Story Created:
Mar 7, 2008 at 10:19 AM AKDT
Story Updated:
Mar 7, 2008 at 10:19 AM AKDT
Longtime Juneau resident Troy Kahklen died Feb. 25, 2008, at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md., after a kidney transplant and a five-month battle for a better quality of life. He was 47.
Born in Flagstaff, Ariz., he was a kid at heart, his family said. He sustained his youthful spirit by spending time with his son, Kyle, they added. He also loved spending time with his nephews and nieces, Michael, Anna, Amber and Abbiegail Kahklen, Oscar and Sydney Jones and Claire Homan, all of Juneau.
According to his family, he enjoyed playing baseball, softball and ultimate Frisbee, and he looked forward to his annual gold trip with his son and friends. He was obsessive about fishing and could always be found flipping burgers at his mother's house on the Fourth of July, they said.
He will be remembered by friends and family for his "exceptional cliff jumping, sled fighting, water ballooning, Alaskaball and daredevil chainless Spider bike-riding skills," his family said.
He is survived by his son, Kyle Kahklen; mother, Abbie Kahklen; father, Joseph Kahklen; brothers and sisters, Keith Kahklen and his wife, Lecia, and Craig Kahklen and his wife, Heather, all of Juneau; and sister, Cheryl Klein, of New York.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at Northern Light United Church. A reception will follow at the Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall.
The family requests no donations, due to the generosity already shown to him and his family during this time. Cards and well wishes can be sent to P.O. Box 240344, Douglas, AK 99824.
