was stationed at Elmendorf AFB prior to Statehood in 1958, and made Anchorage his home for 63 years. At 15, he was anxious to join the war effort and signed into the U.S. Cavalry. After training his unit was deployed to North Africa, but before shipping out his father caught up with him and took him home, as he was underaged. Later, he joined the Army Air Corps and became a pilot.

After the war Bill married Arlene Patnaude, who was to be awarded the Gold Medal of Valor for her heroism in the 1964 great Alaska earthquake. Bill joined the Army Reserve after World War II and used his GI Bill to get his Commercial Pilot's License, but was called back for the Korean War, cutting his commercial pilot career short. He then decided to enlist and thus became a veteran of the Vietnam War and retired with 27 years in grade, veteran of three wars. He then joined the Civil Air Patrol and did search and rescue for the greater Anchorage area until he was 78, and was very proud of achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel Dam.

Bill also had a very successful career in construction real estate development. He was a very charming man and was quick to stand up for his beliefs. He served his country with pride and honor, willing to sacrifice his life if needed. It is with great pride that his family will lay him to rest in the National Cemetery at Fort Richardson with full military honors.

Bill and Arlene had four: sons Bill, Jeff, Mark and Kip. Arlene predeceased Bill at 58 years old, and Bill married Jeanette who also predeceased him, as did his son, Jeff. He leaves his brother, Rich; daughters-in-law, Kathy, Pat, Angeles and Shirley; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many friends.