Nancy Anne Gangle

Nancy Anne Gangle, a longtime Sitka resident, passed away quietly the evening of July 10, with her daughter Andrea Michaelski at her side. She was 87 and a resident of the Pioneers Home at the time of her death.

Nancy was born August 2, 1930, in Pennsylvania and came to Sitka from Wilkes Barre, Pa., in 1964. A surgical nurse, she was the OR supervisor at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital.

Along with being a homesteader, at Columbia Cove near Tenakee, Nancy also was well known for her love of Newfoundland dogs.

She was a Catholic.

Nancy is survived by her brother, James Ryman, of Sitka; her daughter Andrea Michaelski, Sitka; two grandsons; and two great-granddaughters.

Nancy’s wish was to be cremated and her ashes spread at sea, where her husband Dave’s were spread.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be sent to 105 Burkhart Drive, C 17.

Charles N. Natkong Sr.

Services for Charles N. Natkong Sr. will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, July 22, at the ANB Founders Hall. A luncheon will follow.
    Charles passed away peacefully in his sleep July 14 at Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. He was 88.
    He was born Nov. 17, 1929, in Hydaburg, the son of Jessie (Neal) and Frank Natkong. He graduated from Wrangell Institute boarding school in Wrangell and attended college at Sheldon Jackson in Sitka and the University of Alaska, in Fairbanks.
    He worked for Sealaska Heritage Institute in  Juneau in the 1990s and helped develop the Haida dictionary.
    Charles served in the U.S. Army for 28 years, and was a member of the Green Berets Special Forces. He was in Vietnam for 11 months, and in Korea for 13 months. He retired as a command sergeant major.
    He loved all the military holidays, and would wear his Green Beret uniform for special occasions.
    Charles had moved back to Sitka from Hydaburg in January 2016.
    Survivors include his daughters, Jessie Anna Natkong of Sitka and Lillian Rose Young (Rodie) of Juneau; grandchildren Rose Anna Willard, Raven Natkong and Jessie Young, all of Juneau and Erika Lee (Natkong) Patton of New York; great-grandchildren Scott Patton Jr., Lilliana K. Willard and K’inchelyi M. Willard; and numerous nieces and nephews.
    His brothers, Don Natkong Sr., Frank Natkong Jr. and Joe Natkong, all of Hydaburg, and his sister, Audrey McCormack of Everett, Wash.,  also survive.
    Honorary pallbearers will be Herman Davis, Foy Nevers, Charlie Skultka Sr., Bobbie Kirkman, Edward Peale Sr. and Dave Hill Sr.
    Pallbearers will be Keith Perkins, Ed Peele Jr., Ron Davis, Mark Davis, Sunny Davis and George Chappell.

Krist Martinsen

Krist Martinsen was born August 7, 1953, in Seattle, Wash. He would reminisce about spending endless hours playing with friends on the beach, skim boarding or building forts in the vacant lot across the street.
Early on he started making money by mowing lawns, delivering newspapers, painting and washing boats. It was from his earnings and savings that he was able to buy his first Volvo PV 544. It needed a new engine before he could drive it, so his talent of working on cars was refined. At age 17 he was hired at Foreign Auto in Ballard to work on Volvos.
He met Marta Kurtz in 1971 and in 1975 she notified him that she was hired by the Hoonah School District. He decided to go ahead of her, and took a job at the Yes Bay Lodge near Ketchikan to run a skiff and take customers out fishing. In December of that year Krist and Marta were married and continued to live in Hoonah for 25 years.
In 2000 Krist and Marta moved to Sitka where he continued to fish and greet everyone he met on the dock. Krist never met a stranger.
Krist fished out of a skiff with a hand troll permit, then a double-ended wood troller, the Grace, with a power permit, and finally a glass boat named the Constance. He was successful in all of his endeavors.
Krist liked talking to and helping people. He volunteered to put a roof on a friend’s house after a tree came through and into the bedroom. He helped a friend get a roof on a new house before the snow came.
He also completely remodeled two well-weathered boats, which was no small job. He did many other jobs which he was paid for as well.
He modeled good boat maintenance and was always answering questions about engines, painting, fiberglassing, woodworking, etc. Krist was a wealth of information, and a very curious thinker.
In 2011 he was forced to retire from fishing due to health issues.
Krist and Marta’s two sons, Olin and Karl, have followed in their father’s path and now run the Constance.
On July 17, 2018, Krist passed away quietly at home. He will be missed by all, his family said.

 

Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Haws

Elizabeth Ann Haws, commonly known as Betty or Nah-Nah to many, passed away July 14, 2018, while surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was 86.

Betty was always on the go in life. She will be remembered for her loving hospitality; her corner home in Sitka was always open to anyone in need.

She will also be remembered for her skill of smoking salmon, her love of coffee and dining out, her spirit of generosity, passion for her family and friends, admiration of the ocean, and endless hours spent watching the fish spawn and jump up stream.

Betty was born March 22, 1932, in Port Simpson, British Columbia. She was raised in Metlakatla, where she eventually met the first love of her life, Tom Beer. They moved to Sitka, having three children.

Tom passed unexpectedly in 1962 and she later married her second love, William Haws, who left her a widow in 1992.

Betty spent the remainder of her life focused on her love for Jehovah, children and grandchildren. She was admired by many. Betty never allowed anyone to go hungry or to be a stranger, always striking up conversation with everyone she met. Her friends and family will miss her dearly.

Betty is survived by her children, Traci and Bruce Bandy, Rod Beer, Robert Beer and Tammie Beer; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.

“She will be honored in life by the passing on of her outgoing personality and compassion for others, which she had instilled in all of us,” her family said. “Friend, Mom, Nah-Nah, you will be forever in our hearts.”

Her private memorial will be 3 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eagle River. Flowers are preferred to be ordered through Oopsie Daisy at (907) 694-3597 or oopsiedaisyalaska.com. A public celebration of life will occur in Sitka next year during the Sitka Salmon Derby. At Betty’s request, her ashes will then be spread at her favorite halibut hole. 

Marcia Diane Mecham

Services for Marcia Diane Mecham, a lifelong Sitkan, will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 1, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

A reception will follow at the Elks Lodge. Dress will be casual.

Marcia died July 21 at her home. She was 73.

She was born Oct. 3, 1944, at the Sheldon Jackson hospital, the daughter of Orville and Zana Colvin Paxton. Her father was station manager for Alaska Coastal Airlines, and her mother was owner of Colonial Shoes and Apparel.

Marcia graduated from Sitka High School in 1963. On Aug. 17, 1972, she and Dean Mecham were married at the home of Rita and Bill Babcock.

Marcia managed Colonial Apparel and Shoes for 10 years, and held multiple administrative positions for the Sitka School District for almost 30 years.

Marcia loved children and animals – especially her many dogs, who filled the Mecham home with love and noise.

She also loved all those who enjoyed her quick wit and humor. Among her other interests were shopping with her best friend Jan – whenever the merchants saw the two come in they knew they’d have a good day, her family teased.

Survivors include Dean Mecham, her husband for 46 years; her brother and sister-in-law Gary and Debbie Paxton of Sitka; nieces Shellie Dunn of Sitka and Sydnie Wallisch of Juneau; nephew Matthew Paxton of Alexandria, Virginia; and her best friend, Jan Brookman of Sitka.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

Elizabeth “Betty” Baines

Elizabeth “Betty” Baines, 69, of Sitka, died peacefully in her sleep July 15, 2018, at Sitka Community Hospital.
She was born Sept. 10, 1948, in Ketchikan to Conrad and Velma Baines. She went to Sitka High School and obtained her associates degree from Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage.
She worked at the Chatham Cannery, for BIA, at Mt. Edgecumbe High School, Alaska Lumber and Pulp, and Sitka Tribe of Alaska.
Betty was a kind, generous person who was always willing to lend a helping hand. She loved to be with her family and her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy.
She loved to fish and could be ready to go on the boat at a moment’s notice. She enjoyed visiting her family and friends in Metlakatla, and seeing everyone she knew at Celebration in Juneau.
Betty was preceded in death by her father, Conrad Paul Baines Sr.; mother, Velma Lenore Baines; and brothers Conrad “Buddy” Baines Jr. and Daniel Richard Baines.
Betty is survived by her daughter Valerie Dodson (Pat); brothers Ron, Frank, Terry, Michael and Robert and sister Barbara Baines; grandchildren Devan Dodson (Creda), Kaycie Carter (Levi), and Kamryn Dodson; great-grandsons Kruz Patrick Dodson and Owen Lucas Carter.
She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews, Aaron, Teresa, Kari, Christopher, Everett, Joel, Dustin, and Darin Baines. Last but not least, she is survived by her beloved fur-baby Joy.
A ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at Sitka National Cemetery in Sitka, with Chuck Haskins of the Church of the Nazarene officiating. A celebration of life will follow at Sheet’ká Ḵwáan Naa Kahídi community house on Katlian Street.
Those wishing to make memorial donations may send them to Valerie Dodson, 226 Lance Drive, Sitka, AK 99835.
The family of Betty extended sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, CNAs and all of the other staff at Sitka Community Hospital who cared for her over the past few years. “Your kindness and love is appreciated beyond words,” they said.

John Clay Phillips, a fisherman of the sea, unexpectedly lost his life in Nushagak Bay on the morning of Wednesday, July 25, 2018. He was 59.

Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Grandpa, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin, Captain, Crew, Neighbor and Friend.

John was born August 28, 1958, in Sitka, the son of Nancy C. Phillips and Jack D. Phillips.

He was a long-time resident of Juneau, Petersburg and Pelican. He was widely known as a highliner fisherman of black cod and halibut, following in the footsteps of his parents.

John spent many years on the ocean on various fishing vessels: the F/V’s Aloha, Nancy K, Shamrock, Echo Belle, and Lone Fisherman. He sold the Lone Fisherman to his son, Jeb, who changed its name back to the Pacific Knight.

John worked with many deckhands, several of whom were with him through rough waters and calm seas; they realized a closeness in their hard work together. John’s wheelhouse motto was, “You’re only young once but if you do it right once is enough.”

Throughout the years, John loved to hunt, fish, go for skiff rides, read, watch movies and drive long road trips in his truck, often accompanied with his dog Roscoe. He was known by many to be kind, generous, and friendly to those around him.

John is survived by his wife Penney, of Juneau; parents Jake and Nancy Phillips, Sitka; sons Jeb (Angela) and Aaron, and their mother Maura, all of Petersburg; grandchildren Brayden, Blayre and Isla; brother James (Patricia) of Pelican; nephews James, Jordan and Frederick, all of Sitka, and Carl, Pelican; mother-in-law Janice of Twin Falls, Idaho; brother-in-law Rick (Mitzi) of Heyburn, Idaho, with six children and five grandchildren; and sister-in-law Lori of Jerome, Idaho,  with three children and eight grandchildren. 

The family would like to recognize Icicle Seafoods, and the crew of the F/V Amanda C.

“And thank you all for your phone calls, visits, food, cards, and your acts of kindness are dearly appreciated,” the family said.

A celebration of life will be held in Sitka at a date yet to be determined.

Harold Kitka

    A memorial service for Harold Kitka will be held at noon Saturday, August 25, at the American Legion Post 13.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, August 27, at Sitka National Cemetery, with a U.S. Army color guard.
Harold, a lifelong Sitka resident, died August 18, at his home. He was 85.
He was born Oct. 25, 1932, the son of Alice (Bailey) and Peter Kitka Sr.  His siblings were Margaret, Esther, Peter Jr., Ethel and Matthew.
Harold served in the U.S. Army from April 3, 1953, when he was 20, until May 20, 1955. He was with the Heavy Mortar Co. at Fort Richardson. Afterward, he served eight years with the U.S. Army Reserves.
He worked at the Conway Dock, at SEARHC in the maintenance department, was a fisherman for many years, and was custodian at the ANB Hall and American Legion.
He was a member of the Alaska Native Brotherhood, the Moose Lodge, and American Legion Post 13, where he served as commander.
He was Sitka Tribe of Alaska Citizen of the Year in 2015.
Harold also played basketball starting in the 1950s with the Night Hawks, so named by George Howard Sr. because the team played until it got dark in front of the Howards’ boat shop. The players were Frank Sam, Frank Benson, Herbie Hope, Glenn Howard and Harold.
“Dad had a heart of gold, would give anyone the shirt off his back,” his children said. “His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the greatest love in his life.”
Harold was a survivor of an aneurysm and lymphoma, diagnosed in October 2014 and cancer free in March 2015.
A daughter, Alice Kitka, preceded Harold in death.
He is survived by his sisters Ethel Willis and Maria Guthrie; son Raymond Kitka; and daughters Barbara Kitka, Marla Kitka and Janice Johnson-Meabon, all of Sitka.
Also surviving are numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Arthur (Art) Jensen, 92, of Kent, Washington, died at home surrounded by his loving family on April 13, 2018.

Art Jensen

Art was born in San Bernardino, California, on Aug. 14, 1925, son of John and Lydia (Nielsen) Jensen.
He was a truck driver and a member of the National Guard in San Francisco, California, when he met the love of his life, Betty Carrol Rogers. They were married on July 18, 1947, and moved to San Mateo, California, where they had four beautiful daughters: Carrol, Nancy, Lynette and Donna.
Art got his journeyman carpenters certificate in 1947 and began his home building career. He fulfilled his dream of living in Alaska and moved his family to Anchorage in 1968.
Art was a custom home builder and a member of the Anchorage Home Builders Association from 1968 to 1983.
He loved hunting, fishing and being in the outdoors. Bowling was Art’s favorite pastime and he was a member of the Anchorage and Alaska State Bowling Associations.
In 1983, Art retired from construction, and moved to Sitka with his daughter Donna to open the Sitka Bowling Center and Lane 7 Snack Bar.
Art loved Sitka and all of his extended bowling family. In 2011, Art and Betty moved with their daughter Donna to Washington.
Art was preceded in death by his wife Betty and daughter Carrol Guest. He is survived by his daughters, Nancy (Ed) Yarmak of Anchorage, Lynette (John) Grenberg of Sumner, Washington, and Donna (Steve) Bezezekoff of Kent, Washington; son-in-law Bob Guest of Nebraska; grandchildren Robby and Denette Guest, Craig and Rina Yarmak, Derek, Blake and Colton Fairbanks, RJ Grenberg, Anna Massengill, Damien LaMar, Fairicy del Cid and Bill LaMar; and 29 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
Art was cremated and his family celebrated his life by attending a Mariners baseball game.

James Paul “Jim” Lichner, 79, of Milton-Freewater, Oregon, passed away peacefully in his home on August 23, 2018.
He was born January 17, 1939, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Myrtle and James Lichner. He was the third oldest of 12 siblings and had many stories to tell of his adventures before moving out West.

James Paul “Jim” Lichner

In the late 1950s, he made his way to Oregon where he met his wife, Bobbie. It wasn’t long before the couple had three children. In Oregon, he attended training to become a millwright and took a job at Lane Plywood in Eugene. He had mechanical aptitude that would serve him well for the rest of his career.
Jim and family moved to Alaska in 1973. He logged on False Island for a time before moving the family to Sitka to work as a millwright for the Alaska Pulp Corporation. Jim and Bobbie spent a lot of time in the outdoors of Alaska, where they enjoyed hunting, boating, and fishing.
In the mid-1990s they returned to Oregon, where Jim became the park ranger for Hat Rock State Park in Hermiston. He put in countless hours restoring the ranger house, repairing broken equipment, and left the park as a beautiful place for the community to enjoy.
When they retired, Jim and Bobbie took up full-time RVing, where they hosted at several state parks as well as at Fish and Game sites.
They resettled in Milton-Freewater in 2003, where Jim enjoyed working on projects, watching Westerns with his faithful dog companion, Simba, and, most of all, receiving visits from family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife and two of his children, Brian and Michelle. Bobbie and Jim had celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2009.
Survivors include his youngest daughter, Katrina, 10 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren as well as countless members of the Lichner family.
In his own words, he didn’t take any responsibility for any bad genes that he’d shared with family. His sense of humor, generosity, and the love that he shared with all will be greatly missed.
A celebration of his life will take place in Milton-Freewater at a date to be determined in September.

Sarah Virginia de Ganahl Russell was born in New York City, New York, April 2, 1931, and died in Vero Beach, Florida, August 16, 2018.
She was the daughter of Joe and Josephine (Coombs) de Ganahl. She grew up in Scarsdale, New York, McLean, Virginia, and both Sitka and Juneau, where her father was a U.S. Navy Reserve pilot and Sitka Naval Air Station commander before and during World War II.

Sarah Virginia de Ganahl Russell

Lt. Cmdr. de Ganahl was killed along with five others in a crash near Sitka on June 21, 1943. He was age 40.
Virginia attended the Sidwell Friends School, the Madeira School, Mount Vernon Junior College, and George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where she met her first husband, Thomas Hale Russell. They married on June 21, 1952, and had seven children. In 1954, they moved to Yampa, Colorado, where they raised cattle with her brother Chuck and his wife Pat, and enjoyed 11 years ranching and raising children together.
In 1965 the Russells moved to Brandon, Vermont. Virginia was active in the community, supporting the American Cancer Society,  Otter Valley School Board, Brandon Public Library and Green Mountain College.
In 2016, Virginia received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Sterling College.
Virginia gained her sense of adventure from her parents; her father traveled with Admiral Byrd to both the Arctic and Antarctic, and her mother was one of the first women to earn a pilot’s license. This adventurous spirit led Virginia to travel the world. After Tom’s death, she traveled to China, where she met her second husband, Charles Kimmel, on the Orient Express.
She valued intellectual pursuits and her shelves were filled with books on literature, history, science and poetry.
She loved to meet new people and had a singular knack for turning strangers into immediate friends.
Her love for others drew her to service in many causes and organizations.
A long-time fundraiser, she supported the Vermont Symphony Orchestra,  was president of the Dvorak International Federation, and founded Classic Concepts, later Natural Elegance.
As chair of the Board of Sterling College in Vermont in the early 1990s, she made tough decisions that are credited with setting the organization on a stronger footing. She supported Vermont Democratic candidates, hosting fundraising parties.
In 2003, Virginia moved to Vero Beach, Florida, with her second husband, Charles Kimmel, where she continued her passion for engaging with people through continuing education and the arts.
Virginia was predeceased by her first husband, Thomas Hale Russell, and her brother Charles de Ganahl. She is survived by her husband, Charles Kimmel, of Vero Beach. She leaves seven children and their spouses and partners: George Lucius Russell II and wife Judith Russell, of Burlington, Vermont; Sarah Hall Russell and husband Rodney Lowe, of Burlington; Edward Sargent Russell and wife Margaret Borogen Russell, of Byfield, Massachusetts; Josephine Coombs Russell Mayo and husband Thomas Mayo, of Desert Hot Springs, California; Charles de Ganahl Russell and wife Julia Russell, of Charlotte, Vermont; Michael Thomas Russell and wife Margaret Canning Russell, of Charlotte; and Kenneth Greenleaf Russell and partner Rhonda Prensky, Montpelier, Vermont.
Twelve grandchildren, Christopher, Patrick, Elizabeth, Bethany, Grady, Frances, Sarah, Ruby, Katharine, Amanda, Michael, and Thomas; two step-grandchildren, Ethan and Nellie; and great-granddaughter, Sarah, also survive.
Donations may be made in Virginia’s name to the ALS Association, Washington, D.C., or to Sterling College, Craftsbury Common, Vermont.

Services for Grant Edgar Smith, a longtime resident, will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, at the Salvation Army. A graveside service at Sitka National Cemetery will be held immediately afterward, with a celebration of life at 3 p.m. at the Sitka Moose Lodge, upstairs in the family center.
Grant died in Sitka Sept. 3, at the age of 71.

Grant Edgar Smith, 71

He was born Jan. 31, 1947, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He moved to Sitka on Oct. 18, 1963, and has resided here ever since.
He held many jobs here, at Sitka Cold Storage, the cannery, and Alaska Pulp Corp. He was a cab driver, a janitor, a U.S. Forest Service employee, and worked for the city Electrical Department and Sitka Tribe of Alaska.
He served in the U.S. Army from Oct. 15, 1967, to  May 21, 1969.
On Friday, July 13, 1979, he and Sabrina Wrenn were married in St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church.
Grant Smith, a loving husband, father, friend, grandfather, and great-grandfather, was a kind-hearted, gentle, caring and loving soul and most of all a generous man. He always had an open door for his family, friends and the many adopted children he acquired over many years.
He was known to the softball community as “DAD,” as he was always there for all of the players, taking care of them by having food and water to share, making sure everyone ate, stayed hydrated, played hard and, most of all, had fun while playing, as he filled everyone full of laughter with his stories and his keen sense of humor.
He loved bowling, fishing, watching family play softball, volunteering for many different organizations – including the American Legion, Moose Lodge and the Salvation Army – and spending time with family and friends.
Preceding Grant in death were his parents, Bernard and Clara Smith, and his brother Bill Smith.
Survivors include his wife, Sabrina Smith, and their children, Harry Lysons (Marsha Lysons), Serena DeTemple (Jeremy DeTemple), Clara Smith (Derek Bowen), and Daniel Smith; his brother Gary Smith (Debbie Smith); and his half-brother Jim Smith (Pat Smith).
He also has numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his Chookaneidi family, and all his many adopted children almost all of whom still reside in Sitka.
Pallbearers will include Harry Lysons, Serena DeTemple, Clara Smith, Daniel Smith, Derek Bowen and Anthony Hammock.
Honorary pallbearers include: Camille Ferguson, Suzette Burkhart, Sue Ann Lindoff and David Hill Sr.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Prewitt Funeral Home or to the family through Sabrina Smith’s bank account at First National Bank of Anchorage.
    Those with questions may contact Clara Smith at 907-752-2030, Serena DeTemple at 907-623-7282 or Jessica Widmark at 907-519-8099.

    A celebration of life for Alicia (McCutcheon) Newman will be held 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi community house.

Alicia (McCutcheon) Newman

    A balloon release will follow, along with a potluck. Volunteers who can help carry balloons from the stores and those who plan to bring food are asked to call Alicia’s sister, Angelina at 738-9081.
    Alicia died Aug. 29 at home in her sleep. She was 29.
    She was born Jan. 3, 1989, in Sitka, the daughter of Gerald N. and Lorreta (Williams) McCutcheon. She attended Sitka schools, and lived here her entire life.
    She was a mother, a wife, and a friend.
    Alicia is survived by her husband, Kyle Newman, and two sons, Jacob Newman and Landen Newman, all of Sitka; her sister Angelina and husband Nick Mockie and their children, Nicholas Mockie II and Riley Mockie, all of Sitka; her sister Lorreta Jean McCutcheon and her son Kegan McCutcheon, both of Anchorage; her father, Gerald N. McCutcheon of Sitka; and her mother, Lorreta Williams of Juneau.
    Alicia will be reunited with her best friend, Samantha Brevick, her stepfather Pete Carlson, and her four-legged, furry friend Duke.

William Evans Davis climbed his final worldly summit on Tuesday, August 28, in the Sitka Pioneers Home at the age of 89.
A memorial service will be held at St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church 5:30 p.m. Thursday, September 13, followed by a festive celebration of his life at 7 p.m. in Harrigan Centennial Hall Raven Room.

William Evans Davis

Bill, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Denver, Colorado, on April 16, 1929, to Margaret Evans, the granddaughter of Colorado’s second territorial governor; and Roblin Henry Davis, a successful businessman and banker.
He attended elementary and middle school in Denver and high school at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, class of 1947.  He graduated magna cum laude with an A.B. in sociology from Princeton University in 1951, and went on to earn his Ph.D. in counseling psychology in 1959 from the University of Denver.
Throughout his youth, he enjoyed summers at his family’s ranch near Evergreen, and became an avid mountain climber. He joined the Colorado Mountain Club and made many friends, among them mountaineers who would later accompany Edmund Hillary’s ascent of Everest in 1951. In the 1950s he made six first ascents in the northern St. Elias Range including the highest unclimbed mountain in North America at the time. He was a member of the American Alpine Club and the Alpine Club of Canada. He was known fondly in his mountaineering circles as “Mother Davis” because of his caring nature.
Bill moved to Anchorage in 1961 to teach at Alaska Methodist University, where he was a beloved professor of psychology to students from a variety of backgrounds. He also served as director of admissions, executive vice president, and acting president, and administered the Upward Bound program, among many other responsibilities.
In the lobby of Grant Hall at Alaska Methodist University, Bill met maverick Alaskan anthropologist Nancy Caroline Yaw of Sitka.  She was the instructor of anthropology on the university’s first faculty. They were married in Sitka’s First Presbyterian Church on August 8, 1962. Their three children, Caroline, Scott, and Roblin, were born in Anchorage. 
As a deeply engaged member of the congregation at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Anchorage, Bill was a licensed lay reader, lay reader trainer, Vestry member, and in-house lay Eucharistic minister. He served on the Bishop’s Committee, the Worship and Ministry Committees, Parish Commission on Ministry, and was a Men’s Group founder.  For several years he was the Alaska Regional Chair for the National Cathedral Association. 
When Alaska Methodist University closed in 1976, Bill was appointed to the Office of Technology Assessment by Alaska’s U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, and the family moved to Fort Washington, Maryland. As a Senior Professional Staff, a Senior Analyst, and a Senior Policy Analyst, he researched and edited reports on topics ranging from oil shale technologies and wetlands management to laws governing access across federal lands and demographic trends influencing school systems. In 1982 the family returned to Anchorage.
In Anchorage, Bill continued to pursue his keen interest in history and writing as an active member of the Cook Inlet Historical Society. He received the Evangeline Atwood Historian of the Year Award in recognition of his long-term dedication to the preservation of Alaskan history.
During these years he worked closely with Nancy as a skillful editor for her consulting and research business, Cultural Dynamics. The two of them held a session on Cook Inlet anthropology in 1993 then edited and published the volume of papers in 1996, “Adventures in Time: The Anthropology of Cook Inlet.”
In 2009 he and Nancy moved to Sitka, where he spent his last years as an active member of the community and made numerous friends. Bill loved Sitka. He was an organizer and supporter of Paths Across the Pacific conferences, sang with the Sacred Harp Singers and was an ardent thespian. He was instrumental in the revitalization of community theater in Sitka, and took on a number of roles in plays, including as a narrator, a cardinal and a dog in Live Radio Theater.
He joined St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, where he was a distinguished reader and served faithfully as a worship leader, lector, and Eucharistic minister, often leading the prayers of the people. He served on the Search and Endowment Committees, was a respected Elder, and a member of The Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna.
Throughout his life, Bill was a generous supporter of arts organizations including the Sitka Fine Arts Camp, Island Institute, Raven Radio and the Sitka Summer Music Festival, and was a board member of the Greater Sitka Legacy Fund.
All three children warmly credit their Dad for his profound influence on their lives, notably their involvement in the outdoors and arts. Caroline credits him for her love of language, especially puns; Scott for his love of dance and choreography; and Roblin for his love of theater and performing. They share fond memories of time spent together at the family cabin in Chickaloon, Alaska.
Bill is survived by his wife Nancy Yaw Davis, children Caroline Davis Goodwin of Montara, California, William Scott Davis of Seattle, Washington, Roblin Gray Davis and daughter-in-law Dawn Elizabeth Pisel-Davis of Juneau; grandchildren Maya Pisel of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Naomi Louise Goodwin of San Francisco, Forrest Scott Pisel Davis of Juneau, Isabel Neva Goodwin of Montara, and Arlo William Pisel Davis of Juneau; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Roblin and David Davis, sister Margaret “Peg” Hayden, nephew Tom Hayden, son-in-law Nick Goodwin and granddaughter Josephine Goodwin.
Bill will long be remembered for his grace, patience, quirky humor, and generosity.

Joyce Laverne Helgeson Haavig, 93

Joyce Laverne Helgeson Haavig, a longtime resident of Sitka, Walhalla, North Dakota, and Mesa, Arizona, passed away August 26, 2018, at River Rock Adult Family Home in University Place, Washington.
Joyce was born December 11, 1924, in Columbus, North Dakota, to Christian and Huldah (Pearson) Helgeson.
She graduated in 1942 from Columbus High School, where she was a cheerleader, editor of the school paper, and president of the Pep Club.
During World War II, Joyce was employed by the Selective Service, headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota, and served as a traveling clerk.
Joyce married her high school sweetheart, Neland J. Haavig, in 1945 while he was on leave from his service with the Navy. Thus began their 73 year adventure as husband and wife.
 Their early years included residence in McHenry, Noonan, Drake, and Walhalla, North Dakota. In March 1964, Neland accepted a job in Sitka, and Joyce and Neland and their seven children packed two vehicles and embarked on an exciting camping trip to Prince Rupert, British Columbia, where they boarded the MV Matanuska and arrived in Sitka on July 10, 1964.
Shortly after they arrived, Joyce learned the family would welcome baby number 8 in early spring 1965.
At the request of the Walhalla paper’s editor, Joyce chronicled the family’s journey north in a series published in the newspaper.
During the next 15 years Joyce was busy raising her family and being active in Sitka Lutheran Church. She was on the church council, a member of the Lutheran Church Women, sang in the choir, and was a Pulpit Supply (congregation member filling the role of acting pastor). Joyce also served as the state secretary for Church Women United and functioned as the editor and publisher of the newsletter.
Joyce was a gifted creative writer and public speaker. She was master of ceremonies at the state church and Beta Sigma Phi conventions, wrote poetry for faculty retirement parties, including her husband’s, and was known as the Sitka School District Poet Laureate.
Joyce was a loving and committed mother. She led by example, instilling Christian and community values in her family and in their friends and spouses. She also was a community leader. Her volunteer work included for the Sitka Heart Association, the Sitka Precinct 3 Election Board, and going door to door to collect information for the U.S. Census Bureau. Her creativity and volunteerism joined forces when she was a member of the Sitka Theater Guild.
Officially, Neland retired in 1979 but Joyce teased that she never really retired. At that time Joyce and Neland began their snowbird phase, summering in Walhalla most of the time and wintering in Venture Out Park and Sunland Village in Mesa.
Joyce enjoyed socializing with her neighbors and always had a fresh pot of coffee and goodies available to all who stopped by. In her later years, Joyce enjoyed making cards and writing letters. If you wrote to Joyce, you became one of her pen pals.
Joyce is survived by daughters Carole Andrews, Pasco, Wash., Cynthia Haavig, Portland, N.D., Leslie Hansen (Richard), University Place, Wash., Kristi Haavig (Jake Allmaras), Medford, Ore., and Maren Haavig (Mark Neidhold), Juneau; and sons Steven Haavig (Paula Scavera) Juneau, and Paul Haavig, Sitka.
Her grandchildren are Stephany Andrews, Tate Andrews, Brett Haavig, Erika Haavig, Adam Hansen, and Kristofer Hansen; and her great-grandchildren are Ander Call, Averie, Bryce, and Brennen Haavig, and Beckett, Maddox, and Paxton Hansen.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Neland Haavig, her parents, her son Neland J. Haavig Jr.; son-in-law Thomas Andrews, sister Florence Buckland, and brother Lynn Helgeson.
A funeral service is planned for 11 a.m. Friday, October 12, at Sitka Lutheran Church. A luncheon reception will follow at noon. She will be interred at Sitka National Cemetery.
Joyce was dearly loved by her family and friends. Her family is grateful to all the professionals at Franciscan Hospice in Tacoma who provided care, guidance, and support during Joyce’s last days. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a contribution to a favorite charity in Joyce’s name.

Pauline Seesz, of Alamosa, Colo., went home to be with the Lord on August 15, 2018, following a sudden illness. The former Sitka resident was 73.
She was born Nov. 8, 1944, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Robert and Dorothy (Wendt) Reynolds. She attended schools in Belview and Morgan, Minnesota, where she graduated in 1962. She met and married Don Seesz from Fairfax, Minnesota, and they lived in Dawson, Minnesota, before moving to Sitka in 1968, when Don accepted a teaching job at Blatchley Middle School.

Pauline Seesz

In Sitka, Pauline worked as a medical records transcriptionist at both local hospitals.  She was a natural caregiver and enjoyed babysitting for several young children at her home.  One in her care, Shanna Joy Hammons, remained a friend for life.
Reflecting her rural Minnesota upbringing Pauline kept up her hobbies of knitting, crocheting, cross stitching, gardening, and canning.  She was also an excellent homemaker and cook and many friends still have her tasty recipes in their collections. 
In 1985, Pauline traveled with her family to Melbourne, Australia, when Don was offered an opportunity to trade classrooms for a year.   In Australia, Pauline loved to visit the markets and buy fresh fruits and vegetables. She also loved to sip tea and eat crumpets at the tea houses. While there, she also visited China, Tasmania, and New Zealand.
Following a divorce in 1986, Pauline returned to southern Minnesota and continued to work in the medical field.  She applied for a medical records job in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1989 and began a new life in a place where she truly felt at home.
Her daughter Maria soon moved to New Mexico, and the two of them remained close and lived together when Pauline changed jobs and moved near Las Vegas, New Mexico.
She continued working in medical records at Alta Vista Hospital in Las Vegas and started working from home. She continued to enjoy her hobbies and still listened to the music of Willie Nelson along with a newly adopted type of Northern New Mexico music her family referred to in a joking way as “pressure cooker” music. 
In 2008, Pauline, Maria and granddaughter Willa moved to Alamosa, Colorado, in the San Luis Valley. Pauline worked several more years in medical records from home.  While she still enjoyed the music of Willie Nelson, Christian music and her faith became important parts of her life. She was also involved with a prayer shawl group, Pink Sisters, in Alamosa, and enjoyed knitting and crocheting items for those in need.
She was a cancer survivor and made an effort to support those going through some of the struggles she once battled.
She loved being a mom and adored her granddaughter Willa.  Friends and family delighted in Pauline’s laughter, which came easily and often.  Sitting at her table, filling up with her tasty dishes and listening to her tell a story is a memory friends will hold close to their hearts.
Family will miss being able to call Pauline to get an answer to a question about life’s events.  She was known to have a marvelous memory.  She could share names, dates and details of events long after everyone else could, and she was “spot on” correct most of the time! 
She was preceded in death by her parents and three sons:  Jonathan Dale, August 8, 1966, Lee Allen, August 10, 1968, and John Paul, April 15, 1969. (John Paul is buried in Sitka.)
Pauline is survived by her daughter Maria Seesz (Tim Sanchez), granddaughter Willa Seesz-Sanchez, all of Alamosa, Colorado; sister, Linda (Jac) Kleinschmidt of Morgan, Minnesota;  brothers Robert Reynolds Jr., Redwood Falls, Minnesota, Allan (Bev) Reynolds of Mankato, Minnesota; ex-husband and wife/friend, Don and Jane Seesz, Sitka; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She maintained friendships with many people throughout the country – in Alaska, New Mexico, Colorado and Minnesota to name a few.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Alamosa Christian Reformed Church (ACRC) in Waverly 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22.  Lunch will be provided by Pauline’s Amish friends after the service, and friends and family will have a dinner and bonfire with s’mores later in the day at the ACRC community center. Services will be pending in both Sitka and Morgan, Minnesota.

