Billie Mae Eder

Billie Mae Eder, the first woman to serve as a Kitsap County (Washington) commissioner and a pioneering force for environmental and land use regulation, died Feb. 4 from dementia. She was 90 years old.
She was born in Sitka, where her father, William Haynes, was serving in the U.S. Navy. Her mother, Mary, named her for actress “Billie” Burke, who played Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, in “The Wizard of Oz.”
Her father was transferred to a number of Navy postings, ultimately Seattle, where she went to work at the Puget Sound Navy Yard. She met Dan Eder, who also worked there, and they were married in 1954. They had two daughters, Darcie and Kathie.
Bremerton was their home for nearly 60 years, and they were longtime members of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church there.
She got into politics when a track of trailer residences was built near her home at Kitsap Lake, without any planning for such density. After sewage began running down area streets, she got neighbors together for a march on city hall.
She held a seat on the planning commission, at first, then was appointed a county commissioner in 1988; two years later she was elected to a four-year term. Known as a centrist Democrat, she garnered respect from both sides of the political aisle.
The Eders lost their daughter, Kathie, in a tragic accident in the surf at Ocean Shores in 1972. Soon after, she ran successfully for county treasurer, and served for 10 years.
No matter what stage of life, Eder was happy to engage in political conversation, her daughter said.
“She didn’t have any problem sharing her political beliefs,” her daughter said. “She made no bones about how she felt.”
Following the death of her husband in 2005, she moved to Lone Tree, Colorado, to be with her daughter, Darcie, and grandchildren, and lived there the rest of her life.
Eder will be buried with her husband at Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Bremerton.

Lee Saunders

A celebration of life for Lee Saunders will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the American Legion Hall.

Those attending are asked to take a salad or dessert to share. For more information contact Margaret at 738-2807.

Teofilo Alagano Agne Sr.

Services have been scheduled for Teofilo Alagano Agne Sr., a Sitka resident since 1977.
    A viewing will be held 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 1, at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, with a vigil and rosary at 7 p.m. An additional viewing will be 11 a.m. to noon Friday, March 2, at the church, with the memorial service to follow, from noon to 1 p.m. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. at the cemetery, with a potluck reception following (around 2 p.m.) back at the church.
    Teofilo died at his home on Feb. 22, the day after his 72nd birthday.
    He was born Feb. 21, 1946, in San Nicolas, Pangasinan, Philippines, the youngest son among 12 children – six boys and six girls – of Basilia Duley Alagano and Prudencio Agasar Agne.
    He studied electrical engineering at FEATI University in the Philippines, and was with Marcelo Steel Corp. After coming to  Sitka in 1977, he worked as a digester operator at Alaska Pulp Corp. mill; was a contractual janitor for the Sitka School District; and was in housekeeping at the Sitka Pioneers Home.
    He and Nora Florendo Florendo married May 28, 1988, in Seattle, where relatives were living.
    Teafilo enjoying hunting, fishing and boating. He loved Sitka and enjoyed walking around town to see all the events, and when he saw a familiar face, he would give a big smile and ask how they were doing.
    “Thank you, Sitka, for his smiles and providing lasting memories,” his family said. “And thank you to everyone for your love and support as we grieve for him. While our family and Sitka will miss him dearly, we know that he is in a better place.”
    Teofilo was preceded in death by his parents, Basilia Duley Alagano and Prudencio Agasar Agne; sisters Patrocenio Estepa and Ambrosia Smickle; and brothers Emeterio Agne, Luis Agne and Donato Agne.
    He is survived by his wife, Nora Agne, daughters Sheila Agne and Shannon Agne, son Teofilo “TJ” Agne Jr., and his mother-in-law, Perseveranda Florendo, all of Sitka.
    He also is survived by four sisters, Julianna Barroga of Honolulu, Hawaii, Crescencia Manaog of Snohomish, Wash., Irene Jubane and her husband, Vicentito Jubane of Lynnwood, Wash., and Juliet Knavel of Shoreline, Wash.; and two brothers Salvador Agne and his wife, Adelia Agne, of Sitka, and Carlos Agne and his wife, Cecilia Agne, Sitka.
    Cousins in Hawaii, Washington, Virginia, California, Florida and the Philippines also survive.
    Those wishing to make memorial donations may send them to Sheila Agne, 410 Monastery St., Sitka, 738-2295.

William Leonard “Lenny” Wood III

A memorial for William Leonard “Lenny” Wood III will be held 5 p.m. Sunday, March 4, at the ANB Founders Hall.

A potluck will follow.

Lenny, who lived in Sitka much of his life, died Jan. 31 in Montana, at the  age of 46.

He was born Jan. 21, 1971, in Paoli, Pa., the son of Evelyn Jean and William Leonard Wood Jr. When he was age 4 and his mother had finished nursing school, the family returned to Sitka. He was a member of the Sitka High Class of 1989, and over the years worked for Union 76, Aurora Office Supply, and at the Channel Club, where he held several positions, including as a cook and also as a DJ – he loved music, especially 1980s bands.

He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Lenny  was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Jean Wood, and three infant children, Jason Eli Wood, Matthew Walter Wood and Jason Eli Wood.

He is survived by his partner, Kristin Nelson; children Carmen Sunshine, Christopher Harry Joseph, Cedar Autumn, William Ian Wood, Arthur Michael Wood, Charity Raven Rose Wood, Jennifer Elizabeth Wood, and Jason Elijah Wood; his father, William Leonard Wood Jr. of Colorado; sister  Joy Wood and niece Hali Bren Wood, both of Sitka; nephew Johnathan North Wood of Boston; and numerous cousins.

