Pertti "Pete" Salovaara, age 81, died peacefully in his home on Dec. 13, 2016, in Anchorage, Alaska, with his wife, Kaisu, by his side.Pete was born on March 2, 1935, and spent his formative years in Helsinki, Finland. In 1956, Pete began his travels as a mechanic in Toronto, Canada. In his youth, he read Jack London's book "Call of the Wild," which began his fascination with Alaska. In 1959, his adventure began in Juneau, Alaska. He made a living as a mechanic and carpenter and loved experiencing the outdoor life in Alaska. In 1963, he travelled back to Helsinki, rekindled a relationship and married Kaisu. They settled in Juneau the same year. Pete received a commercial flying license and flew fisherman's catch to canneries in Yakutat, Alaska.In 1969 Pete and Kaisu moved back to Helsinki and stayed until 1972, but the pull of Alaska was too strong and they moved to Anchorage the same year. Pete worked as a mechanic for Stepp Bros. from 1972-1997. Pete and Kaisu started a small business, Pete's Enterprises. They bought reindeer hides from Finland and sold them to gift shops in Alaska.Pete loved hunting for moose and fishing for salmon all over Alaska. He was taught to smoke fish from a Norwegian friend. His Anchorage neighbors were very grateful every time he started up his smoker in his back yard. They knew that his smoked salmon would soon grace their tables.Pete and Kaisu spent their summers traveling, exploring and camping all over Alaska. First in their truck, then a Volkswagen Bus and finally a motorhome. They also loved cross-country skiing around the University of Alaska Anchorage trails and bike riding in the summer.They were members the Anchorage Finland Club since 1972, and enjoyed all their friends that were originally from Finland.Pete is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Kaisu; and a brother, Vaikko; and extended family from Finland.A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016, at 3 p.m. at the Janssen Funeral Home, 737 E Street. All friends are welcome.In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Anchorage Suomi Finland Club, 8225 Spring Street, Anchorage, AK, 99509; or a .