Homer Police Officer Edward Stading died Sept. 3, 2018, after an illness, according to his a web page set up by family members.

Stading was born in 1966 and had served with HPD since July 6, 2005. Before that he worked with the North Slope Borough. He had been on medical leave since February.

“He was a great officer for us,” said Homer Police Chief Mark Robl. “He did a super job. He was our range master and gun expert. We’re really going to miss those skills that he brought to the department.”

In a statement, Homer City Manager Katie Koester wrote, “The City of Homer joins family, friends and officers of the Homer Police Department in mourning the passing and honoring the memory of police officer Edward Stading. Officer Stading has 20 years in law enforcement, the majority serving and protecting the people of Homer at the Homer Police Department. He was a skilled arms instructor and taught officers and civilians across the state how to safely and responsibly use firearms. His colleagues and friends at the City of Homer will remember him for his kind demeanor and gentle nature. Officer Stading leaves Homer a better place thanks to his service, and for that the community is forever grateful. The City thanks his wife, Robanne, and children Clara, Alexander and Anastasia for sharing husband and father with the community.”

“He was a big guy, a strong guy, but truly a gentle giant — compassionate, caring,” Robl said. “Just a special package of a person.”

A memorial service is on Sept. 22 at a time and place to be announced.