LaVelle “Vel” Dillon
LaVelle “Vel” Dillon, beloved wife, aunt, friend, Gammy and “surrogate mother” to many, passed away peacefully, with her husband by her side, on Tuesday Feb. 2, 2016 at Homer’s South Peninsula Hospital, after a courageous battle against cancer.
LaVelle was born in Baker, Ore. on Oct. 19, 1936 to Nelson and Oriel Speelman. She met Spud while living in Kennewick, Wash. in January 1960. They married in Spokane. on Nov. 19, 1960.
In August 1963, they moved to Alaska for Spud’s job with Homer Electric Association, where they shared many great adventures during their 55 years together.
LaVelle owned and operated her beauty salon, “The Powder Puff” for 30 years in Homer. She also worked as a florist at Forget Me Not, a bank teller at National Bank of Alaska and an avid quilter. She made hundreds of quilts, by hand, machine and crochet. She was very generous with her time, making quilts for friends and family. She was a member of the Quilting Guild, and participated in the Mother’s Day Quilt shows.
LaVelle cooked at a variety of hunting camps, while Spud guided hunters throughout the state. Camps included Post Lake, Alaska Range and Kiliuda Bay on Kodiak Island. Spud and Vel purchased property in Tutka Bay, where they built and ran a fish camp/guide service for 20 years. They also hosted numerous guests at their properties on Long Lake and Caribou Lake near Homer.
Vel is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Veldon “Spud” Dillon, of Ekalaka, Mont; her twin brother Vern Speelman of Talkeetna; sister Oriel Sharp of Pinehurst, Idaho, and many relatives, friends and “adopted kids” throughout Alaska — and especially in Homer.
LaVelle will always be remembered for her kindness and friendship and will be greatly missed by her family and many, many friends. Condolences may be sent to Spud Dillon, Box 591, Homer, AK 99603.
Mr. Harold S. Gnad
Mr. Harold S. Gnad, aged 97 of Homer, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016 at South Peninsula Hospital.
Harold was born Sunday, Dec. 8, 1918 in Lone Pine, Calif. to Sabastian Sudlow and Margaret Lillian (Banta) Gnad.
Harold graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts, and taught school in Oahu, Hawaii until 1942. He then proudly served his country during World War II in the United States Navy.
After the war, Harold worked at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard and Jet Propulsion Lab from 1946 until 1961, when he moved first to Anchorage — and then to Homer in 1964 to teach once again. He retires from the Kenai Peninsula School District in 1974.
Harold belonged to the Homer United Methodist Church and routinely helped in major remodeling and routine maintenance of the church. His family remembers that he enjoyed scuba diving, road trips, camping, boat building, sailing and had even obtained his commercial pilot’s license.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Sabastian and Margaret.
He is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Ruth S. (Soetens) Gnad of the home; sons, Peter H. Gnad of Homer; Alan R. Gnad of Homer; John K. Gnad and wife, Moon of Rotonda West, Fla. and Bruce R. Gnad and wife, Marilyn of Homer; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Harold’s name may be given to the Homer United Methodist Church (770 East End Rd. Homer, AK 99603)
Please visit www.alaskanfuneral.com to leave online condolences.