Michael "Mike" Lavin

Sep 16, 1946 -

Dec 18, 2021

Michael "Mike" Lavin, 75, died peacefully on Dec. 18, 2021, in his sleep after living with COPD and lung cancer from years of smoking.

Mike moved to Anchorage, Alaska, with his family from Wisconsin in February 1952. As he always said, he was born in Alaska at the age of 5. He served two tours with the Army in the Vietnam War, 1966-68, and was awarded the Bronze Star. He worked as a heavy-duty mechanic with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 until retirement in 1998. He worked on the pipeline and was a master mechanic and do-it-yourself craftsman who could fabricate or fix anything with moving parts. He restored classic cars and made elaborate moose machines from the ground up. In the 1970s and 80s, he helped establish snowmachine trails to the lower Susitna drainage and Alexander Creek that many people still use to this day. He constantly cracked bad jokes and could be both cantankerous and offensive. Anyone who knew him will admit he could be difficult to get along with. Despite this, he had many close friends. He worked better with machines than people and often showed his love by taking fastidious care of his home and his family's cars. Somehow, he managed to love and be loved, and he will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Niel and Helen; lifelong friend, Doug; as well as his younger brother, Ned, earlier this year. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Susan; daughters, Tracy, Julie (Jody) and Sam (Shane); sister, Ginny (Rusty) Robson; grandchildren, Georgia and Jameson; many nieces and nephews; and his loyal pal, Pete.

In keeping with Mike's wishes, there will be no service.