Ralph Leonard Ulricksen

Former Sitka businessman Ralph Leonard Ulricksen, beloved father of Marla Ulricksen Morgan of Beverly Hills, Calif., died Feb. 13, 2017, in Bellingham, Wash.

He was recovering from a heart attack and had suffered with Alzheimer’s for many years. He was 86 years old.

Ralph also was the grandfather of Trevor Michael Lamoureux of Denver, Colo., Mia Mei Li Schreiner, and Sitka residents Timothy Ulricksen and Jodi Duffey.

Ralph’s wife Marlene Eleanor Ulricksen and two sons, Glenn Leonard Ulricksen and Gary Ralph Ulricksen preceded him in death.

Ralph was born March 7, 1931, in Chicago, Ill., to Leif Jacob Ulricksen, and immigrant from Norway, and Astrid Ulricksen, who at 17 had moved to Chicago from Sweden.

When Ralph was 5 the family joined extended family members in Ketchikan, where Leif worked in the fishing industry. Ralph met his wife-to-be  Marlene when she moved to Ketchikan (also from Chicago) at the age of 15.  They were “set up” soon after and were together until Marlene died in 2010. They celebrated their 50th anniversary at a party their daughter hosted in 1999 at their home in Anacortes, Wash.

Ralph graduated with honors from  Ketchikan High School, where he was voted “best looking” and “smartest.”

Ralph had a passion for science and engineering, and at the University of Washington he majored in engineering.

After college, he married Marlene Eleanor Grude March 31, 1950, in Ketchikan.

Ralph worked as an electrician, and at night played guitar in a local band. He also tinkered on the piano, but guitar was his passion. He purchased a rare 900th Fender guitar that was his pride and joy and a family heirloom.

Ralph and Marlene’s son Glenn Leonard was born July 25, 1950, and Gary Ralph was born Sept. 23, 1951. Gary suffered from a congenital heart defect and died at the age of 6. This was a difficult time for the Ulricksens, and they always remembered how the city of Ketchikan came together to help them during this time.

Their daughter Marla Rae was born the following year, Feb. 3, 1959.

Ralph, Marlene and family were involved in the Lutheran Church, and with so many family members in Ketchikan it was a very special time.

Several years later they moved to Juneau where Ralph worked for Standard Oil (now Chevron). In 1965 Standard Oil moved the family to Seattle where Ralph was promoted to a management position. In 1967, after the sudden death of Ned Blatchley, Ralph was asked to manage the wholesale distributorship of Standard Oil in Sitka. This became home and Ralph loved living in Alaska. Ten years later, Ralph opened a hardware-home center store named Viking Home Center, in honor of Ralph’s Scandinavian heritage. In 1976 Ralph had one of the first Apple DOS computers, that he used for all his businesses – definitely ahead of his time!

Along with being an entrepreneur,   he was an inventor, cartoonist and designer. A robot he designed and built, named Wawoo by his then 2-year-old grandson Trevor, would “walk” throughout Viking Home Center, entertaining kids and adults alike. Wawoo became a popular icon, much to Ralph’s joy.

An avid boatsman, Ralph invented a safety valve for boat stoves that was patented in 1976. He used this safety valve on his other pride and joy, a 27- foot Unaflite boat he named the Miss Marla.

In 1988 Ralph had a heart attack and was flown to Seattle where he underwent a stent placement. After this medical scare he and Marlene decided to retire and soon after sold their businesses. They lived in Edmonds, Wash., initially, and after several years moved to Anacortes before settling in Mt. Vernon. Missing Alaska, they found northern Washington state to be a close second. Several high school friends also  lived in the area.

Ralph and Marlene took their first overseas voyage to Norway this retirement time. They also bought an RV and took many family vacations in the western United States. Ralph thought for a time about opening a computer store, but decided to stay retired.

Ralph worked as Condo Association president, and worked within the local Lutheran Church.

Ralph had a quadruple bypass in 1998, and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2003. Marlene was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and died in 2010. Ralph died Feb. 13 in Bellingham Rehabilitation Center surrounded by family and friends.

Ralph was a kind, funny, intelligent man, and a sweet and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be dearly missed, his family said.

Gary James Stevens

Fisherman Gary James Stevens passed away in Wrangell on Feb. 12, 2017, just two days after his 75th birthday.

He was born Feb. 10, 1942, to James C. Stevens and Patricia Youens, one of five children.

Gary spent most of his life commercial fishing, first on his father’s boat then later building and fishing and shrimping on the Miss Susan. He would regularly donate his catch to local businesses, benefits and charities. For years he would take the herring eggs harvested in Sitka back to Wrangell, where he would lay them out for anyone who wanted them to take them home – a treat for most of the town.

When shrimping season began it was quite common to see people stopping by the house day and night to pick  up shrimp or his companion Linnea would drive down to the dock and meet people.  

As a fisherman throughout Southeast, Gary was a member of  the Pioneers Alaska, the Moose Lodge in Sitka, the Elks Lodge in Wrangell, and the Sons of Norway in Petersburg.

“We are sure, however, that he knew he was very loved,” a family member said. “He will be missed, never forgotten. A true character, a great man, and an excellent example of a giving, loving heart.”