Dorothy Ann Rose (Aanto’o.aat)

Services for Dorothy Ann Rose (Aanto’o.aat), a longtime Sitka resident, will be 4 p.m. Friday, March 9, at the ANB Founders Hall. A potluck will follow.

Dorothy will lie in state at the hall until Saturday, when burial will be at 1 p.m.

Dorothy died March 1 in Sitka, at the age of 88.

She was born May 4, 1929, in Juneau, the daughter of Elizabeth Albert (Aawasti) and Samuel Scott (Xweitk’). She was a Dakht’aweidi from Keet Ooxhu Hit (Killerwhale Tooth House) in Angoon. She was a child of the T’eeneidi, the Dog Salmon clan, through Sam Scott (Xweitk’), and a grandchild of the Teikhweidi, the Bear Clan, through Louise Scott (T’e’Ttein).

Dorothy had lived in Sitka for many, many years. She was a cannery worker, and a licensed practical nurse.

She enjoyed bingo, crocheting, reading, crossword puzzles, sudoku puzzles, and jigsaw puzzles. She was a member of the Women of the Moose and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her father, Samuel Scott (Xwe’itk’); her mother, Elizabeth Albert (Aawasti); brothers Joseph Scott, Harvey Scott, David Edwards and Frank Edwards; sisters Daisy Wheat, Margaret Webber, Elizabeth Swan and Helen Thomas; and child Marion Huff.

She is survived by her sister Beverly Briscoe of Texas; son Joseph (Ruth) Huff of Oregon; daughters Lillian Reafleng and Shirley Huff of Oregon; and the children she became Mom to after her sister Margaret died, Patty, Sherry, Tina, Ida, Kim, Melba, Betty, Arthur, George, Gina and Edwin Chappell.

Also surviving are grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews too numerous to list.

Honorary pallbearers are Pete Karras Sr., Ray Nielsen, Bob Sam, Paris Simpson and Mick Diamond.

Pallbearers will be Richard Williams, Chuck Miller, Robert Nielsen, Harold Pilcher, Hanibal Eala, John Vallejo and Mike Tackabery.

Bob Benton

Longtime Sitka resident Pastor Bob Benton died peacefully at home on March 1. He was 69.

A going-home celebration service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 10, at the Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow at the church’s Latta Hall.

Bobby Jean Benton was born, in his words “at a very young age” in East Tallassee, Alabama, arriving at Elmore Hospital to meet his new family at 5:25 a.m. on May 1, 1948. He was taken home by a very excited mother, where he joined a brother, William Thomas Benton, called Tommy.

He joined a unique family in the small mill town of Carville, Alabama. What made the family unusual was that Bob’s great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother all lived together. 

When Bob was about 4, his mother married Harold Ledbetter. They lived in Carville for about three years, before Harold moved the family to Liberty City, Alabama, to work on his father’s  farm.

Bob attended Reeltown High School in Notasulga, Alabama, and graduated from Macon Academy near Tuskegee. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1966, and was stationed in Anchorage, as a guided missile equipment repairman.

While in the Army, he met Flo Larsen in Seward, at the Army Recreation camp there. Upon his honorable discharge, he continued to pursue her, and they were married on Dec. 21, 1969, in Notasulga, Alabama.

Bob graduated from the American Institute of Banking at the University of Alaska Anchorage in 1972. With high recommendations from his employer at National Bank of Alaska, Anchorage, Bob accepted a position as assistant branch manager of National Bank of Alaska (now Wells Fargo Bank) in Sitka in 1973. During their time in Sitka, he supported many community activities.

The family moved back to Anchorage where Bob attended the Charismatic Bible School in Anchorage and was ordained a pastor in 1978. They moved back to Sitka in May of 1978. Bob was blessed to serve for 39 years in the pulpit of the Sitka Christian Center, which he founded.

Bob and Flo are privileged to have four children, who can do no wrong.

Bob was informed in June 2017 that he had inoperable liver cancer.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Flo Benton; their four children, Jena Lasley (Matthew) and Carrie King (Dale) of Anchorage, and Andy Benton and Brian Benton of Sitka; and two granddaughters, Eva King and Beatrice King of Anchorage.

Virginia (Ginny) Wood

Virginia (Ginny) Wood passed peacefully from this life on Feb. 27, at her home. She was 79.

She was born March 3, 1938, in Sparrows Point, Maryland. She moved to Sitka as a teenager in 1952 with her foster family, the VanDykes.

She married Norman Wood on July 18, 1956, in her hometown after Norman drove across the country to profess his love to his high school sweetheart. They shared 61 years of marriage together.

After Norman’s service in the Air Force, they returned to Sitka in the early 1960s with their two young children, and soon added three more children to their family.

Ginny was best known for her baking skills, starting early in her life making cakes for birthdays, holidays and weddings. What she was especially  remembered for was her pumpkin roll that she baked for her restaurant, the Dip ’n’ Sip, located in the Franklin Building. Even after the Dip ’n’ Sip was long gone, people still talked about wanting one more pumpkin roll.

She was able to meld her love for animals with her restaurant. She was often seen handing an ice cream cone through the takeout window at the Dip ’n’ Sip for a dog to enjoy.

Her passion for animals moved her to help stray dogs or cats find homes. She maintained a bulletin board in the restaurant with notices or articles about animal care or animals needing homes. She once put a kitten, that had been abandoned on the street, in a box and set it in the lobby outside the Dip ’n’ Sip with a sign ‘‘today’s special.’’ That kitten soon had a home.

