David Rafter

Jan 6, 1958 -

Mar 31, 2025

David Patrick Rafter, 67, died Mar. 31, 2025, at Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage. He was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Fla. His independent and adventurous nature brought him to Alaska in 1975. He met Stacy in 1977, and they married in 1979. Being a father was David's greatest joy and what he was most proud of; his daughter, Terra and son, Sean were his motivation and purpose. He demonstrated care and love through actions and being present in their lives. He loved his Airedales. David's life was full of adventure, passion, dedication and friendships. His quick wit and humor enlivened his interactions with everyone. David's strong work ethic started early selling greeting cards, paper routes and concessions at the auditorium. Arriving in Alaska, he worked doing concrete construction and stocking/bagging at Carrs and BI-LO. When he turned 18, he proudly joined the Alaska Teamsters Local 959 and began his career at Sunrise Bakery driving for over 25 years. He became a hostler driver for Weaver Brothers, then United Freight and Transport, where he worked for over 10 years before taking his first retirement. He also worked as a longshoreman for Sea Star Stevedore at the Port in Anchorage. In 2008, he began a new career path with the Anchorage School District as safety security for the next 15 years at Wendler and Begich Middle Schools before his final retirement in January 2023. David loved his hobbies! Smoking salmon, spice rubs, dip netting, photography, putting in and maintaining the ice at the Chester Valley rink, coed hockey and coaching the kids' hockey teams, camping, all water sports, hang gliding, gold mining, taekwondo, model rockets, his 8-inch telescope and astronomy, rock hounding and lapidary, fireworks and campfires, and being an avid reader and researcher. He was still an enthusiastic downhill skier, hiker, golfer, traveler and explorer. Music was vital to him so he donated instruments to students in conjunction with Petr's Violin Shop. He is survived by his parents, Pat and Betty Rafter; his wife, Stacy; daughter, Terra (Lauren); son, Sean; brother, Jim (Patty); sister, Patti Rezakhani (Mosleh); and his brother, Dan; niece, Cindy; nephews, Brad, Kazem and Mason; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his infant sister, Deborah; and older brother, John. In lieu of flowers or donations, consider a walk, hike or outdoor adventure in remembrance of David. His joyful presence will be greatly missed.