Patrick John Maurin

Aug 4, 1942 -

Mar 3, 2020

Patrick was born in Grand Rapids, Minn., on Aug. 4, 1942, and died peacefully in Anchorage, Alaska, on March 3, 2020.

He is survived by wife, Elizabeth, of 53 years; and children, Angie (Vince) Garroutte, Karen Maurin and Joe (Cristian) Maurin; eight grandchildren, Reece, Brandon, Francina, Briana, Pamela, Madi, Jib and Ron; as well as his sister, Judy (John) Brisky of Minnesota; nieces; nephews and cousins. Known as Patty John or Johnny by his family, he was preceded in death by his father and mother, George and Anne Maurin; and sisters, Kathryn Levitan and Margaret Lozenski.

He attended Greenway High and Bemidji Tech College. John enlisted in the Minnesota Naval Air Reserves and served on the USS Enterprise, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier off the coast of Vietnam. Returning home from active duty, John met Elizabeth Arkell in the spring of 1967, and they tied the knot on Oct. 14, 1967. John and Betty chased their dreams in '69, packing up and heading to the Last Frontier. Patrick J. Maurin joined the Teamster's Union Local 959, shortly after their move. Truck driving and surveying jobs sent him to every corner of the state. Patrick welcomed the opportunity to explore the great state of Alaska. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing. Patrick retired after 18 years as MOA bus driver, making friends with anyone who rode his route, entertaining tourists by sharing stories of our state's history.

Pat had a love of nature and life, above all he loved the Lord, he passed on his faith by the way he lived, always helped a friend or stranger in need, and never passed up a hitchhiker nor cup of coffee for friendly conversation. Patrick John Maurin and his ability to put smiles on faces as he played his harmonica will be missed.

Services will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2020, at 1 p.m., in Wasilla, Alaska, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.