The Dip ’n’ Sip was later changed to Ginny’s Kitchen; and she also owned the Coffee Express.

After retiring, Ginny’s tremendous energy and drive led her to her next passion, volunteering. She volunteered at the Sitka Pioneers Home, the White Elephant Shop and the See House at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

She enjoyed working and staying busy, so if she wasn’t volunteering she could be found in her garden, a lifelong interest that brought her great joy.

Ginny was a quiet woman with a kind and gentle soul. All who knew her will miss her greatly.

Surviving are: her husband Norman Wood; her children, Dave Wood and Mike (Evelyn) Wood, both of Oregon, Stephen Wood and Jack (Katy) Wood, both of Sitka; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and her beloved dog Opal.

Ginny was preceded in death by her daughter Deborah Wood.

A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Sunday, March 25, at St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sitka Animal Shelter.

James (Jim) Orrin Thomas Jr.

On December 9, 2017, James (Jim) Orrin Thomas Jr. lost his long battle with renal cancer. He passed peacefully, with his two youngest daughters by his side in Cody, Wyoming. He was 73. 

 Jim was born in McMinnville, Oregon, to Vida (Smith) and James O. Thomas Sr. —the second of five children – on May 17, 1944. He was raised in the Willamina and Rosenberg, Oregon, areas. He attended school in Willamina and graduated from Willamina Union High School in 1963.

After graduation, Jim worked as a truck driver throughout the coast and Willamette Valley of Oregon. In 1965, he married his first wife, Joann, and they had twin daughters, Carla and Marlene. 

 Jim soon drove trucks in Southeast Alaska. He moved to Wrangell in 1974 and worked at logging camps. In 1977 he re-settled in Sitka, married Lillian in 1979, and had daughters Katie, Kathy, and Mary.

In Sitka, Jim drove for S&S General Contractors, McGraw Construction and Dawson Construction, and had many union jobs throughout Alaska, most notably helping build the ice roads on the North Slope.

He was a long-standing member of Teamsters 959.

In 2001, Jim was diagnosed with colon cancer. He traveled to Portland, Oregon, for surgery as well as treatment and was soon cleared of his cancer.

Later, Jim rekindled his relationship with his high school sweetheart, Janice. The two lived in Alaska for a few years, then moved to Oregon and traveled around the lower 48. They eventually settled in Lovell, Wyoming, after he was diagnosed with cancer again. He spent the rest of his time there. 

 Jim Thomas was a true Alaskan, enjoying activities such as fishing, clam digging, and hunting. He also attended his girls’ swim meets and softball games. His girls cherish many memories of their dad, including singing carols from their Christmas carol book each Christmas. They often think of how Jim always included them in their work life by showing them where or what he was working on or by taking them with him in the big trucks. When one of them “wanted to ride with Dad” they would pack a lunch and sit on the sidewalk waiting for him to drive by and pick them up. Jim dedicated himself to his family, especially his girls and grandchildren.

Jim’s love of animals showed through with the family pets, the last ones being Luke and Kiara. He would often take them out for walks on trails and took them along on the many adventures he had traveling throughout the lower 48.

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Vida Thomas and beloved dogs, Luke and Kiara.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Thomas, of Lovell, Wyoming; daughters Katie and Kathy Thomas of Sitka, Mary Thomas of Lovell, Wyoming, and Carla and Marlene of Oregon; brothers Gene Jones, Frank Thomas of Gates, Oregon, and David Thomas of Alaska; and sister MariLu (Don) Ely of Washington.

He is also survived by grandchildren Troy, Drew, Kyler, and Kristina Petrey of Peoria, Illinois; Devin and Jade Kubik and Bryson Eddy of Sitka; and many more grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jim’s final resting place will be with his two dogs near his parents’ burial place in Willamina, Oregon. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m.  Saturday, March 10, with Don Shelton of Willamina Christian Church officiating.

Carolyn L. (Harrison) Young

Carolyn L. (Harrison) Young, of St. George, Utah, passed away from natural causes Nov. 20, 2017, at her home, with her husband, loving companion and caregiver Jim Young by her side. She was 80.

She was born on May 20, 1937, in Ely, White Pine County, Nevada, to Lucille Gubler and Kelly Harrison.

Carolyn graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and worked for a short time for the newspaper in Ely.

She was married to her best friend and companion for 57 years, Jimmy (Jim) Young, a veteran of the United States Navy. 

A kind and loving companionship that began initially from a blind date would lead them to their new home in Sitka in 1963.

She worked for a short time as a clerk for the Sitka Police Department, then she and Jim for several years owned the Russian Bell Jewelers, located at the front of the Franklin Building.

After the store was sold, she worked for a short time for the Elks Lodge and eventually took a job – which she dearly loved – at the Sheldon Jackson  Museum on the campus of Sheldon Jackson.

Carolyn enjoyed traveling, crafts, music and dancing. She enjoyed studying history, especially that of Southeast Alaska, and had a deep love for Sitka. After much thought she and Jim decided to retire to the warmer and drier climate of St. George, Utah, in 2001.

While she deeply enjoyed being reacquainted with her sisters, Janet and Claudia, and her brother, Warren, she often spoke of how much she missed living in Sitka, her home. 

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Jim Young, of St. George; sisters Janet (Dean Adams) of St. George, and Claudia (Tom Kalleres) of Sandy, Utah; brother Warren Harrison (Peggy) of Boise, Idaho; son, Michael Young of Brigham City, Utah; and daughter, Kim Young (Bo Graham) of Kannapolis, N.C.

