Chris Donald Elder

Jun 16, 1962 -

Jan 4, 2023

Chris Donald Elder, 60, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Jan. 4, 2023. He passed peacefully surrounded by family after a brave battle with cancer.

Chris was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 16, 1962, to the union of Bruce and Ileda Elder. His family moved to Colorado when he was 3 years old. He grew up in Berthoud, where he and his brother Craig were involved in 4-H, water skiing, hunting and fishing. During his high school years he ran a trap line and was one of the most famous muskrat trappers around. He was voted Trapper of the Year in his senior year of high school.

He graduated from Colorado State University with a wildlife biology degree in 1985, where he met a lifetime friend, Tim Brough and they went into a partnership called Western Wildlife Adventures. They ran multiple businesses in the outdoor space, to include a trap and skeet range and pheasant farm.

He moved his family to Alaska in December 1998, and became a real estate agent and investor. Over the years he has been involved in various different businesses and industries. He was a great teacher and mentor to many.

He was active in church as a Treasurer, Deacon and Elder for many years. One of his life aspirations was to baptize each of his children. He was very thankful to be able to do this as each of his children chose a life of following Jesus. As a bonus, he even got to baptize his only son-in-law Jay! He loved to hunt, fish, build boats, buy and sell properties and other businesses. He loved hosting, entertaining and telling stories. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; parents, Bruce and Ileda of Loveland, Colo.; brother, Craig (Mary) of Sacramento, Calif.; children, Courtney (Jay) Bruzas of Wasilla, Blake (Natalie) of Big Lake, and Garrett (Sarah) of Anchorage, Alaska; stepdaughters, Aislynn and Jazelyn of Big Lake; two grandsons; and nine granddaughters.

Please share your memories of Chris with the family by email at blakelder@gmail.com.

A memorial service in honor of him will be held at Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at 10 a.m. Please come and celebrate Chris's life with his family. In lieu of flowers, please buy yourself some ammo.