Ronald Eugene Aksamit passed away peacefully on Jan. 1, 2021, on his homestead with his loving wife of 43 years, Eva Loken, by his side. He was 80 years old. Ron was born on July 10, 1940, to William and Rose Aksamit, both of Czech descent. He grew up on the family farm near Deweese, Neb. As a young man, Ron worked the farm, tending the fields and livestock, and hunting pheasant. He graduated from Nelson High School and enrolled at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. After his freshman year, Ron was asked by his aunt and uncle to drive a truck they had purchased up to Anchorage, Alaska, where they were living. He arrived in Alaska and never left.

Ron applied for a homestead but was drafted into the army while the application was pending. Following his honorable discharge, in 1963, Ron staked a claim to 160 acres in Southfork Valley at the end of Hiland Road; he was granted the homestead in 1972. Ron built his home from the ground up and lived there until his death. The early days were primitive with no electricity or hot water until 1974. When electricity finally arrived, Ron chopped through 18 inches of ice in subzero weather to install a water pump in the pond. He jumped into the icy water and worked until he couldn't feel his hands. He was rewarded with his first hot shower at home. Life continued much that way, with Ron personally making most of the improvements to his property. Like any good homesteader, he was industrious, self-reliant and perhaps a wee bit stubborn.

Ron met Eva in the early 1970s. Eva worked as a flight attendant for Scandinavian Airlines and flew all over the world from her base in Copenhagen. During her layovers in Anchorage, Eva socialized with Scandinavian friends and was introduced to Ron. They married on Feb. 14, 1977, and collaborated in all things. They cherished their home, regularly walking the property with their loyal dogs Mark and Max, and enjoying a cocktail on the deck every evening, no matter the weather. They were an integral part of the small community that supported and looked out for each other living nearly off the grid at the edge of the wilderness.

Ron was a co-owner of MBA Consulting Engineers. The successful company handled large commercial and public works projects throughout the state of Alaska and the world. Ron's colleagues describe him as a methodical, independent thinker, both at work and in life. He also played a supportive roll to Eva in her successful real estate business and accompanied her to many community events. Ron retired in 2013.

Ron is survived by his wife, Eva; his siblings, Rebecca Aksamit, Steve Aksamit and Virginia Haddix; his sister-in-law, Betty Aksamit; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his older brother, William Aksamit. A celebration of Ron's life is planned for the summer of 2021.

Anchorage Daily News, January 17, 2021