Mr. Garroutte was born March 9, 1925, in Pleasant Plains, Ark. He graduated from high school and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Feb. 17, 1943. He served during World War II and was honorably discharged on Feb. 21, 1946, with the rank of Gunner's Mate Second Class. He moved to Alaska in 1956, and resided in Seward. He moved to Ninilchik in 1958. He also lived in Seldovia from 1966-67.

Mr. Garroutte worked as a commercial fisherman for many years. He also worked on the Trans Alaska Pipeline and belonged to the United Brotherhood and Carpenters and Jointers and did many carpentry jobs through the years. He retired from commercial fishing in 1992.

Mr. Garroutte was a member of the Methodist Church and the American Legion Post No. 18 in Ninilchik. He also served on the Alaska Board of Fisheries in the 1970s.

"He was very active in the community. He was a great husband and father, and a good provider. He homesteaded in Ninilchik in 1957 and lived there until he died. He also helped on many statehood committees," his family said.

Mr. Garroutte was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Nina Garroutte; brothers, Tony, Isaac, Oscar and George Garroutte, and sisters, Mona Owen and Annie Stidman.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Rosalie Garroutte of Ninilchik; daughter, Vikki Garroutte Simpson of Homer; sisters, Wreathie Walker of Yuba City, Calif., and Gracie Cooper of Sullivan, Ind.; and many nieces and nephews.

Rather than flowers the family prefers memorial donations be sent to the ALS Association, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 250, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301 or the Ninilchik Senior Center, Ninilchik, AK 99639.

Arrangements were by Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai.