James Wallace (Jim) Parker

James Wallace (Jim) Parker

James Wallace (Jim) Parker, 87, died Jan. 9, 2020, at SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe in Sitka, and went to be with his Heavenly Father.
Jim was born to James Frontinus and Leona Parker on June 1, 1932, in Warroad, Minnesota. The youngest of seven children, he was raised in the northernmost frontier regions of Minnesota near the Lake of the Woods, working hard on the family farm and ranch,  hunting, fishing and trapping.
After graduating from high school, the spirit of adventure called him to enlist in the U..S. Army during the Korean War. He served overseas in Germany, and it was during this time he met “Peggy” Waltraud Hergesell. They married on January 21, 1955, in Eschwege, Germany.
Jim attended college with his GI Bill and received a bachelor of Science in Forestry degree from the University of Idaho, with interests that turned toward fisheries management.  He went to work for the Alaska Department of Fish & Game in 1958 and in 1960 moved his young family to Sitka, where he and Peggy raised their five children.
As a biologist, he was one of the few resource managers in the field for many years. Anything that was commercially caught or harvested, he managed. He monitored the herring fishery in Sitka for some 20 years and is credited with bringing the resource back to a healthy,  viable population.
Upon retirement he and Peggy resumed an interest in fisheries as commercial fishermen. They were a team. They longlined for halibut, hand trolled for salmon, fished for Dungeness crab and harvested herring roe on kelp. But the pursuit Jim really had a passion for was trapping, a pursuit that was lifelong.
In his later years he enjoyed wood work, collecting and cataloguing the many different types of wood he found, shaping and forming them into something new, useful and beautiful. Jim’s evenings were filled with reading the newspaper, spiritual books and literature, playing cribbage, watching a good movie.
Jim was very self-reliant, heating the family home from neatly stacked firewood, constantly fixing anything and everything around the home, his vehicles, equipment, and on his boat.
Jim was a man of conviction and had a strong faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He was an elder and deacon of the Presbyterian Church.  He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge,  Pioneers of Alaska, and served as a member on the Board of Fisheries.
Jim loved Sitka’s beauty, the outdoors, and all it had to offer. He and his wife enjoyed traveling throughout Alaska, Canada and the lower 48 with their truck and camper. They particularly loved the Alcan Highway especially during the fall, and visiting family near and far.
Jim is survived by his wife Peggy of 65 years; an elder sister, Moonyeen; his three sons, James “Fronty” (Barbara) of Delta Junction, Eric (Catherine) of Sitka, and Peter (Laura) of Eagle River;  two daughters, Meta Weaver (Victor) of Sitka and Lindy Batten (Randy) of Dutch Harbor; nine grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Jim was always inspired to improving the lives of children and their families.  The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, any memorial donations be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital(s).
Shriners Hospitals for Children/ 2900 Rocky Point Drive/ Tampa, FL 33607.  (855) 401-4897.
Family members will hold a private memorial service at a later date.

Ruthanna Miller

Former Sitkan Ruthanna Miller, fondly known as Ruth, died unexpectedly on Friday, January 17, 2020, in Anacortes, Washington. She was 66.
She was born February 16, 1953, in Sacramento, California, the daughter of James and Betty (Collins) Miller. Her dad was a Salvation Army minister, and was stationed in Spokane in 1957, then in Southeast Alaska in 1961, first to Kake, in 1963 to Hoonah, and to Sitka in 1966. She graduated from Sitka High in 1970.
In the early 1970s, Ruth moved to Tampa, Florida, where she met her husband Sam and her daughter was born.  In 1977 she and her family moved back to Sitka, where her son was born.
She moved to Spokane in the early 1980s,  and in 1995 she and her children moved to Bellingham, Washington, where she worked as an office manager for the city, then became the pastoral assistant for administration at Sacred Heart Church.  She was pastoral assistant for administration with St. Mary Church in Anacortes for the past three years.
Ruth enjoyed a lot of things in life, but none were more important to her than her family, her faith, and her community.
Ruth valued little else above her relationship with her family, and she was eagerly planning her retirement in Spokane where her children and their families lived. If she hadn’t heard from her children in a while, she would send them messages, simply to let them know that she loved and missed them.
She loved to spend time with her four granddaughters, and showing off photos of her friends and her.  (Ruth would tell you that it never felt right not having a kitty.) She loved to tell her grandchildren stories of her days growing up in Sitka, and she shared a passion for music with her youngest granddaughter, Vita.
She loved music and loved to sing.  She truly had a gift, and was able to create her own harmonies, often getting them stuck in her head, so she would just have to record them on her phone. 
She gave the best hugs and made sure to never leave without telling you she loved you. She was a wonderful cook, and luckily for her family she loved to cook. Christmas won’t be the same without her quiche, her family said. She had recipes torn out from magazines and written on slips of paper all over her home, tucked inside her journals, which typically had only a page or two filled in and then sticky notes and little slips of paper stuck to them or inside them.
She enjoyed the antics of her step-grandsons Liam and Ronan as well.  She loved them and was proud to see them grow into men.
    Her work in the church and her faith in God were so important to Ruth and something she was so proud of. She found her work with the church to be rewarding and fulfilling.
Ruth was always available to listen to what weighed on other people’s minds, and was an empathetic listener, ready to share in their burdens with them. She had a gift of making everyone feel like they mattered and that they were heard.  Her children were the only ones who knew how deeply things weighed on Ruth’s heart.  She had a servant’s heart and sought to spread love, joy, and song wherever she could.
    Ruth lived all over the country, and although Washington was her home for many years, a piece of her heart remained in Sitka.
Sitka is also where her introduction to the Catholic faith began through the guiding hand of her friend Gloria.  While young, living in Southeast, Ruth and her family were adopted into the Tlingit tribe, where Ruth gained the Raven as her clan animal.  Because of her connection to the tribe in Alaska, Ruth always felt deeply connected to the Native community, and found comfort and family in their ranks.  Although Sitka was treasured in Ruth’s heart, she loved the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and all the people she met here.
Ruth is survived by her children and their spouses, Adam (Stephanie) Thurston and Shannon (David Dempsey), both of Spokane; grandchildren Chloe, Avery, Remi and Vita; step-grandchildren Liam and Ronan; siblings and their spouses, Andy (Judith) Miller of Edmonds, Washington, Philip Miller of Kingston, Washington, Colleen Miller of Bellingham, and Naomi Miller of Sitka; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her funeral service will be held at St. Mary Church in Anacortes, with  Rosary Vigil and Sharing of Memories 6 p.m. Friday, January 24. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 25, followed by a reception at the Father Auer Center.
To share memories of Ruth, sign the online guestbook at https://www.evanschapel.com.

Joyce Ann Bowen, 87, died peacefully in her sleep at home in the early morning of January 23. Her family was by her side.
She was born August 13, 1932, in Mayfield, Kansas, the oldest daughter of Harold and Garnet Downing. She grew up on the farm, attending school in Mayfield and nearby Wellington, and completed her RN qualification at Winfield Nursing School in Kansas.
She married Jerry Bowen, on March 6, 1953, while he was home on leave from the U.S. Navy. They lived in Oklahoma and Kansas until 1967 when she accepted a job at the PHS hospital in Mt. Edgecumbe, Alaska.
The adventure began with three children, a dog and a cat in a car and a camper driving the Alcan highway. In Haines, they waited a week for the next ferry and eventually arrived at their new home on a coastal island, as far from the plains of Kansas as anyone could imagine.
They promptly settled in, traded the pickup and camper for a boat, and never looked back. Joyce worked at the hospital for more than 20 years, ending her career as the head nurse on the obstetrics ward. Many, many babies were held in her arms shortly after their arrival, including her four grandsons. With her love for children, she considered that the perfect job.
After her career at PHS, she accepted a position at the Pioneers Home and worked there for five years before retiring for good. In her spare time, she fished with her husband on the F/V Shirasi and the F/V Sefora, spending almost all her spare time on the ocean.
She loved children and animals and was never without pets in her home. She loved to cook, especially baking, and holidays will never be the same without her.
 Joyce was preceded in death by Jerry, her husband of 45 years, Jerry; her mother and father; sisters Terri Downing and Verla DeJarnett; and her daughter-in-law Barbara Bowen.
She is survived by her daughter and husband, Suzan Bowen and Lonny Gish, of Sitka; her son Mike Bowen and wife Rhonda, (with grandson Wes Bowen (Sitka) and grandson Matt Bowen with great-grandchildren Karley and Tyler) of Port Angeles, Washington; and son Rick Bowen with grandsons Scott and Derek and great- granddaughter Jayden Bowen of Sitka.
She also is survived by two younger sisters, Betty Segraves (Mayfield, Kansas) and Pat DiMauro (Princeton, Texas) and numerous nieces and nephews.
No service is planned, per her wishes.

Robert Allen James

    Robert Allen “Ballard Bob” James passed away on Jan. 9, 2020, at the Sitka Pioneers Home. He was 81.
He was born at St. Ann’s Hospital in Juneau on Aug. 30, 1938, to John and Mary “Amy” Takesado James. He attended school in Juneau until September 1952 when his family moved to Seattle.
He attended Ballard High School in Seattle, and in 1959 enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served for four years.
Afterward, he returned to Washington state where he worked for many years as an electrician. After his father died he and his mother came to Sitka, in 1995. His mother died at SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital on Nov. 17, 2015, at age 97.
He is survived by his brothers, Gerald James of Seattle and Ronald James of Sitka; nephews Brian James, Donald James, Seattle; niece Berta David of Sitka; aunts Maggie Verney and Helen Mercado, both of Sitka; and uncle Ed Mercado of Seattle.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Mary “Amy” and John R. James; his beloved grandmother Jennie Mercado, grandfather Mack Mercado, sister-in-law Esther James, and nephew Douglas James.
Those wishing to communicate with  the family can contact Ronald James, 447 Verstovia St., Sitka, AK 99835.
The family thanked the Sitka Pioneers Home; Prewitt Funeral Home “for everything”; and those who attended the celebration of his life.
Per his wishes, Bob’s ashes will be spread in Seattle.

