Martin "Marty" Thomas Anzelini

Martin “Marty” Thomas Anzelini, 55, died Feb. 23, 2010, in Anchorage after a brief, courageous struggle with cancer.

A vigil and time of sharing were held Sunday at St. Patrick’s Parish. A funeral Mass was held Monday at the church.

Marty was born April 6, 1954, in Trinidad, Colo., to Martin and Shirley Anzelini. The family moved to Tonasket, Wash., where Marty began his love of the outdoors.

He played basketball, coached by his father, at Moses Lake High School, where he graduated in 1972. He also played basketball at Wenatchee Valley and Big Bend community colleges.

He attended Washington State University, where he met Annette on a blind date. They married in 1979 and lived in Kahlotus, Wash., where Marty worked as a ranch hand and cowboy. In 1981, Marty graduated from BBCC as an A&P mechanic.

Their beloved daughter, Teresa, arrived in 1986. The family moved to Anchorage in 1991.

Marty worked various jobs, eventually as an independent aircraft mechanic. Marty loved refurbishing small aircraft and was a master craftsman, taking pride in excellence. His completed projects were works of art.

Marty had an adventurous spirit and was an avid hunter, fisherman and pilot. He was living his dream, guiding many hunters on their hunts of a lifetime. Most trips, he spent more time helping others than hunting or fishing himself. For him, it was about the experience: time spent with family and friends, sharing his enthusiasm for the outdoors.

Marty was patient and generous with his time and knowledge. He was pleased to share and teach about the wilderness and aviation, instilling in those whom he touched the same joy and love he had for his passions.

Marty was a devoted father to Teresa, grandfather to Haylie and husband to Annette. Survivors also include his mother, Shirley Anzelini of Moses Lake; sister, Debbie (John) Mitz of Eltopia, Wash.; brothers, John (Sonja) Anzelini of Moses Lake and Michael (Dianne) Anzelini of Chehalis, Wash.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Martin Thomas Anzelini.