Eight grandchildren and five great- grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews, also survive.

The family would like to thank her nieces Kate Adams (Trino Valladolid) and Jean Adams (Max Anderson) for the countless hours of kind and loving service for both Mom and Dad, her family said.

According to Carolyn’s wishes, private services were held at the graveside in Kanosh, Utah, on November 25, 2017.

David Joseph Ingallinera

David Joseph Ingallinera passed away unexpectedly on March 4, 2018, at his home in Sitka. He was 62.
He was born October 29, 1955, in Huntington, West Virginia, and spent much of his life in Richmond, Virginia, where he worked for the State of Virginia as a bench chemist, helping to test and safeguard the water for the people of Virginia.
He had a bachelor of science degree in political science from Louisiana State University.
He was an avid backpacker and birder, and met the love of his life on the Appalachian Trail on a weekend backpacking trip in November 1984. She knew she had a keeper when he loaned her his long-johns and a thick, quilted shirt to wear that first night. He married Kathy Landry on March 1, 1986; they recently celebrated their 31st anniversary.
He moved to Sitka during an icy and rainy late September 1996 and made this his home. He was active at Raven Radio as a nighttime volunteer DJ for many years, often doing a rock and roll show from midnight until 4 a.m. on Saturdays, and filled in for many other shows from Classical to Blues and everything in between over the years. He was well-known for his breadth and depth of knowledge about music, especially about The Grateful Dead.
He also volunteered in the office at the Alaska Raptor Center and even held a duck one night to help his wife administer a tube feeding.
He was active for many years in a local dog rescue, helping to arrange to ship dog food and other needed items to Kake, and to coordinate a “floating vet” who went to several villages to spay and neuter dogs and cats. At his home, along with Kathy, he fostered more than 30 dogs over several years and found homes for most of them, with the others settling in to become family members.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy (Landry) Ingallinera; canine companion, Bristol; sister Susan (Gary) Penouilh; brothers Thomas (Debra) Ingallinera, and Michael Ingallinera; nieces Jacquelyn and Jessica Penouilh; nephews Tom, Tim and Tyler Ingallinera; and numerous in-laws, nieces and a nephew on his wife’s side.
He had recently re-connected with his Aunt Joanne Deshane in New York, and enjoyed talking with her about their shared Sicilian heritage.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucy (Saddemi) and Manuel Ingallinera, and multiple dogs and cats.
No service is planned, but a memorial will be held this summer with a Rock and Roll Grateful Dead theme, at a date and place to be determined.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Sitka Animal Shelter, 304 Lake St., Sitka, AK 99835, or the Sitka Fire Department, 209 Lake St., Sitka, AK 99835.

Stella Anne Conway-Richardson and Thomas Darrell Richardson

Stella Anne Conway-Richardson, 84, of Cottage Grove, Ore., passed away on January 21, 2018. Her husband, Thomas Darrell Richardson, 81, also of Cottage Grove, passed away on August 21, 2017.
Stella was born March 8, 1933, in Portsmouth, England, and was a graduate of Oxford University. She was a longtime resident of Sitka, where she was a founding member of the New Archangel Dancers.
She also was business owner, a painter, and a published poet. 
Stella is survived by her five children; Kerri Silver of Olympia, Wash.; John Conway and wife Cindy of Anchorage; Chris Conway and wife Lisa of Wasilla; Mark Conway and wife Kelly of Bellevue, Wash.; and Shelagh Conway of Austin, Texas.
Her ten grandchildren, Cole, Chase, Sean, Patrick, Raichael, Dawson, Denali, Brieann, Madison and Kennedy; and great-grandchild Quinn also survive.
Tom was born January 21, 1936, in San Diego, Calif. He was an Air Force veteran, honorably providing service to our country and an accomplished private pilot and outdoorsman.
Tom retired after a long career with AMSCO/Steris and he and Stella moved to his 80-acre tree farm in Cottage Grove.
Tom is survived by his two children Thomas Jr. Richardson of Palm City, Fla., and Deanne Richardson of Portland, Ore.
Tom and Stella worked the tree farm, traveled, loved to fly and volunteer their time in their community.  They were both very active until their final years.
Services for both and military honors for Tom will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. April 27, 2018, at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. They will be laid to rest together.
At 4 p.m., a celebration of life will follow at the Marriott Courtyard South Clackamas located at 9300 SE Sunnybrook Blvd, Clackamas, OR  97015.
The family asked that those who are planning to attend RSVP to stoafamily@gmail.com.

Peter John Karras Sr.

