Bill Kurz was buried March 16 at Jones Point in a large crate he had used as a toolbox.

Kurz, who had been ill several years, built the box as a coffin five years ago, then decided to put it to use as a toolbox on the back of his truck, said wife Libby Kurz.

"Bill was an inspiration to all, a man of ideas, vision, and passion. He was very energetic particularly when talking about the railroad and energy," Libby Kurz said. "There were no strangers to Bill. You were sure to walk away either having heard about the Haines and Yukon Railroad, the private sector of the Haines Port Development Council, or politics; if not all."

Kurz served as a director of the Haines Chamber of Commerce from 2014-2016, said Debra Schnabel, chamber executive director.

"He was a strong advocate for developing commercial transportation infrastructure – especially railroads and port facilities – and initiated several joint Canadian/Alaska conferences aimed at cooperative development. His faithful attendance to commercial needs will be missed," Schnabel said.

Kurz, 74, died March 13. He is survived by wife Libby Ann Kurz and ex-wife Janet Kurz, both of Haines; by children Karl Kurz of Silver Spring, Md., Tia Anderson and Billy Kurz; by granddaughters Mackenzie Kurz of Silver Spring, Tiffany Gladfelter and Kimberly Robertson, both of Virginia, and by several great-grandchildren. He also is survived by a sister, Anita. He was preceded in death by son Jacob Kurz.

Following Thursday's burial, a reception was held at Haines Christian Center.

Donations in Kurz's memory may be sent to the American Cancer Society, Haines Hospice or Haines Volunteer Fire Department.