John Daniel "J.D." Golick

Aug 4, 1968 -

Feb 17, 2021

John Daniel "J.D." Golick, cherished husband and father, died peacefully in his Anchorage, Alaska, home with his wife Emily by his side, on Feb. 17, 2021, after a five month battle with terminal stomach cancer. His strength in the face of terminal illness was truly harrowing. He was only 52 years old. J.D. was born on Aug. 4, 1968, in Seattle, Wash., to Michael and Judith Golick. He moved to Anchorage with his family in 1977. He attended Bayshore Elementary, Mears Middle School and was a 1986 graduate of Dimond High School. J.D. was a gifted student and extremely athletic. He had success in soccer and football, while also enjoying tennis, alpine skiing and golf. He excelled particularly in football as a kicker, and was awarded an athletic scholarship to play for the University of Idaho. He later returned to Anchorage and attended the University of Alaska Anchorage, ultimately graduating in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts in advertising and public relations. He started his career with the Alaska Star Newspaper, Alaska Men magazine and the Jay Hammond's Alaska show. J.D. later entered the construction field full time where he enjoyed a 30-year career in general and mechanical construction. He spent his professional time in management, estimating, business development and marketing.

J.D. had recently joined UIC as General Manager of the Rockford Corporation. He previously worked at ASRC SKW Eskimos Inc., CRL Services LLC, Superior Plumbing and Heating, Dawson Construction Inc. and Alaska Mechanical Inc. J.D. had a unique skill set as an excellent estimator, project manager and crafty writer. His outgoing friendly personality made him a well liked manager and co-worker.

Outside of work, J.D. loved spending time with friends and family. He loved music and was able to play songs by ear on his many guitars. He enjoyed crosswords, reading science fiction novels, computer gaming, golf, bowling, the Seattle Seahawks, Star Trek, flowers, moose, wearing socks with sandals and his Yorkshire Terrier, Ringo. J.D. also enjoyed camping and fishing. As a true Alaskan, he took great pride in teaching his children many skills, such as fishing, shooting pistols and rifles, making campfires, riding snowmachines and motorcycles. J.D.'s laid back attitude, sense of humor and generosity touched so many lives, and he will be very deeply missed.

J.D. is survived by his wife, Emily Golick and their three boys, John, Sam and Wyatt Golick; his former wife, Bonnie Graham and their three children, Taylor, Connor and Yuri Golick; his sister, Jennifer Latva-Kiskola (Tuomo); brother-in-law, Jack Ransom (Jen); six nieces and nephews; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Scott and Irene Ransom; aunt and uncle, Patricia and Robert Gerdy; cousin, Karen Gerdy; aunts, Deanna "Dee" Golick and Margie Golick; and many more loving relatives and dear friends. J.D. was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Judith Golick; and his grandparents, Alexander and Marjorie Golick, and George and Dorothy Timpe.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Frontier Hospice, TLC Homecare, and the nurses, doctors and staff at Alaska Regional Hospital - their compassion is truly appreciated.

Rest in peace J.D., you are missed deeply and daily. Your legacy lives on in your six children. Due to COVID-19, there will not be a public service at this time. However, per J.D.'s wishes, his ashes will be spread this summer at a special location.

If desired, memorial donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, a cause J.D. held close to his heart.