Peter John Karras Sr. went home to be with his loving Savior, Jesus, on March 12, 2018, at the age of 91. He died peacefully in his own home with his wife in the room and their youngest son, Ernie, at his side.
A celebration of life service will be held 10 a.m. Monday, March 26, at Centennial Hall. Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Sitka National Cemetery, and then a potluck reception will be held back at Centennial Hall. As the service may be long, food won’t be served until around 2:30 p.m.
Viewing will be 6-7 p.m. Sunday, March 25, at Prewitt’s Funeral Home.
Pete was born Dec. 3, 1926, in Oakland, California. During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Saratoga and the USS Core
He came to Sitka more than 65 years ago, and married Bertha Jacobs here on Sept. 27, 1952.
He was a cook and then a dietition at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital, retiring in 1982, and he and Bertha opened Karras Bed & Breakfast in their Kaagwaantaan Street home, overlooking Sitka Channel. After his health worsened, the  famous breakfasts had to be dropped.
He was especially known for his sourdough bread and Easter bread.
Pete served his community well. He was a member of the Alaska Native Brotherhood, American Legion Post 13, the Lions Club, and other organizations, and cooked and served thousands of meals during his decades of volunteering his time and his talents.
He was active in the First Presbyterian Church, where was an elder.
A Boy Scout leader, he was a father figure to many, and a favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Pete taught all his children (as well as many others) to swim at the Sheldon Jackson pool.
Another service Pete was known for was being Santa Claus. With his white beard, friendly smile and affinity for kids, he was a popular Santa at many local events, and traveled to Bellevue, Wash., year after year to be Santa at a shopping center.
One year, Pete and Bertha were invited to Japan for a memorial celebration for famous photographer, Michio. While in Japan, Pete dressed as Santa Claus and attracted many children.
Pete loved to go hunting and fishing, and made many excursions with his sons. He made his last trip at 87, with his youngest son Ernie, who remembers being as young as 4 when he first went fishing with his grandad.
Even going into his final years, Peter’s mind wanted to do what his body would no longer allow him to. He was unstoppable, bound and determined to do whatever he could as long as he could. He would say he wished he could’ve done more in his life.
As his health declined Pete spent most of his final few years at home, with Bertha always at his side or nearby. He refused to go to an old folks home and his family refused to take him. On Dec. 2, 2016, he declared no more hospital stays. He was bedridden from that time on, Bertha continually at his side taking the most excellent care of him. He set some records as a strong survivor at home, living well over a year longer than expected.
Pete and Bertha were the “cutest old couple” ever, their children said. They would just gaze into each other’s eyes for a long time, like no one else was watching.
“Most of all Daddy loved Momma so much that he wanted to stay around as long as he could for her, knowing how much she loved him back and how much it was going to crush her when he graduated to his forever home with Jesus,” his children said. “Momma was the best and most beautiful nurse ever.  She made him want to live, taking the absolute best care for him. Momma can’t say enough good things about him.”
His family expressed thanks to all who reached out to them during their difficult time.
“Your kind words, flowers, food and monetary gifts have been very much appreciated,” they said. “Condolences have come from as near as Alaska and as far away as Japan – the Japanese absolutely love Pete and Bertha Karras and tell us that they are famous there.”
Pete was a proud father of six, a grandfather of 19 and a great-grandfather of 16, but most importantly a great husband to Bertha, his wife of more than 65 plus years.
Peter John Karras Sr. was preceded in death by his daughter Georgina (Kacyon) Dapcevich, married to Dave Dapcevich at the time of her death; and by his sister, Helen Knight, and brothers Gus and William Karras.
Along with his wife, Bertha, Pete is survived by his younger brother George Karras of Seattle; and children  Pamela Eby of North Carolina, Peter Karras Jr. of Sitka, Mike Karras of Anchorage, Cass Pook of Sitka and Ernie Karras, Juneau.
His grandchildren are Jeremiah Kacyon, Karen Sites, Jenae Eby, Tim Eby, Shawn Eby, Corban Eby, Crystal Karras, Corinne Parker, Clara Walley, Catherine Karras, Cheryl Karras, Cynthia Karras, Cassandra Branthoover, Chloe Turner, Cayla Pook, Seth Pook, Cedar Pook, Firey Karras and Robert Karras.
Nieces and nephews include Dan Knight, Myrna Owens, Greg Karras, Kim Looney, Chris Karras, Matt Powers, Anna Haak, Joe Powers, James Powers, John Tilden, Stephen Tilden, Sam Tilden, Dennis Barnes, Maria Peters, Carolyn Barnes, Ernie Barnes, James Barnes, Paula Barnes, Myron Barnes, Janice Jackson, Billy Osborn, Joann Jackson and Harold Jacobs.
Pallbearers will be Peter Karras, Mike Karras, Ernie Karras, Matt Powers, Dennis Barnes and Ernie Barnes
Honorary pallbearers are Mike Mayo, Roy Levine, Spike Arnold, Gene Burton, Dave Dapcevich, James Barnes, Harry Bradley, Andy Johnson and Keith Greba.

Former Sitka resident Marilyn M. Thrasher passed away at the E. Dene Moore Care Center in Rifle, Colorado, on November 9, 2017. She was 89.

Marilyn Bernice Morgan was born July 10, 1928, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, the daughter of William and Blanche Morgan’

On May 30, 1949, she received a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma A&M (Oklahoma State University), and married Frank Thrasher of Sallisaw, Oklahoma.

 The Thrasher family moved to Sitka in August 1963, when Frank was assigned to teach vocational shop at the Bureau of Indian Affairs Mt. Edgecumbe High School. Marilyn taught second grade for the Sitka Public Schools, first at Mt. Edgecumbe elementary and then at Baranof Elementary School.

Frank died in 1987, and in 2009 Marilyn moved to Rifle.

She is survived by her three sons: Patrick (Ann) of Rifle, Colorado; Glenn (Celia) of Wellington, New Zealand; and Terry (Tamara) of Fairfield, California; five granddaughters and two great grandchildren.

Services and a private interment will be in Sitka. The family will soon announce the date of the services.

