Gary Apperson, 63, passed away on Jan. 28, 2017, from cancer complications. Gary Edwin Apperson was the son of Helen Kim (nee Hruz) and Edwin Apperson, born in Baltimore, Md. As an Air Force family, the Appersons moved around a lot, and found their way through an assignment to Elmendorf Air Force Base in1964. The Apperson family drove the adventurous Alcan Highway and fell in love with Alaska. Gary graduated WoodBridge High School in WoodBridge, Va., and immediately headed back to Alaska, where he has since been a resident. Gary worked as an Anchorage Police Officer from 1977-2002. After retirement, Gary attended the University of Wisconsin and obtained his Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Gary worked as adjunct professor teaching criminal justice and research writing courses for the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and the University of Minnesota in their respective online distance education programs. His great joy was helping, mentoring and guiding others to achieve. Gary met the love of his life and married Deborah B. Apperson in 1996. He enjoyed many years of flying his airplane on various adventures. He later enjoyed adventure motorcycle riding. Gary loved hiking with his wife, Deb, Judy's Blueberry Loop Group and especially dogs! Gary was an avid geocacher and sincerely enjoyed this activity with his wife Deb, and friend, Dawn. Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Kim (nee Hruz) in May of 2005. Gary is survived by his wife, Deb; his father, Ed Apperson; sister, Sandra Apperson; brother, Craig Apperson; nephew, Keith Apperson; great-niece, Dylan Apperson; and a large extended family of numerous aunts, uncles and cousins on the East Coast. A memorial service celebrating Gary's life will be held on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, at 6 p.m., at St. Patrick's Parish, 2111 Muldoon Road, Anchorage, AK 99504. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to your favorite charity.