Wilfred Collison Files, Jr.

Aug. 22, 1940 – July 27, 2021

Wilfred Collison Files, Jr., a local businessman, community leader and passionate volunteer passed away peacefully in his Homer home on July 27. Born in Tanana in 1940, Will grew up in Ft. Yukon, where his parents served as missionaries of the Episcopal church. After attending Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, he returned to his hometown to teach mathematics and music. Even after he retired from his profession and moved to the Kenai Peninsula in 1987, he never stopped teaching, lending his skills to teaching youth to fly in Civil Air Patrol and guiding the educational programming of the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies. Will excelled at bringing people together to build relationships and help the community. He worked with Rotary for years to bring health fairs to Alaska, Russia, and the world, and in recent years, he worked tirelessly to open and run the South Peninsula Athletic and Recreation Center (SPARC), creating an indoor space for year-round athletics.

He never gave up his love of the water and fishing or of playing tennis. Will’s love of life and good humor brought joy to all around him, and his good advice and helpfulness were treasured.

Will is survived by his loving wife, Martha Ellen Anderson; her children Stan, of Morro Bay, California, Ruth (Brad), of Hamlin, New York, and Freya of Juneau, Alaska, as well as his sons, Wilfred (Annie) of Carlsbad, California, and Kirby (Amory), of Milton, Massachusetts; five grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. He was active in the Homer United Methodist Church.

A private memorial service was held for Will on Aug. 4. Those who wish to celebrate his life are invited to donate to his two favorite passions: SPARC Homer https://sparchomer.org/donate-to-help-sparc/ and Homer Rotary .https://www.homerrotary.org/