Neland Jerome Haavig

Neland Jerome Haavig, a longtime resident of Sitka, Walhalla, N.D., and Mesa, Ariz., passed away on March 15 at Narrows Glen Senior Facility in Tacoma, Wash. He was 94.
He was born May 18, 1923, in New Rockford, N.D., Dakota, to Sylvester and Helen (Hanson) Haavig. He graduated in 1941 from Noonan North Dakota High School, where he excelled in athletics and received a football scholarship to Minot State College.
World War II interrupted his studies and he went to Seattle to join the Navy, entering into active service in 1943. He served in the Pacific theater on the cruiser USS Chicago, and in the Atlantic on the aircraft carrier USS Guadalcanal.
After his honorable discharge, he returned to North Dakota to begin his life with his high school sweetheart and wartime bride Joyce L. Helgeson from Columbus, N.D.
In the fall of 1945, Neland enrolled at North Dakota State University in Fargo and graduated in 1950. His first teaching job was in McHenry, N.D. During his tenure there, he attended summer school at the University of North Dakota where he earned a master’s degree. Neland was promoted to superintendent of schools in McHenry and went on to be the superintendent in Noonan, Drake, and Walhalla, N.D.
In March 1964, on the day of the Alaska Good Friday earthquake, Neland accepted the school superintendent position in Sitka. This wonderful opportunity took him, his pregnant wife, seven children, and two vehicles on a camping trip through Canada to the Alaska State Ferry Terminal in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. They boarded the MV Matanuska and docked in Sitka on July 10, 1964.
For the next 15 years Neland was busy as the year round superintendent and as a commercial salmon troller during the summer fishing seasons. (This was true to his Norwegian heritage. His great-great-grandfather was a fisherman on Bomlo Island, Norway.) He retired as superintendent in 1979 and he continued to fish commercially until 1987 when he fully retired.
Neland and Joyce then began the snowbird phase of their life. They summered in Walhalla most of the time and wintered in Venture Out Park and Sunland Village in Mesa. Neland enjoyed entertaining and he was known for his halibut fish and chips.
 After no longer summering in Walhalla, they spent a few summers in Medford, Ore., before moving to Narrows Glen in Tacoma in January 2017.
Neland is survived by his wife, Joyce; and daughters Carole Andrews, Pasco, Wash.; Cynthia Haavig, Portland, N.D.; Leslie Hansen (Richard) University Place, Wash.; Kristi Haavig (Jake Allmaras) Medford, Ore.; Maren Haavig (Mark Neidhold), Juneau.
His sons are Steven Haavig (Paula Scavera) Juneau, and Paul Haavig, Sitka.
Grandchildren are Stephany Andrews, Tate Andrews, Brett Haavig, Erika Haavig, Adam Hansen, and Kristofer Hansen; and great-grandchildren are Ander Call, Averie and Bryce Haavig; and Beckett, Maddox, and Paxton Hansen.
Neland was preceded in death by his parents, his son Neland J. Haavig Jr.; son-in-law Thomas Andrews, and two sisters, Arlene Stevenson and Sallymae Hunter.   
This spring, a celebration of his life is planned, and he will be interred at Sitka National Cemetery.
Neland was dearly loved by his family and friends. The family is grateful to all the professionals at Narrows Glen and Franciscan Hospice Tacoma who provided care, guidance, and support during Neland’s last days.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contribution to a favorite charity in Neland’s name.

Suzanne Wilstam

Suzanne Wilstam (previously Sabath) passed away in Eureka, California, on March 14, 2018, at the age of 75.
Suzanne was born July 3, 1942, at the Naval Air Station Hospital (now the Naval Air Station North Island) in San Diego. Her father, Lt. Cmdr. Alfred Wilstam Jr. died in a wartime accident at Barber’s Point, O’ahu, Territory of Hawaii, in 1943. Her mother, Dorothy Deane (Hunt) Wilstam, died in 1992.
Suzanne and her only sibling, Lani, were raised in Coronado, California, by her mother and beloved grandmother, Miriam “Mimi” Hunt. In 1952, the family moved to Porterville, California, where she graduated from Porterville High School in 1960.
After graduation, Suzanne attended Porterville College, and later transferred to San Francisco State University, where she studied psychology, and performed in classical music ensembles on campus.
Suzanne married her Porterville neighbor Allen Bain in 1964, and together they had three children: David, Doug, and Amy. Suzanne and Allen divorced in 1979.
In 1981, she married her second husband, Fritz Sabath. The family moved to Massachusetts for a business opportunity and lived there for three years. In the mid 1980s, the family moved back to Eureka, and then to Los Angeles, where Suzanne worked in a number of occupations, including a position as a victim’s advocate for families affected by homicide, a job she truly valued.
The chance to purchase a McDonald’s franchise prompted Suzanne and Fritz to move to Sitka, where they owned and operated the McDonald’s restaurant for about 10 years. They enjoyed their time in Sitka, adopting several wolf-hybrid dogs and even handing out dog treats through the drive-through window at their restaurant.
In 2000, she and Fritz left Sitka to move to Eureka, where they opened a new bar and café, The Saffire Rose. Amid the economic downturn, they reluctantly closed the cafe and in 2007 divorced. Fritz Sabath passed away in 2009.
Suzanne lived a fulfilling life as a mother, sister, wife, and friend. She was known for her great sense of humor and concern for others. Throughout her life Suzanne wore many hats – entrepreneur, victims advocate, small business owner, classical singer, and avid volunteer. Her greatest joys in life included her family, caring for animals, travel, and music. 
She is survived by her sister, Lani Blazer; children David Bain (Martin Keleti), Doug Bain, and Amy Bain (Graham Horwood); granddaughters Mackenzie Bain, Lily Bradley and Sloane Horwood; step-granddaughter Ashley Moraitis; and many nieces and nephews, and their children.
In keeping with her wishes, there will be no services. Those wishing to honor her life can make a donation in her name to a local mental health organization or community animal shelter.

