FRancis Lynn Twigg, 89, passed away at his home in Talkeetna, Alaska on Fri, Oct 28, 2011 with his beloved wife and family at his side.
Francis was born Sep 12, 1922 in Fife Lake, son of Claude and Fannie (Doherty) Twigg.
The family wrote: Twigg was an 'old timer' of Talkeetna, arriving in 1950. He was well known and respected for his humble wisdom regarding survival survival in this life that included flying, trapping, and hunting. Twigg learned the ways of the wilderness Surrounding him and respected its' beauty and bounty. He occasionally found himself at a piano in one of Talkeetna's establishments such as the Fairview Inn, playing honky-tonk music and dancing with all the pretty ladies of the community. His favorite dance partner, however, was his wife, Connie, whom he referred to as his 'buddy'. Twigg served in WWII in locations such as Northern Africa and Italy. He was a scout who led mule trains across the Italian mountains and fought in the battles of North Appenines Po Valley, Rome, Italy. Twigg also witnessed the public hanging of Mussolini and his girlfriend. Twigg is an icon for the community of Talkeetna and the last of the old-timers of his era, which included the likes of his best friend, Don Sheldon; pilot Cliff Hudson; miners and trappers, Rocky Cummings and Jim Beaver. Twigg will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. "We will all be looking for him further up the creek".
Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Geraldine Twigg; brothers, Dale, Alan, and Rex Twigg; and sons, David and Lonnie Feeley.
He is survived by his wife Constance Marie Twigg of Talkeetna; brother, Wayne Twigg of POntiac, MI; daughter, Connie Richardson of TX; son, Vye Feeley of Talkeetna; daughter, Duronda Twigg of Trapper Creek; grandson, Joshua Feeley of Talkeetna; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life in honor of Francis was held on Sun, Nov 6, 2011 with Ed Craver officiating at Sheldon Community Arts in Hangar in Talkeetna. There will be burial of ashes with military honors in Garfield Cemetery, Kalkaska County at a later date.
