Mr. Navarre started the Kenai Food Center in 1957. He served as the Kenai Peninsula Borough mayor from 1966-72, and was later city manager of Kenai. He owned many businesses including Kenai Food Center and Alyeska Sales and Service (1978-86). He opened the first Arby's in Alaska in 1981.

Mr. Navarre was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church and enjoyed golf, playing bridge and traveling.

"Though we're sad to see him go, it's hard to imagine someone making more use of their time here than George did," his family said.

"Alongside his beloved wife, Rose, he spent his life building a large, tight-knit family full of unique individuals bound together through their love and devotion to one another. This has been his legacy, and for that we are eternally grateful. With each new addition to his family, we'll continue to be reminded of the partnership between these two very special people and what they gave so that we all could be where we are today.

"He loved his family and his community with all his heart and we can only hope to honor his legacy by doing our best to live in his example.

"He's gone from us now, but will never be forgotten by those who knew and loved him. And as we mourn his loss for ourselves, we can't help but be saddened a bit for the man himself as he's likely enduring a severe scolding from Rose for taking so long to join her in heaven."

Mr. Navarre was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary (Doogan) Navarre and daughter, Rozann Tunseth. He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Hugh, Tim, Mike and Dan Navarre of Kenai, Pat and Cindy Navarre of Wasilla, Ted and Kim Navarre of Kenai, David and Stacey Navarre of Arcata, Calif.; daughters and sons-in-law, Mary and John Elwell of Amelia Island, Fla., Michelle and Mike Stoneman of Payette, Idaho, and Kathleen Navarre of Anchorage; son-in-law, Larry Tunseth of Kenai; sisters, Mary Jane Tripp of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Caroline Peters of Michigan; cousin, Jake Moesch of Las Vegas; 20 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; the entire Doogan clan and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Kenai Peninsula Boy's and Girl's Club Endowment, 705 Frontage Rd., Ste. B, Kenai, AK 99611, the Kenai Peninsula Foundation, P.O. Box 928, Soldotna, AK 99669 or Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church.

Arrangements were by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.

Information about fire, police and troopers is taken from public records consisting of logbooks and press releases.