Ruth I. Nelson

Ruth I. Nelson passed away in her sleep of natural causes at her home in Juneau and ascended into heaven, on  March 15. She was 84.
Ruth (Ka’ukdegoon) was born in Sitka in 1933 to Walter Haskel Gray (La’goon) and Mary Margaret Gray (X’aal geis’). She was Eagle Kaagwaataan of the Big Box House and the second youngest of seven siblings, all of whom met her at the pearly gates. She lived her early life during a very tumultuous time for Alaska Native children. She often referred to herself as “a Tlingit in transition.”
Ruth graduated from Sitka High School and Sheldon Jackson College where she excelled in basketball. She loved sports and played softball in the early years of her marriage.
Ruth met Jim Nelson, a surveyor for the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads, in Sitka at the Bayview Cafe, where she was working as a waitress. The story goes that she repeatedly turned Jim down for a date, but he was persistent, and they married on a snowy day in 1957.
Jim never returned to the Lower 48. The two stayed in Southeast Alaska, settling in Juneau where they have lived for the last 59 years, raising their family, watching them grow and welcoming grandchildren.
Ruth loved her family and children. She was never very far from them and stayed home to raise them.
While originally Russian Orthodox, Ruth converted to Catholicism to be with her husband in church, and became very devout.  She was a long-time member of Juneau’s Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Valley’s St. Paul’s Catholic Church. She was an active member of the Charismatic Prayer group.
For 18 years Ruth, with her husband Jim, coached newly engaged couples on marriage based upon the teachings of the Church. For eight years they counseled people who wished to become Catholics.
In 1963 Ruth and her husband, with some business partners, purchased a jewelry store on Seward Street called The Nugget Shop. She worked there part-time until they closed it 10 years later.
Ruth loved fishing and gathering the Southeast Alaskan foods that are abundant around Juneau. She was an avid gardener for many years and using her green thumb she raised vegetables in the back yard of her Mendenhall Valley home near the glacier.
Ruth enjoyed sewing, baking, knitting, quilting and ceramics. She made clothes for the kids, baked homemade bread weekly, and for holidays made Russian Easter bread and Christmas stollen. She often made unleavened bread for use at Eucharist and her rhubarb pie won high dollars at church fundraisers. Her Madonna and Child figurines were a testament to her love for Mary and Jesus.
Ruth was preceded in death by her siblings, Evelyn Johns, Al Gray Sr., Herbie Gray, Nick Gray and infant Ruth Gray.
Ruth is survived by her husband of 61 years Jim Nelson; her niece Shirley Krkovich of Yakutat; her children Margaret Nelson of Anchorage, Lucy Nelson of Juneau, Jim Nelson of Winston-Salem, N.C., and Ruth Wright of Juneau; and six grandchildren Angela Wright, Holly Nelson, Nicolas Wright, Parker Nelson, Taryn Wright and Morgan Wright. Numerous nieces and nephews – and six grandpuppies – also survive.
A funeral mass and celebration of life are to be at noon Tuesday, March 27, at St. Paul’s Church followed by a potluck reception. All are welcome to celebrate her life and her entrance into heaven. Ruth will be interred at The Natural Shrine of St. Therese 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 28.
The family requests donations in Ruth’s honor to the Alaska Arthritis Foundation Camp ArCTIC, which provides camps for children with arthritis, at https://www.arthritis.org/alaska.
 

George Herman House

George Herman House, a dedicated husband, father, brother, grandfather and a core member of the community, died March 8 at the age of 57.
In the 25 years he lived in Sitka, he touched many people’s lives, through his calling as a counselor.
He always had a joke and a smile for everyone. His influence will be felt for many years.
George was born June 30, 1960, in Seattle, the son of Violet L. .Hiatt-House and George E. House.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Don House; and granddaughter Zen Carroll.
He is survived by his wife Jacklyn Everman-House and his children Tabitha House, George “Ricky” House and Lee House, all of Sitka; stepdaughters Antaya Washausen of Alaska, Traci Washausen of Alabama and Jenifer Free of Arkansas; sisters Joni Schmitt of Montana and Doris Gillies of Idaho; and his brother Art House of Washington.
Also surviving are 46 nieces and nephews, 12 grandchildren, and great- grandchild Elaina Gomez.
George’s celebration of life is planned for Saturday, March 31, at the Swan Lake Senior Center starting at noon. “Please bring a dish to share and your memories,” his family said.
The House family thanked everyone for their support.

William C. Johnson

William C. Johnson, better known as Billy or BJ, passed away after a short illness on Feb. 19, 2018, in Olympia, Washington. He was 69.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held 1 p.m. April 7 at the Elks Lodge.
Billy was born February 17, 1949, in Central Valley, California, the son of Wes and Murna Johnson.
The family moved to Sitka in the mid 1960s. BJ went to Sitka High School and then joined the labors union. This is where he made his mark on life; he was very successful and worked for several different contractors.
In the off season, he worked as a bartender for the Pioneer Bar, Kiksadi Club and the Elks Lodge.
BJ loved playing practical jokes on his friends whenever he could.
Billy was the happiest when he was on the water – he enjoyed fishing, setting shrimp and crab pots. He also liked  hunting.
When he retired, BJ and his wife Dottie moved to Lacey, Washington, where he picked up some hobbies of building bird houses and growing vegetables in his garden.
Preceding BJ in death were his parents Wes and Murna Johnson, and two brothers, Eddie Johnson and Sonny Johnson.
He is survived by his wife Dottie Johnson in Lacey; his brothers and sisters, Charolete Robinson in Washington state, Gary Johnson in Redding, California, Larry Johnson in Sitka, Richard Johnson in Federal Way, Washington, Peggy Goss in Anacortes, Washington, Charlie Johnson and his wife Mary in Anchorage, and Janice Meabon and her husband Dave in Sitka; and his children Kenny Johnson in Antioch, California, and Kevin Johnson and his wife Jolena in Kuna, Idaho.
Also surviving are grandchildren Quinton and Anthony Johnson in Antioch, and Courtney, Abby and Parker Johnson in Kuna; and great-grandchild Roxy in Kuna.

