ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Paul E. Pinard, 87, long-time Alaska resident, died Sunday, April 17, at his home near Anchorage, surrounded by his family.

He was born into a French-American family of 10 in Lewiston, on April 2, 1918. He joined the Army Air Corps in April of 1941, serving in the 8th Air Force, 97th bomb group fighting in the African and European Theater. His squadron was part of the first daylight bombing raids ever conducted.

After flying in 50 B-17 bombing missions as a radio operator/gunner, he was deployed to Boise, Idaho, to teach radio communications and navigation, where he met Dorothy Peterson in 1944. They were married in Glendale, Calif., where he performed with the Mills Brothers during the wedding reception.

After driving the Alcan Highway in January of 1952, he made Alaska his home. His wife, Dorothy, and their three children joined him in June of the same year. During the next 16 years, they built their home and had six more children.

He found employment at Elmendorf Air Force Base, retiring after 25 years. He spent the next 22 years in charge of maintenance for Northwest Orient Airlines.

During his years spent in Alaska, he enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting and fishing. He and his family built a cabin near Seldovia, Alaska, where they would spend time during the summer months. They also operated a set-net fishing operation in Bristol Bay, Alaska. He was a loving, caring father and husband, who was proud to have served his country during the war, sharing many stories with his family and friends. He will be missed.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Pinard; children, Paul Edward Pinard, Sonia Digregorio, Sharman Kilborn, Gary Pinard, Karen Pinard-Janisch, Tina Lewis, Randal Pinard, Ken Pinard and Jon Pinard; 25 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, including nephew, Norman Pelletier and niece, Pauline (Lit’l) Bernier.

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