Verne E. Rupright

Jun 30, 1951 -

May 26, 2024

The Honorable Verne E. Rupright Esquire, 72, of Wasilla, Alaska, passed in the presence of his wife Bernadette on May 26, 2024. He was born on June 30, 1951, in Lynn, Mass., to Guy and Charlotte Rupright. Verne graduated from Saugus High School in 1969. He was a patriot, enlisting in the USAF and served a year in Vietnam as a medic. After his Air Force enlistment, Verne joined the Army. Verne moved to Alaska in 1976, and trained as an Artic Scout, being one of only seven soldiers to pass the course. Within 32 years of service to his country and State of Alaska, he became an officer and joined the Alaska National Guard becoming a Captain of the 9th Armored Calvary division. Verne was also a Major in the Alaska State Defense force and employed to protect the pipeline in 2001. Upon arrival to Alaska, Verne worked on the gas pipeline construction in various capacities, was a business owner in Anchorage, an AK State Probation officer, an AK Corrections officer and received his Juris Doctorate from Creighton University in 1992 and became an attorney. By 2008, Verne was elected Mayor of Wasilla and served until 2014. Verne enjoyed his private practice until retirement in 2020. Verne loved rifles, pistols and shooting cannons, riding motorcycles, listening to music and watching old movies. His thirst for knowledge was veracious, researching world history, particularly U.S. history and politics, and on an endless quest for spiritual enlightenment, studying Christian theology to the end. He took an oath and lived by it. "God, family and country" – Verne loved God first. Raising his daughters and being a good provider and husband were most important to him. Verne served his country and community well. He was a member of or served on: Laborer's Union, Free Mason's Society (Mason of 32nd Degree), Alaska Shriners, Mat-Su School District Advisory Board, State of Alaska Bureau of Land Management Board, Owners of America Guns Board, Homeless Connection Board, National American Legion, National Rifle Association and Red Cross Leadership Council. He was an active and prominent presence at VFW Post 9365 in Wasilla, being their JAG officer and lifetime member. If it can be said that patriots are born, Verne was of that lineage. He was a Son of the American Revolution Society and a member of the Descendants of the Mayflower Society. His overwhelming concern was of the state of our nation and the welfare of his neighbors. True liberty is elusive, but if it can be provided by example, his life was that example. With all his determination experience and knowledge, he was able to bring a case before the Supreme Court of the United States, and yet could pull up a chair and recount stories of history, telling jokes and making everyone feel comfortable in his denim jeans and opened shirt.

Verne is survived by his wife, Bernadette, of 29 years; daughters, Elizabeth and Charlotte Rupright; and sister, Charlotte Line; and preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Guy Rupright Jr. A Celebration of life will be held at the Wasilla VFW Post 9365 on June 9, 2024, at 2 p.m. Donations can be made in Verne's Honor to AL Aska Shriners Oasis of the Midnight Sun Anchorage.