Patrick J. Burnett, 62

Patrick J. Burnett, 62, a Sitka fisherman, passed away July 12, 2018, while being treated for cancer at the University of Washington Medical Center.
    The family plans to hold a celebration of his life next summer.
    Pat was born Sept. 8, 1955, in Renton, Wash., the son of Don and Donna (Pendleton) Burnett.
    The family came to Sitka in 1976, and Pat graduated from Sitka High School in 1973.
    After attending automotive diesel school in Denver, Colo., Pat decided Sitka was where he wanted to be.
     In 1976, he married Rosemary Barden, the “neighbor girl” who lived a couple of blocks away. The two had 42 wonderful years together.
    In his younger years, Pat was in the auto repair business with his dad at Don’s Body Shop. He later bought the business from his father and renamed it Baranof Body & Paint.
    At the time of his death Pat was a commercial fisherman. He had been employed at Murray Pacific for 22 years and on his retirement in 2015, the business ran an ad with a poem alerting his customers that he would be leaving. It read, in part, “He will be missed by all as he starts his new jig, his smile flashing as he fishes his new rig. One thing you can say, ‘He is a rich man for sure.’ Fellow employees, customers and friends will for years speak of his lore. ...”
    Pat also was a volunteer firefighter, from 1975 to 1981, working his way up to the rank of lieutenant.
    Pat loved the Alaskan lifestyle, catching those fish, hunting, camping, smoking fish, being Captain “Smed,” enjoying the ocean waves and salty air.
    He also loved sports, and was a big fan of the Seattle Mariners and the Seattle Seahawks – he proudly wore his Mariners jacket, no matter what.
    He enjoyed working on cars with his brother and dad, and took part in the Demolition Derby.
    He liked visiting family, talking on the porch, telling the latest gossip, talking about where the last fish was caught. There were the never-ending Sven and Oly jokes, and giving the best “fishermen’s advice” at Murray Pacific.
    Pat was preceded in death by his grandparents, Imogene and Worley Burnett; his brother, Nick Burnett; and a nephew, Kirby Gordon Reid.
    He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Burnett of Sitka; two sons, Rick Burnett and wife Tyree Burnett of Kelso, Wash., and Rob Burnett of Vancouver, Wash.; granddaughter Rochelle Burnett of Kelso; and grandsons Bryce Burnett and Landon Burnett, both of Longview, Wash.
    His parents, Don and Donna Burnett of Longview, and his sisters, (Darby) Shannon Reid and Colleen Lawyer, both of Belfair, Wash.; nephew Jobe Lawyer of Stanwood, Wash.; nieces Marcia (Burnett) Wilcox of Tacoma, and Kayla Reid of Belfair; and numerous in-laws in Washington and Idaho also survive.
    His family expressed “a big, huge thank you” to Sitka for all the well wishes and support. “Pat loved living here.”

Pat Burnett on deck of Sea Quest

Greta Rice

Greta Rice, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend, peacefully passed away at her home in Chehalis, Washington, on July 30, 2018; she was 97.
She was born October 21, 1920, in Bethune, Saskatchewan, the fourth of eight children of Albert and Ophelia (Cornish) Alexander.
During the Great Depression that began in 1929, Greta’s parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins moved from Bethune to Taylor, British Columbia, to escape the drought and open up new farm land. Greta shared many stories of her childhood in Taylor and growing up in the Peace River country.
Greta met and married Lloyd Rice in Victoria, British Columbia, during World War II while he was stationed there in the Royal Canadian Navy. Shortly after they married, the Navy transferred the couple to Lloyd’s hometown of Prince Rupert. All three of their sons were born in Prince Rupert.
The family moved in 1958 to Sitka where Lloyd was employed as a personnel director at the Pulp Mill. During her time in Sitka, Greta became a U.S. citizen, which she was very proud of accomplishing.
Greta spent her adult life as the beloved matriarch of the family. She was a selfless person who took pride in being a housewife and caregiver to her family. She loved to host dinner parties during the ALP days in Sitka.
Greta was a proper lady, who instilled those traits in her granddaughters and nieces. She loved her flower garden and her afternoon cup of Red Rose tea.
After Lloyd’s death in 1979, she stayed in Sitka to be with her sons and their families. Greta was affectionately known as Gram to all of her grandchildren. It was not uncommon for all of the grandchildren or great-grandchildren to go to Gram’s house after school for one of her special treats of French toast, Rice Krispies or ginger snap cookies.
Gram had an active role in the upbringing of all of her grandchildren. She took pride in her family and was proud of each and every one of them. Her dear friend said, “Not only did she have an amazing life, she gave a lot of other people incredible lives.”
After a 50-year absence, Greta moved back to Fort St. John, B.C., in the Peace River area in 1990 to be near her sisters and brothers. In 2001 she moved to Washington state to be near immediate family, and stayed there until her passing.
Greta was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd, oldest son Don, daughter-in-law Susan, granddaughter Debbie, great-grandson Robert Kyle, parents Albert and Ophelia, siblings Muriel, Elmer, Delbert, Pearl, Dorothy, Raymond and Rhea, sister-in-law Joyce, and niece Deborah Graham.
She is survived by her sons Myron (Sue) and Murray (Barbara); grandchildren David, Robert, Karmon, Arron, Merril (Kim), Kyle (Nadiia), Kendra Nicholson (Shane), Paul and Christopher; 14 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She is also survived by her good friend and caregiver Alene.
A celebration of Greta’s life will take place in Chehalis, Washington, on Greta’s 98th birthday. A celebration of life in Sitka and Taylor will take place at a later date.

