An anonymous donor is hosting a free open skate Saturday night at Treadwell Arena in honor of Doug Jones.

Jones, who passed away last month, was a regular at Treadwell Arena over the last three years. After his oldest son Sean began playing hockey, Jones followed suit and was in his third year playing in the Juneau Adult Hockey Association when he died, according to Jones’ stepfather Les Morse.

Morse said in a phone interview with the Empire he often made the short trip down to the rink to watch his son and grandsons on the ice for practice.

“That’s how we would see our grandsons and son, is on the ice,” Morse said.

According to Morse, Jones was at the rink at least three times a week between his sons’ practices and his own games. Sean practiced on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Jones’ younger son Steven practiced on Saturdays.

“It was important to Doug that his boys were active and engaged in activities and enjoying the natural wonders of Alaska,” Jones’ obituary published in the Juneau Empire stated. “At Treadwell Arena he would help his two boys into their hockey gear, and would be on the ice as they practiced, and played each Saturday morning.”

Donations will be accepted at the event for the future educational needs of Sean and Steven. An account at First Bank has been set up for the same cause.

Doug Jones, right, with his oldest son, Sean. (Les Morse | Courtesy photo)