Kelly D. Fritz

Kelly Dianne Fritz, 56, passed away at home in Sebring, Florida, on Thursday, January 23, 2020, surrounded by her loving husband and mother.
She was born in Sitka on June 2, 1963, to Patrick and Carol Ann Welsh.
Kelly is survived by her devoted husband and best friend of 16 years Jay Fritz; sons Patrick Kerley and David Carey both of Missouri; mother, Carol Ann Power of  Sebring; father, Patrick (Florence) Welsh of Sitka; sisters Karin Johnson of Washington,  Anna Maria Welsh of Minnesota, Cory Welsh of Sitka, adopted sister Rachel Ulrich of Sitka; step-brothers: Hal (Rosa) Power of Oklahoma, Sean (Marianne) Power of Missouri, Roy Uber of Sitka; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Kelly was preceded in death by both her maternal and paternal grandparents; brothers Ronnie Welsh, Marty Welsh, and John Paul Welsh of Sitka; and stepfather, Ross Power of Washington.
Kelly was a retired licensed registered nurse, a career she loved. She was a genuine homebody who enjoyed crafts, home decorating, making memories with family and friends to last a lifetime, and she loved animals, especially her own fur babies.
As a teenager, she was a much-appreciated Sitka Daily Sentinel carrier.
Friends and family describe her as a compassionate, caring, feisty, and a courageous woman who overcame many life challenges with a smile and determination.
 Kelly and Jay met at a Little Sturgis motorcycle rally in Kentucky, and they returned to that same rally to have 30,000 bikers witness their wedding.
Kelly was loved by all and will be greatly missed but never forgotten. A family celebration of her life to be held later. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made in Kelly’s memory to St. Jude’s Hospital.
Arrangements have been by Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Homes in Sebring. Online condolences can be sent to www.stephensonnelsonfh.com.

George Kubik

George Alan Kubik, 74, died at his Long Beach, Washington, residence on January 24, 2020, with his family at his side.
He was born Oct. 12, 1945, in Astoria, Oregon, the son of Donald and Marjorie (Wooden) Kubik. He grew up in Astoria, and after graduating from Astoria High School in 1963 he began working in the woods for Crown Zellerbach.
 In 1965 he married Janice Haynes, and later moved to Southeast Alaska. He continued working in the woods while living on False Island. As his children grew, educational requirements necessitated a moved to mainland Alaska, and in Sitka he began his career in construction. Following retirement in 2003 he moved to the Peninsula. In 2005 he married Rosalie Tibbs.
George was a member of Long Beach Elks Lodge 1937, and the Moose and Eagles lodges in Ocean Park. He enjoyed collecting antique cars, fishing, and having many friendships.
 Besides his wife Rosalie of the family home, George is survived by sister Sharon Kubik of Astoria; children Mike (Michelle) Kubik of Mesa, Arizona, Kenneth Kubik of Sitka, Donald Kubik of Sitka, and Christopher Proffer of Kauai, Hawaii.
Also surviving are his grandchildren Kelsi, Devin, Jade, and Alan; and many nieces and nephews.
George was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dale, and wife Janice.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, February 22, at Long Beach Elks Lodge with a potluck following. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Sitka.
The family requests memorials to the Long Beach Elks Back Pack 4 Kids fund. His guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.
 

Eric E. Coonradt

On Friday, January 31, 2020, Eric Edward Coonradt, loving husband, father, son and brother, passed away at the young age of 50.
    He was born October 27, 1969, in Poughkeepsie, New York, to Al and Vinnie (Hannan) Coonradt. He grew up in Stanfordville, New York, and attended Stissing Mt. Junior-Senior High School in Pine Plains, N.Y.
    He attended SUNY Morrisville and the New York State Ranger School at Wanakena, where he earned his AAS in forest technology. He went on to earn his bachelor of science degree in wildlife management in 1994.
Eric moved to Alaska in 1997, and worked in Alaska fisheries for more than 20 years. He started with ground fish before moving to area management in 2006, and became the Sitka Area Management Biologist with Alaska Department of Fish and Game in 2016, managing salmon, herring, dive and miscellaneous shellfish fisheries.
He was dedicated and passionate about his work with ADF&G. He would light up whenever he talked about his work, and anyone listening could see how important this was to him.
    Eric was a loving and devoted father to his three children, Eric, (Danielle), Ashley and Chandler. He was looking forward to the arrival of his first grandchild in May.
    In 2006 he met the love of his life Jessica. They were always enjoying some adventure, be it out on the boat, camping, fishing or entertaining family and friends. They were married on March 10, 2013. Together with the kids they enjoyed life to the fullest.
    In addition to his wife and children, Eric (“Rick”) was loved and adored by his family in New York. He  is survived by his parents, Al and Vinnie Coonradt; his brother Doug (Wendy) Coonradt and their children Meagan and Jacob of Schuylerville, New York; and his sister Kim (Russ) Batty and their children Caleb, Kelsey, Connor, Mikayla and Seth, of Greenwich, New York. 
    A celebration of his life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, February 8, at Centennial Hall. A reception will follow, where friends and family can gather, reminisce and share stories of Eric.

Chris C. Didrickson

Christian Carter Didrickson walked into the forest on February 5, 2020. He was 48.
He was born on August 25, 1971, in Sitka, the eldest of three children of Gerald and Karen Didrickson. He was a lifelong Sitkan, growing up in the Indian Village, and graduating from Sitka High School, class of 1992.
Chris belonged to the Eagle Wolf, Kaagwaantaan clan.
He was a supportive father, protective brother, compassionate friend, and gentle soul. He would give until he had nothing left, and then keep giving.
He loved and supported two sons while working at various fishing plants throughout the years.
Since 2017, Chris was employed as a Resident Adviser at Mt. Edgecumbe High School. His presence in the boys’ dorm was a constant comfort to many of the resident students. He would invest his time and energy into each student he came in contact with. 
Chris loved getting together with his family and friends for game nights spent playing dice, board games, and card games. He was an enthusiastic sports fan who faithfully enjoyed watching televised sports, rooting for the LA Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, St. Louis Cardinals and Oklahoma Sooners.
He also enjoyed game shows, movies, and walking around town.
Chris was preceded in death by his  mother, Karen Didrickson, and father, Gerald “Jerry” Didrickson; uncles; Donald “Duck” Didrickson and Boyd Didrickson; son, Levi Shearer; and grandcat, SugarDaddy Peas.
Chris is survived by his beloved cat, Governor; son Mason (Katie) Shearer; sisters Vanessa Didrickson and Deanne Didrickson; aunts Sandy Robison, Kay Owen, and Linda Wolfe; cousins Dixson Robison, Kendall Didrickson and Claire Hill; and nephew Dominic O’Halloran. Also surviving are numerous other cousins and loved ones.
Friends and family are invited to attend a viewing at Prewitt Funeral Home, 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. 
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17, at Sitka Memorial Park. Following the graveside service, the family plans to host a celebration of life reception at noon at the ANB Founders Hall.
The family invites Chris’ friends and family to come share fond memories of Chris. Mt.  Edgecumbe students will give a performance in honor of Chris. Main dishes will be provided and those attending are welcome to bring a dish to share.
Pallbearers will be Jeremy Aloysius, RJ Altstrom-Beans, Vladimir Bourdukofsky, Chad Horner, Drew Jackson, Corey Jasper, Ezra Melovidov, and Crimet Philips.
Honorary pallbearers are Zane Bacon, Kendall Didrickson, Scott Falzerano, Mike Guy, Robert Merculief, Tony Phillips, and Will Notti.
 “Please contact Claire at (907) 738-4768 with any questions,” the family said.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations and sympathy cards be sent to: Deanne Didrickson, P.O. Box 900, Sitka, Alaska 99835

Mark R. Charlton

On Feb. 1, 2020, Mark Rolen Charlton, an amazing and loving husband and Poppa, went to be with our Lord, at the age of 65.
Mark was a man of God. God created a loving, caring and compassionate man, a man who cared about others, always trying to put them first. He worked hard and cared passionately about other people whether they were strangers or loved ones.
Mark was born in September 1954 in the Spokane, Washington, area and was the rock for his mother and siblings. He was married to the love of his life, Janet, for 45 years. He was a loving husband, totally devoted to his wife, always accepting her as she was and supporting her. He had her back and he was so very proud of her. He was a wonderful father, who raised his children by example. He would praise their accomplishments and carry them through their trials. Mark wanted his five children to succeed, he wanted them to always search, question and push to be the best that they could be.
One of his greatest gifts to Janet and the children was providing the opportunity for Janet to stay at home to raise their family. There was always room in the Charlton home, and many friends and family members stayed with them over the years and are now family.
Mark served in the U.S. Army from December 1972 to February 1988, including time spent in the National Guard reserves while attending nursing school. He joined the U.S. Public Health Service in February 1988 and retired as a Commissioned Officer in May 1999.
As a nurse, Mark provided the best and most up-to-date care for every patient. He was constantly learning. His formal education includes a bachelor of science in nursing from Eastern Washington University, masters of public health promotion and education from Loma Linda University, and a masters of science in nursing, family nurse practitioner, from Gonzaga University.
    His nursing career included several years at SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital, around the late 1990s,
He had an unquenchable desire to learn and put what he learned into practice. He truly loved the practice of nursing medicine. He continued his work as a nurse practitioner up until his death.
Mark’s hobbies included fishing, driving his convertible, traveling, watching all the Star Trek series, walking his dog Echo.
He especially loved to visit his grandkids or take them on adventures and camping, fixing old pinball machines or anything really. Mark had an amazing laugh and loved comedy movies. His regrets were very few but may have included eating Costco hotdogs.
In Mark’s final days, he shared a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King on social media.  Dr. King wrote on the parable of the Good Samaritan, “I imagine that the first question the priest and Levite asked was: ‘If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?’ But by the very nature of his concern, the good Samaritan reversed the question: ‘If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?”
This particular quote is fitting as Mark always stopped to help anyone and never seemed concerned with what would happen to him. “We were honored to walk beside Mark and are grateful he will be watching over us always,” his family wrote.
Mark’s survivors include his wife, of Clarkson, Washington, and his five adult children and grandchildren.
A memorial mass was said for Mark at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church on Feb. 6, 2020. His final resting place will be at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, 21702 W. Espanola Road in Medical Lake, Washington. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations, in Mark’s name, to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Andrew Gamble Jr.

A family graveside burial for Andrew Gamble Jr. (Anaaxhoots, Daatxhaagúch) was recently held at Sitka National Cemetery.
He passed away on Jan. 12, 2020.  At his request, no services were held. 
He was a child of the Deisheetaan through Andrew Gamble Sr., and a grandchild of the Wooshkeetaan through Gerald Gamble (Kaansháawu Éesh). His maternal grandfather, John Paul Jr. (Kháatlein, Khaasa.áxhch),  was also a child of the Wooshkeetaan through John Paul Sr. (Kootla.áa, Aandaxhleich, X’aawoolshaay).
Andrew was a commercial fisherman most of his life and a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam era. Keeping his Tlingit traditions intact and true, by birth and by bloodline, was a great concern of his. The Eagle crest came to his clan and house through his matrilineal bloodline by two names, still kept in his family line alone, that reach back pre 1700s.
Born into the lineage of Ghooch Hít (Wolf House) of the Sitka Kaagwaantaan, Andrew inherited his position as Sitka Kaagwaantaan naa shaa dei hani (clan leader) from his maternal uncle Patrick Paul Sr. (K’axhook Éesh, Stuwukháa, Anaaxhoots), who inherited the position from his own maternal uncle Charlie Bennett (Haagunk’aaxh, Anaaxhoots), whose maternal uncle was James Jackson (Anaaxhoots), who inherited the position from his own uncle, Alexis Annahootz (Anaaxhoots). James Jackson was one of the three main hosts of the “Last Potlatch” in 1904. Andrew hosted the 100-year commemoration of the “last potlatch” to show that the potlatch (koo.éex), correct lineages, marriages, songs, inheritance and rights are still known; Haa Khusteeyí Áyá (Our Way of Life) is still flourishing.
Andrew had a traditional mindset, discrediting the modern notions of “election” of clan leaders and the authority of outside entities dictating clan leadership, respecting instead the Tlingit tradition of blood-line inheritance through matrilineal descent. Andrew, citing Tlingit law, also forbade the use of any clan-owned possessions (at.óow) or the act of public speaking by anyone who marries within the same clan (moiety) or has had any such offense in their history. His interest was devoted to ensuring sustainability of Tlingit custom by respecting the ancestral ways so as not to jeopardize the longevity of the complex, sophisticated Tlingit social structure and balance of the Tlingit way of life.
Tlingit language learners and educators were especially commended by Andrew. Achievements and the commitment by organizations and students to strengthen Alaska Native communities, language, and people were highly regarded. Andrew recognized the importance educators, tribes, and organizations hold toward perpetuating the Tlingit language through academic instruction and encouraging Tlingit core values. It brought Andrew great pleasure to listen to and promote Tlingit speakers.
In keeping with matrilineal Tlingit tradition, Andrew named his niece Talia Eames (Ghaayéitli), the daughter of his sister Andrea (Gamble) Eames (Kháax’áchtuúk.aaxh), to look after all clan objects in his care until such time as the male of proper lineage can step  into the name of Anaaxhoots, Clan Leader of the Sitka Kaagwaantaan. Along with Talia, Andrew named Stuart Akagi (L.aanteech, Kaatshí) of the Two Door House as co-custodian; Stuart, being from a sister house of equal standing and child of the Deisheetaan, making him Andy’s clan-brother. Stuart and Talia are now custodians of the clan objects, lineages, names, songs as well as all claims Tlingit and/or Western, just as Andrew had.
Andrew asserted that the Anaaxhoots successor is to be determined by correct marriage and birth lineage according to the Tlingit way of life.
Andrew was preceded in death by his parents Andrew Gamble Sr. (Aanyá, K’ushteel, Toonéi) of the Deisheetaan Raven House and his mother Matilda (Paul) Gamble (Yeidíchkhulatseen); his sisters Adeline (Gamble)  Porter (Léex’t) and Andrea (Gamble) Eames (Kaax’achtuk.aaxh), and brothers Ivan Gamble Sr. (Háaguk’aax) and Melvin Gamble (K’axhook Éesh).
He is survived by his wife Joanne Wiita Gamble, his sisters Jean Hogue and Gina Evans and brother Jerry Gamble, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Robert Ernest Allen Sr.

Robert Ernest Allen Sr., known to all as Bob, left this life peacefully on Monday, March 2, at home, surrounded by his family. He was 83.
Bob Allen lived an Alaskan life, full stop.
He was born May 22, 1936, in Arcata, California. He arrived in the Alaska Interior at age 14 with his parents and siblings, and never looked back.
His first job was running a water taxi on the Tanana River. He helped his dad stoke the boilers on the old sternwheelers that served as the main source of transportation on the river, and he and his mom sold tickets to the Nenana Ice Classic. While he was still in high school, Bob acquired a fish camp, assembled a dog team, and ran a trapline. He was fond of telling people that he was the valedictorian of his high school class in Nenana, before quickly acknowledging that it was a graduating class of one student. 
After high school, Bob worked in construction, and served as a construction engineer in the U.S. Army at Ladd Field near Fairbanks. He used his benefits from the GI Bill to train for his multi-engine airplane rating, becoming the first Alaskan pilot to pass the flight test administered by the newly-established Federal Aviation Administration. He flew his own Piper Vagabond before trying his luck with prospecting. After selling a very small amount of gold and the plane, he bought a boat and fished for crab in and around Juneau. There he met and married Betty Martin in 1962.
Bob fished for king crab in Kodiak in the early 1960s. He was anchored up on the 100-foot F/V Fern on March 27, 1964, when he felt the first tremors of the Good Friday Alaska earthquake. Bob and his crew rescued dozens of cold, terrified tsunami survivors from the communities of Kaguyak and Old Harbor before he found Betty and their three young children, who had evacuated to Cape Chiniak.
After the quake, Bob and Betty bid on a contract to salvage metal from marine cable damaged by the disaster. They used the savings to buy a boatyard in Sitka in 1967.
Bob’s work ethic, Alaskan ingenuity, ability to solve mechanical problems, and willingness to take risks transformed the old boatyard into an incubator for a remarkable array of marine-based businesses that continue to evolve and thrive today.
With the help of his wife, children and grandchildren, the businesses Bob founded have employed thousands of Alaskans in marine architecture, boat-building and maintenance, tourism and transportation.
Giving back to the community was a founding business principle for Bob Allen. Before his first tour boat ever made a profit, Bob ran trips on the water for schoolchildren at no charge. And the companies that Bob founded have continued his personal example of saving lives. Boats built by Allen Marine rescued survivors of the 9/11 disaster in New York, and were the first to pick up passengers of United Flight 1549 when the jet landed safely on the river in the “Miracle on the Hudson.”
Bob was adopted into the Gaanaxteidí clan by Tom Young Sr., caretaker of Ishka Hit, the Salmon Hole House, to which Bob belonged. His Tlingit name was Shtoowóos’. Betty Allen always insisted that Bob was “a better Indian than me.” Bob was also a starosta (worker) in the Russian Orthodox Church, where his “saint’s name” was Michael. 
Bob Allen had a statewide reputation as a successful business owner, but his greatest legacy is his family. He is survived by his wife Betty, his brother Jack Allen (Tracy) and sister Dorothy Poulos (Jim); children Valerie Martin (Steve), Natalie Allen, Rob Allen (Robin), Jennifer “Kipper” Oen (Eric) and Dave Allen (Lauren); and grandchildren Jamey Cagle (Melinda), Claire Gentry (Michael), Evan Martin (Emily), Stephen Martin (Krisy), Chris Oen (Kaley), Sarah Leclerc (Hank), Zaide Allen, Zia Allen and Sabena Allen.
He also leaves 19 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob was never happier than when he had a baby on his lap.
He joins his beloved granddaughter Melinda, who predeceased him, as well as his parents, Chester James “Red” Allen and Florence Elizabeth “Betty” Allen, and his older brother, Buck Allen.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the fund for rehabilitation of St. Michael’s Cathedral.
A Panikhida service will be held 7 p.m. Friday, March 6, at the Cathedral. A traditional Russian Orthodox funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at St. Michael’s, followed by private interment at Sitka Memorial Park.
A reception will be held at about 2 p.m. at Odess Theater on March 7; all are welcome to pay their respects. 

    Mike Bagley, a longtime Sitkan, died Friday afternoon at Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center. Today would have been his 71st birthday.
    Services will be held Saturday afternoon, March 14, at Sitka Lutheran Church.

Chuck Benson

Ernest Charles “Chuck” Benson, of Eagle River, suffered a sudden heart attack and died Feb. 7, 2020, at the Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage, with family at his side. He was 64.
Chuck was born October 11, 1955, at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital. He was Raven, T´akdeintaan, from the Tax’ Hít (Snail House).
His family describes Chuck as the “rock” of the family; a loving and fiercely devoted father to his five children; Kiatcha Palmer (Eagle River), Ryan Benson (Nome), Charles Benson (Eagle River), Kahtayaa “Katie” Benson (Anchorage) and Mara Patterson (Haines), and his seven grandchildren; Damien Derry, Natalia Benson, Ellis Benson, Raven Pangawyi, and Kyran, Nathan and Isabelle Sweet. He took great pride in organizing holiday and other family gatherings; cooking, and bringing everyone together. Throughout his life he was especially close to his sister, Diane Benson (Petersburg).
He worked in Valdez during the Trans-Alaska Pipeline construction as an electrician, fulfilled his duties as a medical lab technician in the National Guard, and retired after more than 30 years of service from the Federation Aviation Administration (FAA) as a highly skilled radar and air traffic control electronics technician. He served FAA in Cold Bay and then Cordova – at the time of the Exxon-Valdez oil spill – before settling in Eagle River where he ultimately raised his children.
He thoroughly enjoyed books and was a voracious reader of history, science and current affairs, and also enjoyed running, hiking, chess, fishing, and traveling. He fulfilled a lifelong dream with two trips to Europe.
Chuck was preceded in death by his father Ernest H. Benson and his mother Eleanor (Williams/Dick) Thomas; uncles Jim, Richard and Eugene Williams, and Clarence, Wilfred and George Dick; aunts Sylvia Carlsson and Juanita Sanborn; and his nephew Peter Williams.
Chuck is survived by his sister Diane, and brothers Dennis Benson, Dale Williams (Sitka), Clifford Thomas (California) and Jeffrey Thomas (Nevada), and aunt Marta Ryman of Sitka.
He also is survived by nieces and nephews Latseen Benson, Anouk and Ian Benson, Eric Thomas, Paul and Lucas Williams; many cousins,  including Marta Coleman, Chastity Dovell, and Karen Dick; and many other extended family members.
A memorial is being planned for June during Summer Solstice, in Anchorage.

Michael (Mike) Leonard Bagley

Services for Michael Leonard Bagley, 70, a longtime resident, have been scheduled 1 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Sitka Lutheran Church.
A reception will be held afterward downstairs at the church.
Mike died March 6, 2020, in Sitka.
He was born in Ross, California, March 9, 1949, the son of Gail and Louise (Nelson) Bagley.
In 1951 when he was 2, his family moved to Sitka, traveling on the steamship Denali. He attended schools in Sitka and graduated from Sitka High in 1967.
His first summer job in high school was working with Joe Ashby at Sitka National Cemetery. He also worked at the Pioneers Home.
After graduation he attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks for one year. When the year ended he and a friend, Jack Panky, decided to travel to Hawaii, the Fiji Islands and Australia to avoid the military draft as long as possible. To help pay their way, they worked in a brewery, picked cotton and chopped cane. But while in Australia Mike was nearing his 21st birthday and learned he was eligible for the Australian draft. He returned to Sitka as soon as possible, deciding he’d rather serve with U.S. forces than Australian.
He was inducted June 1969 and served in the U.S. Army until March 1971. He completed basic training at Ft. Lewis, Washington, artillery training at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, and then shipped out to Vietnam. While in Vietnam he was with the 2nd Field Force.  He received the Viet Nam Campaign Medal and an Army Commendation for Meritorious Conduct.
When he returned home he worked in the power house at Alaska Lumber and Pulp Mill until 1986. He worked for the Daily Sentinel as printer/pressman from 1987 until his retirement in 2014.
He married Cathy Montgomery July 1, 1972, and they had two children, Mark and Laura.
He was fond of the outdoors and gun collecting and spent much time hunting, fishing, boating and shooting at the gun ranges – he was an expert shot. He also accompanied Boy Scout troops on two 500-mile Yukon River canoe trips, and taught several Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops gun safety.
He was a member of Sitka Lutheran Church, NRA, Sitka Sportsman’s Association and the Sitka Elks Lodge.
Above all else, Mike loved family and friend gatherings.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, LeRoy Bagley.
He is survived by his wife Cathy,   son Mark Bagley, and granddaughter Ellen, all of Sitka; daughter Laura (Bill) Mallula, grandson Bill (Nicole) Mallula, and great-grandsons Easton and Taron, all of Fairbanks; and brother Gary (Debbie) Bagley of Simpsonville, South Carolina.
He also is survived by many adored nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles – all of whom adored him – and the many friends he had made over the years.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a favorite charity or the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society at Box 2153, Sitka.

Dorothy Louise (Snyder) Breedlove

Dorothy Louise (Snyder) Breedlove, of Camden, North Carolina, died peacefully surrounded by her family at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Mike and Sherri McDaniel, on March 15, 2020. She was 81.

Dorothy, a former Sitka resident, was the widow of William Robert Breedlove. He died in Sitka on Sept. 16, 2004.

She was born March 29, 1938, in San Diego, California, the daughter of Alma (Schlinsog) and Vere John Snyder. After attending school in Oregon, her adventurous spirit took her north to Alaska, in 1959, where she would live for the next 56 years. She met and married William Breedlove in Anchorage, and in 1967 they came to Sitka. She moved to Camden three years ago.

She also spent time in Kapaa, Hawaii.

Dorothy was a former flight attendant for Wien Air Alaska, and in Sitka owned rental property. She was a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and the Lihue Lutheran Church of Lihue, Hawaii, and belonged to the Camden Women’s Club, National Rifle Association and Sitka Elks Lodge 1662.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sherri and Mike McDaniel,  and their two daughters, Saige McDaniel and Bree McDaniel, all of Camden; and several cousins. 

Funeral and burial services will be held at Sitka National Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be at the Carolina Center, 110 Corporate Drive, Elizabeth City, North Carolina, with the time and date to be announced later.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to the Albemarle Hopeline, P. O. Box 2064, Elizabeth City, NC 27906-2064. 

Twiford Funeral Home is serving the Breedlove family. Online memorial condolences may be sent to the family at www.TwifordFH.com.

Agnes Dennard Countryman

Agnes Dennard Countryman went to be with her Heavenly Father on February 24, 2020, after a long battle with cancer. She was 87.

Agnes was born in Sitka on January 27, 1933, the daughter of Annabelle and Edgar Tibbits. She spent the early part of her childhood in Sitka. When she was in grade school her family moved to Nome to mine for gold for a short time, before returning to Sitka.

Agnes married Robert Countryman, on July 27, 1951. They spent 68 wonderful years together, during which time they lived in several states, and eventually settled in Sequim, Washington.

Aggie was a strong and beloved family matriarch. She enjoyed cooking and sewing, and spent countless hours crafting, creating beautiful gifts for family and friends. She loved spending time with her family and being there for the special events in the lives of her grandchildren  and great-grandchildren. She had a feisty sense-of-humor, an infectious laugh, a love for anything purple, and a generous spirit. Above all, Aggie loved Christ. She held tightly to her faith throughout her health battles, until her passing day.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers, George and Grant Laiblin, and her youngest son, Robert A. Countryman.

She is survived by her husband, sons Leslie and Argyll Countryman, six granddaughters, and 22 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at the Sequim Worship Center when the family is able to gather together again.

Stephen Michael Weddel

Stephen Michael Weddel, a former Sitka resident, died April 17 at his home in Phoenix. He was 61.

He was born Nov. 21, 1958, in Bruntingthorpe, England, the son of Charles and Nora Weddel. His dad was in the U.S. Army, and his mother was from Ireland.

The Weddels and sons Stephen and Robert moved to Oregon in 1960, then to Sitka in 1964, with two more children, Marie and Brian, added to the family.

Stephen graduated from Sitka High School in 1978, continued with higher education at Gonzaga University in Washington State (1978-1981), then transferred to New York Hofstra University  (1981-1983) to finish his degree with an emphasis on political science and military history.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1982 to 1991, reaching the rank of captain.

He lived in New Jersey, then moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1991, where he worked with ATT, a trucking agency; Bank of America; and, most recently,  as a field supervisor at Weiser Security Services.

Among his enjoyments were hiking and reading – he was a voracious reader, his family said, and a good conversationalist.

Stephen was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; his father, Charles; mother, Nora; and stepfather, Arden.

He is survived by siblings Robert Weddel of Sitka, Brian (Stephanie) Weddel of Sitka, and Marie (Kerry) Adler of Anchorage; nephews Aaron and Nolan Weddel, and Kieran Adler; nieces Natasha and Mariah Adler, and Charity and Kaylahni Weddel; and beloved friend Lyn Snyder of Mesa, Arizona.

Funeral arrangements and celebration of life are pending and will be released at a later date.

In memory of Stephen donations can be made to Meow Cat Rescue or Wounded Warrior Project at the following web addresses: meowcatrescue.org and woundedwarriorproject.org.

