Chester Giles

Dec 12, 1953 -

Sep 23, 2024

Chester Allen Giles was born on Dec 15, 1953 and passed away at his home on Sept. 23, 2024. Chester was born in Saskatchewan, Canada to Mervin and Thelma Giles. He was the third son of four boys. In 1959, the family moved to Vancouver/Seattle, Washington where he spent his early years playing with his brothers and cousins before moving to Alaska in 1965.

Chet was a graduate of Chugiak High School. After high school Chester followed his passion and love of automobiles and in 1973, he moved to Denver, Colorado to attend the Denver School of Automotive with his younger brother Herbert. After graduating from automotive school, he moved to Washington where he met his wife to be, Terri, before moving back to Anchorage.

Chester's passion for vehicles led him through a lifelong mechanical journey. He was not only a mechanic, but a salesman like his stepfather. Over the years Chester operated an autobody shop and several transmission shops around Anchorage. The latest bringing him right back to Alaska Gear, formally known as AAA Transmission, which has been in our family for more than 50 years.

Although he had a love for vehicles, Chester's most memorable accomplishment and the greatest joy in his life was his son, Jesse, who was raised with that same love and passion for vehicles and the faster things in life. Chester has also instilled this same thrill in his grandchildren who will continue to carry on his legacy for generations to come.

Chester was proceeded in death by his father, Mervin Giles; mother, Thelma Estep; stepfather, Floyd "Don" Estep; brother, Algon Giles; and sister-in-law, Julie Giles.

He is survived by 2 brothers, Randy and Herbert Giles of Eagle River, Alaska; stepsister, Linda Estep-Peterson of Okmulgee, Okla.; son, Jesse Giles of Eagle River, Alaska; granddaughter, Keilah Giles; grandsons, Braedon Giles and Jesse Giles Jr.; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends who considered him family.

The funeral service will take place at Janssen's Eagle River Funeral Home, 16421 Brooks Loop Road, Eagle River, AK on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. with a memorial luncheon following at Pizza Man. A graveside service will take place later that day at Wasilla Aurora Cemetery, 1096 Wasilla-Fishhook Road, Wasilla, AK.