Sterling resident Earl Skura, 46, died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013 in Soldotna.

A celebration of his life will be held at noon today, Monday, March 4, 2013 at the residence of Hilda Young, 36600 Moser Road, Soldotna. Please call Hilda at 394-8836 for more information and directions.

Mr. Skura was born July 20, 1966 in Fairbanks. He lived and worked throughout Alaska for many years before making Sterling his final home. Earl worked as a Wild land Firefighter for the Alaska Forestry Services most recently. He loved fishing, hunting, four-wheeling and cutting/chopping firewood.

His family wrote, “Earl was a wonderful person and an amazing father. He was compassionate, caring and always looking for ways to help those around him. He had a passion for the outdoors and his work as a wild land firefighter. Earl had a green thumb. He could make anything grow and flourish under his care. He is loved by many and will be greatly missed.”

He was preceded in death by grandmother Matty Johnson, father Earl Skura Sr., stepfather George Robertson, dad Lloyd Young, aunt Paris Young and Uncle Steve Yagashoff.

He is survived by his mother, Hilda Young of Soldotna; son, Stephen Skura of Palmer; daughter, Sierra Skura of Palmer; son, Aidan Skura of Soldotna; sisters, Viola Skura of Anchorage and Jeanie Skura of Soldotna; fiancée, Michell Cromer of Sterling; niece and nephew, Prisilla Skura and Christopher Skura of Soldotna; and many other family members cousins, nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations and condolence letters may be sent in memory of Earl to 36600 Moser Street, Soldotna, AK 99611.