Arnold Rice

Arnold "Arnie" O. Rice, aged 81, passed away peacefully in Denver, Colorado on June 2, 2017, after struggling for many years with complications from stroke.

Arnie was born to Norwegian immigrant parents in Montana. A happy boy with a mischievous grin, he adored and emulated his older brother, Norman. The family lived in Montana until Arnie's father followed construction work to the Seattle area. While they lived there Norman died after a bicycle accident, which devastated Arnie. The opportunities for work in Alaska called to his father, so once again they packed and moved to Anchorage. The family found beautiful scenery that reminded them of their Norway home along with very friendly people. Friends were made and roots established; Alaska became home.

Arnie attend Anchorage High School, and especially loved band and playing the trumpet. He graduated with the class of '53 and later that year headed off to college to study. After about a year Arnold realized college wasn't for him, and wanting to serve his country he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He faithfully served for almost two years before a medical discharge released him.

Returning to Anchorage for family, friends, and work, Arnie settled back at Central Lutheran Church. There he noticed a lovely young woman and decided immediately she would be his wife. Jeanne Hansen was her name, and after a reasonable courtship and they married. After a few years they welcomed a daughter, and later twin sons. Arnie also discovered he was a very skillful salesman, and as he appreciated a well-dressed look he worked at Seidenverg & Kay's, a men's clothing store in Anchorage.

By the early 70's Anchorage was fully booming, and Arnie bought Seidenverg & Kay's realizing his dream to own a business. He and his attentive staff continued to serve men (and sometimes women) in their desire to be best-dressed business people in the far north. He worked hard and life was alright. Unfortunately, in the mid-80s his wife, Jeanne, became ill with cancer and died. Arnie was heart-broken, but a long-time family friend, Darlene Houle, caught his eye and they began dating. Life turned around and the happy couple married, also at Central Lutheran Church.

Times changed however, and Arnie had to close the store in the mid-90s. Full of enthusiasm he turned his passion for cars into his next career as salesman at Alaska Sales & Service. He loved the different aspects of both cars and trucks and his ease with people made him popular. After a few years though Arnie sought a change and he went to work for David Green Master Furrier. He thoroughly enjoyed finding exactly the right fur for each person that walked into the shop. His employment there lasted until he retired.

Arnie and Darlene joined Anchorage Lutheran Church in the 90s and built many deep friendships in the congregation. Kept busy with their children and grandchildren, Arnie and Darlene enjoyed travel and hosting events at the family cabin. Darlene's health began a sharp decline in 2010 and she passed in 2011. Arnie moved to Colorado in 2012 and there he was cared for until he passed away. He is survived by his children, Krista Overly, Arne Rice, and John Rice; his step-children, Larry Houle, Brian Houle, and Karen Johns; and 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Arnie is preceded in death by his father, John Julius Rice; his mother, Gudrun J. Rice; his brother, Norman Rice; his first wife, Jeanne Hansen Rice; his second wife, Darlene Houle Rice; and his grandson, Nolan Houle. A memorial service will be held at Anchorage Lutheran Church, 1420 N Street in Anchorage, Alaska on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Arnie's name may be given to the American Stroke Association.