Harold S. Gnad

Harold S. Gnad

Dec. 8, 1918-Feb. 23, 2016

Longtime Homer resident Mr. Harold S. Gnad, 97, died Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, at South Peninsula Hospital.

Harold was born on Sunday, Dec. 8, 1918, in Lone Pine, Calif., to Sabastian Sudlow and Margaret Lillian (Banta) Gnad.

Harold graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts and taught school in Oahu, Hawaii, until 1942 and then proudly served his country during World War II in the United States Navy. After the war, he worked at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard and Jet Propulsion Lab from 1946 until 1961 when he moved to Anchorage. He moved to Homer in 1964 to teach once again, retiring from the Kenai Peninsula School District in 1974.

He belonged to the Homer United Methodist Church and routinely helped in major remodelling  and routine maintenance of the church. His family remembers that he enjoyed scuba diving, road trips, camping, boat building and sailing, and had even obtained his commercial pilot’s license. 

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Sabastian and Margaret.

He is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Ruth S. (Soetens) Gnad; sons, Peter H. Gnad of Homer, Alan R. Gnad of Homer, John K. Gnad and wife, Moon of Rotonda West, Fla., and Bruce R. Gnad and wife, Marilyn of Homer; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Harold’s name may be given to the Homer United Methodist Church, 770 East End Road, Homer, AK 99603.

Please visit www.alaskanfuneral.com to leave online condolences.