Remembering Carl Ober

The Talkeetna Bachelor Society has issued a statement about the death of Talkeetna resident Carl Ober:

The Talkeetna Bachelor Society Board of Directors is deeply saddened to hear of the untimely death of our fellow board member and friend, Carl Ober.

Carl was on the Alaska State Troopers helicopter Helo-1 when it crashed Saturday night near Larson Lake.  Both the pilot and state trooper aboard were also killed.

Carl was a dedicated member of the Talkeetna Bachelor Society for many years, serving a number of terms on the board and as board president in the early 2000s.  He was featured in many news articles about the Society and our annual Bachelor Auction, including in a spread in Gentlemen’s Quarterly a few years back.

“Carl embodied the spirit of the Talkeetna Bachelor Society,” says board of directors president, Todd Basilone, “He was the bachelor’s bachelor.  He worked hard for the society, believed deeply in our mission to support victims of domestic violence, and loved to throw a party.”

Carl volunteered in many ways for the communities of Talkeetna and Cantwell, both of which he called home.  When not volunteering, Carl was a dog musher, trapper, and carpenter, known among other things for his quality log furniture.  Carl loved to ride his snowmachine, tell visitors about life in small town Alaska, and flirt with the ladies.  He was known throughout the community for his unstoppable cheer and kindness towards others.  In the most recent edition of the Bachelors’ Male Order Catalog, Carl described himself in one word: Free.

The Bachelors are hosting an informal memorial get-together in the Talkeetna Village Park on Saturday, April 6, at 3 pm.  All are welcome to attend.

Here’s to happy travels, brother.  We’ll see you farther up the creek.