Richard Alan Link, age 79, of Soldotna, Alaska passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home the evening of August 20, 2024. Richard was born in San Francisco, California on October 26, 1944. Richard graduated high school in Blackfoot, Idaho, in 1963 and went on to continue his education at the University of Idaho. He married Lourdes (Ludy) Lucero on August 31, 1974, in Reno, Nevada. Together, they pursued their lifelong adventure of moving to Alaska where they started and raised their family of three boys: Adam, Matthew and Peter. Richard had a career as a millwright and later as a chemist with Agrium, retiring in 2003.
Richard could be found wearing his cowboy hat, sipping on coffee, and marking off his daily ‘todo’ list beginning at dawn. During his downtime, he enjoyed watching movies, sports, wilderness shows, and indulging in raunchy comedy. His passion for movies inspired him to open two movie theaters (Orca and Mat Su Cinema) in the late 80s. Richard loved the Alaska life and shared his enthusiasm for the great outdoors with his family. He taught his family how to hunt, fish, dig for clams, and build log cabins, among other survival skills. Derived from his adventures, Richard enjoyed working with his hands, building a variety of things from wood, bone, and antler. After retirement, Richard and Ludy spent time in the rural village of Kiana located in the Northwest Artic Borough of Alaska. There, he was able to immerse himself in Alaska’s natural terrain and splendor, continuing his love for hunting, fishing, and snow-going. Richard found joy in growing, harvesting, and preserving foods that he had started from seedlings. A proud moment for him was winning first prize at the Alaska State Fair for the largest American Cucumber.
In Soldotna, he kept bees, extracting and packaging pure Alaskan honey, raised a variety of birds and pheasants, buffalos, and occasionally pigs. Richard was incredibly pleased to be living in his log cabin home. In fact, there was no place he would rather be and spent most of his later retirement years at home enjoying his many hobbies. He was grateful for his hardworking and devoted wife of 50 years, and proud of his three boys and their strong work ethic. Richard respected his good friends and cherished his chihuahua, Coco – never going anywhere without her. Richard is deeply loved by his family and will be missed dearly.
Richard is preceded in death by his father, Harry Link; mother, Shirley Link; and brother, Robert Link. He is survived by his wife, Lourdes (Ludy) Link; his sons and their wives: Adam (Jenna), Matthew (Tishe), and Peter (Christine); his grandchildren: Victoria, Rayne, Hudson, Kyanna, Kyzer, Drew, Drake, Kade; and two greatgranddaughters: Isabella and Madeline.
A memorial service will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, located at 129 North Fireweed Street, Soldotna, Alaska 99669 on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 11:00 am. The celebration of life will be held at the Link’s residence from 12 noon – 4pm, following the mass. If you wish to bring a favorite dish or dessert, please do so. BYOB.