Dr. Douglas Allen Lien, 63, died March 1, 2014, in Anchorage. “He took his final flight,” his family said.

A celebration of life service was held 1 p.m. March 29, 2014, at Land’s End Resort, Homer.

Dr. Lien was born July 7, 1950, in Bookings. S.D., to Elizabeth and David Lien.

Dr. Lien attended South Dakota University and graduated from New York University College of Dentistry with a degree in doctor of dental surgery. In 1986 he began as a volunteer dentist at the King County Jail in Seattle.

Dr. Lien traveled to Alaska and found it was where he would call home. In 1988, Dr. Lien returned to school for two years while in Anchorage, not as a student but as an adjunct professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage, where he taught courses for aspiring dental hygienists. Throughout his life Dr. Lien provided support to fellow dentists by caring for their patients while they were in need. Dr. Lien assisted in many dental practices throughout Alaska, geared towards helping low-income families. In January of 1993, Dr. Lien opened his own practice in Anchorage. In October of 1994, Dr. Lien started as a volunteer dentist in the bush at Yakutat. He practiced dentistry in Anchorage from 1986-1994. It was during this time that he found his soul mate, Carla. In 1994, Dr. Lien and Carla moved to Homer and opened a dental practice, Premium Aspect Dentistry, geared toward helping lower-income individuals and families. In March of 1995, Dr. Lien started a monthly children’s Medicaid service. Soon after the pair set up residence in Homer, they married, beginning a new chapter in their lives. It was through his marriage to Carla that Dr. Lien expanded his family, gaining two stepdaughters, both of whom graced him with the joy of grandchildren.

Dr. Lien also enjoyed a passion for flight. As a licensed small aircraft pilot, Dr. Lien chose to use his flying skills through volunteering as an officer in the U.S. Civil Air Patrol.

Dr. Lien also loved teaching his step-daughter Andriah and his grandson Tyler how to fly various aircrafts.

“Throughout his life Dr. Lien brought many smiles to the faces of others, and he fixed a few too. Those who knew him will surely remember him as being passionate in his views and his knack for quick wit,” his family said.

Dr. Lien is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Carla; stepdaughters, Andriah Mohr and Lisa Jacobs, and their spouses, Kelly Mohr and Chris Jacobs; grandchildren, Mara and Tyler Mohr and Cameron and Ashley Jacobs; his mother, Elizabeth Lien; his brother, Fred Lien; and his sister, Carol Lien, and her husband, Dr. Sandy Berry.

Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.