Palmer resident Sgt. Kurtis Dean Kama-O-Apelila Arcala, 22, died Sept. 11, 2005, while serving in Iraq. Based at Fort Stewart, Ga., he died while escorting a convoy from Kuwait when a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle.A Hawaiian-themed celebration of his life will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Raven Hall at the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer.Sgt. Arcala was born April 25, 1983, in Honolulu. He moved to Palmer as an infant with his mom, Angela. John Berberich entered his life in 1987 and became the man he called "dad."He attended Palmer High School, excelling in basketball and soccer. He was captain of both teams his senior year, graduating in 2001.He was an avid fisherman, always competing with his brother to catch the biggest or the most fish. He also loved hunting and the outdoors.Family and friends wrote: "His smile could light up a room. He had a passion and a perspective for life that filled our hearts. Kurtis was fiercely loyal to his family and friends. He had an infectious laugh that penetrated your spirit even when you didn't want it to."Kurtis stared adversity in the face and challenged any obstacle that was put in front of him. Kurtis' aspirations in life taught us that sometimes you must choose a hard path, a hard right over an easy wrong, and sometimes you may find an unexpected passion or realize the importance of being a part of something greater than yourself."We see real valor and fidelity every time we look at Kurtis' face. It is a true honor to call him our son, our brother, our grandson, our great-grandson and our friend. He will always be our hero." Sgt. Arcala was preceded in death by his great-grandfather, Lloyd Lawton; cousin, Christine Berberich; grandpa Arcala; and biological father, Peter Dean Arcala.Survivors are his parents, John and Angela Berberich; brother, Jason; sisters, Aurora and Kaitlin; great-grandmother, Pat Lawton; grandma, Ginger Lawton; grandparents, Ned and Ellen Anderson and Joe and Pat Berberich; and many other relatives and friends.Donations can be made to the Kurtis Arcala Scholarship Fund at First National Bank of Alaska, Account No. 70381116. Arrangements are with Kehl's Palmer Mortuary.