James Arndt Calvin

Juneau resident James Arndt Calvin, 87, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2018, at the Juneau Pioneer Home.
He was born May 28, 1930, in Long Beach, California, to Frank T. Calvin and Gladys K. (Henrickson) Calvin.
In 1941, Jim along with his parents and brother Larry, headed to Sitka, where his Uncle Jack Calvin had arrived a few years earlier. Jim’s boyhood in Sitka was rich in hunting, fishing, and great outdoor adventures. As a member of the Sitka High School basketball team, he had the opportunity to travel throughout Southeast Alaska.
In 1948, Jim set off for the State College of Washington in Pullman, where he graduated with a bachelor of science in agriculture. He returned to Sitka after graduation, but by then the Korean War was in full swing so Jim enlisted in the Navy.
He proudly served on the USS Pictor as an Engineman 2nd Class and Petty Officer 2nd Class. The Pictor’s mission was to deliver food to troops in Japan and Thailand. Jim was responsible for overseeing the refrigeration plant on the ship. During his term in the Navy he crossed the Pacific 26 times.
In 1953, Jim met Katharine Louise Mitchell while she was visiting her sister Patsy Sarvela in Sitka. They stayed in contact for several years, and on April 12, 1957, they were married, marking the beginning of a nearly 61-year marriage. In 1958, their daughter Laura was born in Sitka and shortly after a job transfer to Ketchikan the following year their son James was born.
In 1961, Jim was appointed District Ranger in Warland, Montana, the first Alaskan ever promoted to a U.S. Forest Service District Ranger position. This was the beginning of the family’s journey that came with the job Jim loved, as he served at ranger stations throughout Montana. He made many friends in Montana but was happy to return home to Alaska, specifically Juneau, in 1969. Jim’s Forest Service work ranged from forest fire fighting to forest management responsibilities and finally to the position of Director of Lands, Minerals and Watersheds, the position from which he retired in 1983.
During Jim’s retirement years he and Kay traveled south frequently to visit family and friends but split most of their time between homes in Douglas and Sitka. Jim built their small Sitka home, overlooking Thimbleberry Bay, when he was a young man and it remained one of his favorite places throughout his life. He also especially enjoyed sharing time with family and friends on his boat, the Urchin, which had been handed down to him from his father. Jim, Kay, and friends had some great fishing and cruising adventures aboard the Urchin.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and numerous family pets he and Kay loved over the years.
He is survived by his wife Katharine (Kay); son James Steven Calvin and his wife Terri; daughter Laura Beason; grandchildren Katelyn Calvin, Jacob Calvin, Ryan Beason and his wife Lauren; great-granddaughters, identical twins Claire and Elise Beason; and his brother Larry Calvin and his family.
Also surviving are many wonderful friends including his especially dear friends Ron and Mary Ann Wood.
Jim moved to the Juneau Pioneer Home in December 2016. The Calvin family is deeply grateful for the loving, compassionate care Jim received from his Pioneer Home family.
Interment and a celebration of life are being planned for this summer in Juneau.
 

Iver Dean Malline

Services for Iver Dean Malline will be held at noon Saturday, March, 31, at the ANB Founders Hall.
    His sister, Linda Malline, a minister, will officiate. A memorial lunch will follow.
    Dress will be casual – Iver would have liked that, his family said.
    Iver passed away on March 11, 2018, on his boat, that was anchored in Eastern Bay, where he lived.
    He was born on Aug. 21, 1954, at Mt. Edgecumbe, the son of Amy Malline-Widen and Glenn Malline. He was a great-grandson of Chief Katlian.
    Iver spent most of his life here, except for short times in New York and in Oregon. He was a commercial fisherman, and then lived a subsistence lifestyle.
    He married Sara Margaret Dennison in Sitka in 1992. She died in Sitka, and they had no children.
    Iver lived life his way, and he got through his death his way. He was a straight-forward, down-to-earth, gentle soul. He was truly himself, and it was nice to be with him.
    He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
    “We have peace knowing he’s in heaven now,” his family said. “He said ‘there are no atheists on a sinking ship.”’
    Iver was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Bill Jackson, John Jackson, Herman Jackson, Harold Jackson and Alex Jackson; and a sister, Frances “Rusty” Slate.
    He leaves a son, Andrew Malline of New York, and a daughter, Jodi Malline, who has just relocated back to Sitka. She has given Iver three granddaughters, Joe Marie, Jera Lynn and Juanita. Iver knew all four of his girls were in the process of moving, but he died before they could get here.
    Other survivors are his brothers George “Chester” Jackson and Eddie Malline, both of Sitka; sisters Linda Malline of Keiser, Ore., and Esther Lawson and Darlene Brevick, both of Sitka; and many nieces and nephews.