Bob Hodson, former owner of Barney's Sports Chalet, dies at 59

The former owner of Barney’s Sports Chalet, a specialty outdoor shop in Midtown Anchorage, has died at the age of 59.

Bob Hodson passed away this week from health-related issues.

Barney’s Sports Chalet has been in business since 1963. Hodson has owned the store since 1985. Hodson purchased the store from Barney Sidler, who was its namesake, and expanded the store.

Hodson was avid sheep hunter and had a passion for the outdoors. He designed specialty gear, including popular external frame packs for hunters.

"Bob's always kind of been known in the industry as the guy that's always kind of had the latest and greatest of everything. From technical equipment to advice as well, which a lot of people really valued with him," said Kevin Dana, who took over the store in January.

Dana said he first met Bob back in 2009, and went into business in 2014.

"At the end of the day, once you got him by himself, and unraveled a little bit, he was a really good person," he said.