Alexander Soto

Sept. 20, 1927-Jan. 1, 2010

Former Chugiak resident Alexander Soto died of natural causes Jan. 1, 2010, in Centralia, Wash. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Alex was born to Sylvia and Alex Soto in Bothell, Wash. After graduating from high school in 1945, he joined the Marines. Upon his discharge from the Marines, he became a sheet-metal worker.

On July 27, 1956, Alex married Arvilla Olson Zimpelman in Washington. They lived briefly in Woodinville, Wash., before heading to new adventures in Alaska in 1958. Alex and Arvilla homesteaded in Wasilla. As a sheet-metal worker, Alex frequently worked at remote sites throughout Alaska. He spent his entire career in Alaska with C.R. Lewis, Inc. retiring at the age of 43 after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Alex was a Chugiak volunteer firefighter, active in Lions Club, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the local Food Bank. In retirement, he was an avid Glacier Pilots fan and fond of fishing on the Chitina River. He also enjoyed woodworking and socializing. Alex spent 47 years in Alaska before moving to Cooks Hill Manor in Centralia.

His family wrote, "He was a great man and will be missed."

Alex is survived by four children and their spouses; Alexander (Skip) and Darla Soto, Michael Soto, Mark Soto, Sylvia Rock and Chris Ciringione, Jean and Jerry Deems. Grandchildren Caleb and Jessica Soto, Seth and Amanda Soto, Silas Soto, A.J. Soto, Eleanor Soto, Kenneth and Robin Fredrick-Rock, James Fredrick-Rock, Michael Rock, Anthony Rock, Maggie Ciringione, Joseph Soto, Christine Nieto. Great Grandchildren: Emileigh Soto, Felicity and Axil Soto, Madison, Jacob, Ethan, and Brooklyn Fredrick-Rock, Claire Nieto-Soleimani.

He was preceded in death by his wife Arvilla Soto in 2004 and his grandson Jason Soto in 1997.