William "Bill" Edward Deal

William Edward Deal, affectionately known as "Bill," passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, in Phoenix, AZ, at the age of 89. A beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and cherished friend, Bill leaves behind a legacy of adventure, storytelling, and an unwavering spirit of adventure.

Bill was the son of Delia and Thomas Deal, born January 08, 1936 in Armonk, NY. Delia, (then Raftery) whose own journey from Ireland to America ignited a pioneering spirit that inspired Bill’s bold steps in his life. After honorably serving in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, Bill first heard the call of Alaska. In 1959, he embarked on an adventurous journey to the wilds of Alaska with two high school friends. The trio traveled in a carefully refurbished carry-all truck loaded with necessities, driven by high hopes and youthful ambition to hunt, fish, and explore.

Bill's early career in Alaska saw him clocking in at the Seismograph Operations Research Exploration Company, where he was inspired by the majestic landscape and the herds of caribou despite the often sub-zero temperatures.

In the autumn of 1959, he invited his sweetheart, Margaret “Peggy” Rasche, of NY, to join him in his northern venture when he asked for her hand in marriage. On December 19, 1959, Bill and Peggy wed in a whirlwind of love at St. Patrick’s Church followed by a lively party. Soon after, they started their own lifetime of adventure as they departed NY to drive north to Alaska. Ten days later they settled in the heart of Spenard, Alaska.

Bill and Peggy built their lives and family quite literally, from the ground up beginning with their log home and adopting a pioneering spirit of self-reliance and neighborly support.

Bill worked in the aviation industry with Northern Consolidated Airlines, which later became Wien Air Alaska, until its closure in 1984. He concluded his dedication to the aviation industry with the International Aviation Service company in the early 1990s.

The couple began their next chapter opening Deal’s Den Bed and Breakfast in Kasilof, Alaska overlooking the Cook Inlet. It was this place that truly captured their spirit, hosting guests from all over the world with the warmth and heart synonymous with Alaskan hospitality. Peggy’s famous sourdough pancakes, bottomless cups of coffee, and lively conversation with guests filled their souls. It was a fulfilling experience until Bill's debilitating accident in 2002 which led to the sale of Deal's Den and their subsequent move to Soldotna, Alaska.

Never letting grass grow under their feet, Bill and Peggy continued their journeys often escaping the harsh Alaskan winters for sunnier destinations, exploring the U.S. in their motorhome seeing friends new and old.Their travels to Ireland to visit family and reconnecting to his Irish heritage of which he was so passionate, gave him so much joy throughout his life.

Bill had many interests, he was an avid storyteller, a fervent reader, enjoyed the arts of woodworking and scrimshaw, time with family at their Kenai River property and the many family gatherings over the years. Community-oriented, he engaged vigorously in the Nordic Ski Club of Anchorage and The American Legion of Kenai. Most recently, Bill brought weekly joy through poetry readings to Memory Care residents at The Manor Village, in Phoenix, Arizona, their most recent residence.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife Peggy, his children, Thomas, Timothy, Kathleen, and Patrick, their spouses and significant other, eight grandchildren, niece and nephew, and his sister Helen Munoz of Palmer, Alaska. A life of love and adventure, stories told and untold, his family and those who knew him invite all to raise a glass and share a tale to keep his spirit alive. Sláinte

As Bill embarks on yet another journey beyond this world, may the winds be ever at his back, and the sun shine eternally upon his path. Until we meet again, may God hold him in the palm of His hand. An Irish blessing, for a life well lived, loved, and traveled.