FLAGSTAFF, ARIZ.

Kurt J. Jacobsen, 38, of Flagstaff, Ariz., died unexpectedly on April 8, 2002. He was born Nov. 19, 1963, in New London, Conn., the son of Ralph S. Jacobsen of Roswell, Ga., and Annette Schilling of New Hampshire. He worked as GIS (Geographical Information System) Manager for the City of Flagstaff.

Kurt served in the Navy in the early 1980’s and spent time in the Persian Gulf aboard the U.S.S. Whipple. He graduated from College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in human ecology. Prior to moving to Flagstaff, Kurt spent six years in Barrow, Alaska, setting up and managing the GIS for the North Slope Borough. He enjoyed sailing and all outdoor activities.

In addition to his loving parents, Ralph Jacobsen and Annette Schilling, Kurt is survived by his 12 year-old son, Leif S. Jacobsen of Ellsworth, whom he adored; his brother, Eric Jacobsen of Walpole, Mass.; two sisters, Karen Strunk of Sullivan and Kirsten Desjardin of Gouldsboro; his grandmother, Pauline Earl of Hudson, Mich.; and a nephew, nieces, aunts and uncles.

He will be missed dearly by his family and close friends, and remembered for his larger-than-life personality, boyish grin, and the ethereal way people were naturally drawn to him.

“May the road rise up to meet you…May the winds be always at your back…May the sun shine warm upon your face…The rains fall soft upon your fields… And, until we meet again…May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.