Sandra Kay Farmer

Sandra Kay Farmer, 80, a longtime resident of Sitka, passed away in her home on Saturday, September 1.
Sandra was an active member of the Jehovah’s Witness Congregation. Through that organization, Sandra has at one time or another knocked on every door in town with a Watchtower and Awake magazine in hand.
Sandra was born in Spokane, Washington, on September 26, 1937, to Gerald and Bonita Ryker (McKracken). Gerald was descended from Abraham Ryker, an original Dutch settler to the island of Manhattan. They had four daughters: Judy, Jan, Sandra and Bonnie.
The Ryker family moved to Philomath, Oregon, where Sandra met and in time married Erwin Farmer on January 24, 1958.
Their first son, Gregory Allen Farmer, was born in Corvallis, Oregon, followed a year later by their daughter TaRena Louise Farmer. Sadly, TaRena preceded her mother in death, in March of 1960.
In 1961, Erwin took a job in Sitka scaling logs for Alaska Lumber and Pulp Co. Shortly after Sandra traveled with their 3-year-old son Gregory, arriving in Sitka on a WWII era PBY float plane. They had two more children born in Sitka: Bradley Scott Farmer (1965) and Carrie Lynn Farmer (1968).
Sandra’s first residences in town were an apartment over the old Sitka Engine (present day National Guard building) on Sawmill Creek Road and Cole’s Trailer court.
For more than 50 years the Farmer family lived at 2113 Sawmill Creek Road on their own little 2-acre homestead where Sandra raised her kids, baked her own bread (a recipe of her sister Judy), canned salmon and venison, smoked fish, raised rabbits and chickens and heated her house with wood. She lived with a gravity-fed water system from a stream that would freeze every winter so the family had to gather and melt snow in barrels placed next to the wood stove for the household water needs.  She hammered nails and worked alongside her husband building their ever-expanding home.
She was shopping in Market Center in 1963 when she heard over the speaker the news of the assassination of John F Kennedy. She once went into the old cafe in the Sitka Hotel to interrupt John Wayne eating breakfast with his son (they had just arrived on the first commercial flight into the new airport), to shake his hand; she said he was gracious, polite and that his hands were huge. During the 7.8 Richter scale Earthquake in 1975, she was standing with her son Greg under their water tank watching huge landslides activated on the slopes of Mount Arrowhead.
She had a knack for fixing electronics such as computers, which she would build out of garage-sale components, miraculously configuring them to work together. Without having any formal training, she discovered that she could use a soldering iron to remove and replace suspiciously burnt parts from TVs and other broken appliances, saving them from the landfill to circulate on the shelves of the town’s thrift stores for years longer.
Sandra was loved and admired by her family, who will always cherish the memories of laughter and wit and dignity that she embodied.
She was deeply adored by her community of Jehovah’s Witness, friends who remember her as an outstanding example of their principles and beliefs.
Many in Sitka will remember the kind woman who was always offering a ride, running an errand, or freely doing a favor. She had a generous spirit, giving of her time, attention and her possessions, easily without hesitation.
She touched many lives in small everyday ways. She will be missed by many here and abroad.
Sandra was preceded in death by her husband Erwin Farmer in 2015.  She is survived by her eldest sister Judy Graves and her husband Allen; her children, Greg Farmer his wife Rena, Brad Farmer and his wife Maria, and Carrie McGlone and her husband Josh; and her grandchildren, Anthony Farmer, Prana Castallian, Kyra, James and Kirstin McGlone. 
Services will be held at the newly re-built Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 519 Monastery St., on October 27, with the time to be announced. All are welcome to join in celebrating Sandra’s life.

Robert Gillam

Born on the banks of the Chena River in Fairbanks July 7, 1946, entrepreneur Robert Byron Gillam passed away September 12 on a beautiful autumn afternoon in Anchorage, surrounded by family. He was 72.
Bob moved to Anchorage before statehood, attending local schools. At one time he was the Alaska Soap Box Derby champion. At West High School, Bob was rumored to have ridden his motorcycle down a hallway and to have thrown cherry bombs into school toilets. But as a bad boy gone good, Bob also participated in the downhill ski team, played the clarinet and won a ribbon at the science fair for his working Teslacoil.
Bob graduated with a degree in economics from the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania; and received his MBA in one year from the Anderson School of Business at UCLA. Returning to Anchorage in the late 1960’s, Bob became a broker for Foster and Marshall. During that time, he earned his private pilot’s license and fished on the Kenai River where he was heard to exclaim, “You don’t go fishing to catch fish.”
During the early 1990s, Bob sold his cobalt blue Jaguar to start McKinley Capital Management which grew to be a global asset management firm strategically located in Anchorage for conducting international business. He used to point out that when it was lunch time in Anchorage it was dinner time on Wall Street and breakfast time in Tokyo, an advantageous position for stock trading, Bob’s passion.
Bob devoted considerable resources to helping save Bristol Bay salmon from “the wrong mine in the wrong place.” The protective salmon initiative he fostered won every precinct in Alaska.
He also was a generous philanthropist who funded many causes, especially food for the hungry and scholarships for struggling college students. Bob often donated anonymously, caring more about the cause than the recognition.
In addition to his family, the stock market and great red wine, Bob loved flying, hunting, fishing and adventure. He shot deer in Alaska, Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota; lions and Cape Buffalo in Africa; and bears in Alaska, Canada and Russia. He fished not only throughout Alaska, but also in New Zealand, Iceland, Scotland, Russia, the Bahamas and western states.
He was a man of many interests including Biblical and European history, Thermopylae Pass, birds of Alaska, medical science and space travel.
Bob achieved great success in his life through dedication and hard work, but he always remembered his modest beginnings. He had a sense of humor, and was a gifted joke and story teller.
Bob is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Couch Gillam; his five children and their families, Robert Arthur Gillam (Stacia and sons Benjamin and Nicholas), Vicki Gillam Norris (Trevor and sons Nash and Brock), John Clark Gillam (Katie), Mary Roxanne Gillam (fiancé Arne Krogh), Frank Hunter Gillam; and siblings Linda Black, Kathy Wagner, and Dick Gillam.
Services will be held at the Hotel Captain Cook 2 p.m. September 23. A private burial will be held later. Arrangements are by Janssen Funeral Homes, Inc.