Mark Bautista

Former Sitka resident Mark Bautista passed away February 11, 2020, from acute pneumonia while traveling in France. He was 57.

Born in 1962, he attended and graduated from Evergreen High School in Vancouver, Washington, and then graduated from Clark Community College in Vancouver, focusing on applied sciences.

Mark worked as a maintenance specialist with Bonneville Power in Salem, Oregon, till he moved to Bethel, in 1999, where he worked for the Lower Kuskokwim School District as a plant facilities manager. He was maintenance director and retired in 2017.

He then moved to Portland, Oregon, and spent much of his time visiting Alaska as well as traveling abroad.

Mark was a friend to many and enjoyed fine food, fishing and traveling. He had visited numerous countries over his years of traveling, including South Africa and various European countries.

He was an amazing chef and would prepare and share meals with his countless friends. He will be missed.

A memorial service is planned for his Sitka friends this summer. Contact Murray (738-1102) or Gina Lawson (738-1068) if interested in helping with the memorial.

Kelly C. Ferguson Sr.

Longtime Sitka resident Kelly C. Ferguson Sr. passed away April 25, 2020, from complications from a head injury. He was 67. 

Kelly was living in La Pine, Oregon,  where he was enjoying his retirement.

He was born March 19, 1953, in Las Vegas, Nevada, the youngest of four children of Claude and Retta Ferguson.

He spent much of his life in Sitka, brought up by commercial fishing. He met his wife of 36 years, Camille (Wrenn) Ferguson, in Sitka. They had two sons, Tony and Kelly Jr., and a daughter, Mary.

Kelly worked at Sitka Sound Seafoods before attending trade school in Tacoma, Washington, to become a heavy equipment operator. He worked for S&S in Sitka and started his own business, Kelly’s Diesel Service.

He retired from the state of Alaska Department of Transportation in Sitka in 2013, moving to Albuquerque and then to La Pine, Oregon, in 2019.

Kelly was an avid outdoorsman. He loved fishing, hunting, riding his ATVs and “plinking” with his family. Kelly and Camille enjoyed going on sight-seeing and 4-wheeling road trips with their RV, particularly in New Mexico, Utah, and Oregon, after his retirement. 

He loved his furry companions, Kruzoff and KC. He enjoyed watching the NFL with his daughter Mary, both being fans of the Seattle Seahawks. He loved going with his wife and in-laws to watch the University of Oregon Ducks play.  

Kelly was one of the founders of the early Sitka/Edgecumbe Youth Football League, and coached his sons Tony’s and Kelly’s teams Southeast Storm, Giants and Seahawks. He considered his team family and many of his players still refer to him as “coach.”

Kelly loved his large, extended family. “Uncle Kelly” liked being Santa Claus for all his nieces and nephews and grandchildren, hiding eggs for them during the family Easter Egg hunt, and entertaining the family with a fireworks show for the 4th of July. 

Kelly was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Retta Ferguson, and his favorite dogs, Kruzoff and KC. 

He is survived by his wife, Camille Ferguson; his children, Anthony and Krista Hammock, Kelly Ferguson Jr., and Mary Ferguson (Ryan Silva); and grandchildren Gavin, Trenton, and Killian Hammock, Chelsea McGraw, and Trista, Jasmine and Evander Elixman, all of Sitka.

He also is survived by his sister, Linda (John) Barkman, and children, Tiffany Grayson and Chris Barkman; brother Michael (Ellen) Ferguson and children Windy, Nathaniel and Elias Ferguson; and brother Randy Ferguson.  

Also surviving are Monique (Billy) Tow and family; Sabrina Smith and her family; Suzette (Frank) Burkhart and family; and Frank (Carol), Wayne and Aaron Wrenn. 

Letter and cards of condolences can be mailed to Camille Ferguson 4608 Halibut Point Road, Sitka, Alaska 99835. 

A celebration of life will follow at a later date. 

Michael Harry Helmrich

Michael Harry Helmrich, of Doniphan, Missouri, died March 31, one month after a diagnosis of a fast-moving cancer.

The former Sitka resident was 69.

Mike was born July 16, 1950, in Amite, Louisiana, the son of Harry Herman Helmrich and Yvonne Cora Helmrich. He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

Those left to mourn his passing include his beloved wife, Jackie Nigro Helmrich; his brother, Mark Helmrich; Aunt Joyce Perrin; and Jackie’s cousins, Diana Lea Jones and Janine Jones.

Mike attended Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana, graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in business.

In 1987, Mike met his wife, Jackie, in Sacramento, California, and together they lived a life of adventure for 35 years, with Mike leading the way with his unending love for the land, woods, and waters. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Mike and Jackie were musicians, with Jackie singing and Mike playing guitar and also singing with his beautiful voice. He was the musical director for their music. Because of the music, they traveled to Alaska for a gig, and once there fell in love with Sitka, where they settled from 1998 to 2012. Mike lived his Alaska dream, hunting and fishing in the Alaska Wilderness.

Mike and Jackie continued to play music full time in Sitka, and in addition Mike became a boat captain doing fishing charters in the summer.

In 2016 Mike felt the pull to get back to his Southern roots, and he and Jackie moved to Missouri. There they fell in love with their new home, which provided enough land for Mike to be able to enjoy hunting on his own property.

Those who knew Mike knew that “what you see is what you get.” He was always true to himself and had a great sense of humor with a positive approach at life, his family said. He always had a smile and kind word for everyone.

“He will be missed by so many friends and family,” the family wrote. “Mike will be loved forever and never forgotten by his wife, Jackie.”