<p>A celebration of life will be held August 24th in Valdez, AK, RSVP to (305)394-1737</p>

Richard Chaffin | Celebration of Life

Sabrina James

Richard Chaffin

Rich was born in Cookeville, TN and was admired by all who knew him. He embodied the values inspired by his father, who was a model of honor and integrity. Rich was known for his kindness, honesty, hard work, and his dedication to family. He faced life’s challenges with grit and often found humor in even the most difficult situations. Rich had a gift of storytelling, spending many nights sharing tales around a fire with family & close friends. After graduating, Rich pursued his dreams of moving to Alaska in search of gold and adventure. Settling in Valdez, he helped his father establish a family business. Then moved on to join the Alyeska Pipeline, until his retirement in 2014. After retirement, Rich purchased Bayside RV Park in downtown Valdez. Rich met and married his first wife, with whom he spent 20 years. Together, they welcomed a son, Tavis, and a daughter, Toria, both of whom he cherished deeply. He was a devoted and loving father who took great pride in providing a fulfilling life for his family. He loved his children every single day of his life and never stopped believing in them. Giving back to his community, Rich trained in avalanche & outdoor survival, served the Valdez Fire Dept. and search & rescue, became a Senior Observer for the Civil Air Patrol, held a Coast Guard Charter Boat license, and served as President & VP of the Valdez Snowmachine Club. An avid adventurer, he loved boating, fishing, hunting, camping, dredging for gold, riding his Harley, and exploring the wilderness. In 1977, he bought his first snow machine and quickly became one of the top cross-country riders in Alaska. While he enjoyed racing, his true passion was cross-country snowmobiling. Known for his sense of direction, Rich once crossed Valdez Glacier at night during a blizzard to rescue a lost tour group. After safely guiding them home he was hired as a guide, leading tours through the Chugach Mountains, crossing glaciers and the Great Scott Icefield. In 1999, Rich fulfilled a lifelong dream by racing in the AK Iron Dog, a 1,971-mile journey over the frozen tundra. Despite breaking his wrist, Rich completed the race in a cast, earning him admiration by all who understood the mental and physical toughness of the feat. In 2015, Rich reconnected with high school friend, Jo Gunthner, who now lived in the Florida Keys. Upon flying down to see her they quickly realized they had both experienced love at first sight. Jo was beautiful, loved fishing, and owned her own boat; she was his perfect match. A sentimental man, Rich chartered a helicopter and proposed to Jo on a mountaintop in Alaska. They married soon after and Rich gained a life partner plus three amazing stepchildren: Cody and twin girls Jessie & Jamie. Rich and Jo became dog-parents to a Border Collie named Sabiki, who Rich adored. He designed unique platforms on his kayak and RV to ensure Sabiki was never left behind. Until the last months of his life, Rich could be seen riding his bike with Sabiki in tow, cycling 4 miles to a park by the beach in Florida, where they played Frisbee daily. Rich’s love of adventure never slowed down, and with Jo and Sabiki by his side, he embraced a new life of adventures, trading snow for the deep blue ocean. They traveled, boated, kayaked, and dove together, and Rich just couldn’t resist buying a faster boat than Jo’s. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Nancy Chaffin, and his brother, Lee Chaffin. He is survived by his loving wife, Jo Chaffin; his children, Tavis and Toria Chaffin, Cody, Jamie, and Jessie Gunthner; his sister and brother-in-law, Vicki and Leonard Wallner; and his four granddaughters and one grandson. A celebration of life will be held August 24th in Valdez, AK, RSVP to (305)394-1737

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Richard "Richie" Lee Chaffin

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Richard Richie Chaffin Obituary | Keeper Memorials

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Richard "Richie" Lee Chaffin

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