Everett W. “Peter” Casper Jr., a major contributor to and leader of projects in Alaska for decades who played a notable role in the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, has died. He was 95.
Chicago-born but living most of his life in Anchorage, Casper was well-known for his work in the Alaska construction industry during the territorial days, after statehood, and was a notable figure in the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.
Casper, P.E., M.ASCE, was a Life Member of ASCE. During World War II he was drafted into the Navy before finishing high school, and saw action in the South Pacific. After the war, he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Iowa State University, worked at the Iowa Highway Department, and became registered as a professional civil engineer in Iowa, and later Alaska.
He worked for Green Construction in Alaska from 1952 to 1984, making his way up to become area manager for Alaska, a vice president, and a board member. The projects were varied and situated throughout the state. Casper served in 1976 as the Alaska chapter president for the Association of General Contractors and stayed active as a board member. In 1979 he received the Hard Hat Award from the Alaska AGC.
During planning for the pipeline, he was among those recruited by oil companies to fly at low level over Atigun Pass and Anaktuvuk Pass to determine the best route for pipeline and road. During construction of the pipeline, Green Construction built three out of five sections of the haul road, airfields, man camps, and ferry across the Yukon River, and provided support for laying the pipe.
At the height of pipeline construction, Green Construction was earning $1 million per day in time and materials work. Casper was reported to have led 4,000 people.
Casper had a passion for Alaska League baseball, Cubs baseball, Seawolf basketball, and very much enjoyed the Great Alaskan Shootout basketball tournament.