Gary is survived by his two sons, Gary A. Stevens and Mark C. Stevens; his brothers Carl Stevens and Walt Stevens; and sister Rhonda Black.

He is also survived by his longtime companion Linnea Brooks, her sons Frank Churchill Jr., and Rick and (Tracy) Churchill and their two children Kaylauna and Talon Churchill, who affectionately referred to him as “Poppa,” as did Brandon and Aliyha, children of Adrienne and Matt Kenfield.

Gary also leaves behind several nieces and nephews whom he truly adored.

All are welcome to join the family for a service and celebration of his life, at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 5, at Harbor Light Church in Wrangell, followed by a reception at 3 p.m. at the Wrangell Elks Lodge.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to a favorite charity.

Memorial For

Myron Wheeler

To be March 2

 A memorial service for Myron Wheeler, a longtime resident of Sitka, will be held 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 2, at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church.

Following the service, a potluck gathering will be held downstairs in Corrigan Hall. Friends of Myron are welcome to  are asked to  bring food to share.

Myron died Jan. 30, 2015, in Nome, where he had moved a few months earlier. He was 79.

Myron is remembered for his Native carvings, which were exhibited to locals and visitors. He shared his craftsmanship with many, including students at Mt. Edgecumbe High School where he taught carving in the evenings.

Myron, born Sept. 23, 1935, grew up in Teller and had lived many years in Sitka. He earned an Honorable Discharge from the Alaska Territorial Guard into which he had been drafted. He was an active member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Sitka. He was referred to as the Dockside Ambassador, and as an auxiliary member he walked the docks often, inspecting recreational boats and offering safety tips to the public. He took a special interest in Kids Don’t Float Boxes and worked hard to assure they were in order. 

His was a large family, and survivors live around Alaska, and in Siberia.

“For those who knew Myron, we have lost a good friend,” one of his many Sitka friends said. 

Bonnie Heins

Bonnie Heins, 67 of Indian River, Mich., and formerly of Sitka, passed away at home on Feb. 22, 2017.

Bonnie was born on March 28, 1949, in Morris, Minn., the daughter of Erwin and Esther (Hauglund) Heins.  After graduating from Morris High School in 1967, Bonnie attended X-Ray Tech School in Minneapolis.

During her career as an X-ray technician, Bonnie lived in Minnesota, Oklahoma and Sitka, before moving to Indian River in 1996.  

When she first came to Sitka, Bonnie worked as a fish processor at Sitka Sound Seafoods. It was demanding work with high standards and she was proud of her work there. Later she went to work as an X-ray technician at SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital.  

After moving to Indian River, Bonnie worked at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey in mammography.

It was in Sitka in 1986 that she met the love of her life, Richard Gay. They were married here in 1991.

Bonnie enjoyed canoeing, camping, fishing, sewing and spending time with her dogs. She was an accomplished seamstress, making most of her own clothing in her youth and continuing with her passion for sewing throughout her life. She enjoyed helping Rick with his honey bees and spending time in their 1930 Ford Model A. They made many friends in the Northern Rods & Rides Car Club in Indian River.

Rick will always be grateful to their friends for their love and support throughout Bonnie’s illness.  

Bonnie loved all of her family and she enjoyed staying in touch with them.  She is survived by Rick, her husband of 25 years; her mother, Esther Peterson of Morris, Minn.; a sister, Susan Heil of Georgetown, Texas; nephew Jeffrey Heins; nieces Kris Heins, Kathie Ellefson, Sara Baker and Jennifer Lefforge; several great-nieces and -nephews; and her sister-in-law, Carol Heins.

She was preceded in death by her father and a brother, David Heins.

Bonnie’s family and friends will remember her at a memorial service to be held in the near future.  Final interment will be with her family in Morris, MN. Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Women’s Resource Center or Hospice of the Straits in Cheboygan or Cheboygan County Humane Society. 

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Please share your memories and personal messages with Bonnie’s family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Mcclenahan

On Feb. 19, 2017, Barbara Mcclenahan finished her journey and went home to spend eternity with Jesus.  Barb was welcomed home by her mother Lois Darlene Mcclenahan-Cucchiari who had gone on before her.

Barbara, 57, was a lifelong Sitka resident.

Barbara was a loving mother of two fantastic daughters, Chantilly Rose Mcclenahan and Chava Mcclenahan.   Barbara was surrounded with love from her two sisters Cynthia Mcclenahan and Kathleen Garcia, and her brother Herbert Mcclenahan.

Barbara was blessed with many nieces and nephews and four grand- nieces and -nephews.

Barbara was a quiet, unassuming person who loved to contribute to the lives around her in so many ways.  She was known by many as the go-to mom on the topic of Smith-magenis syndrome (SMS), and not only advocated for more understanding on SMS but was always ready to offer an encouraging word to the many parents around the world who faced the SMS challenge.

 Barb loved to create in the kitchen and friends and family never knew when Chantilly would show up at the door with one of her Mom’s creations to give away.

Barbara lived her very full life right here in Sitka and very rarely felt the need to venture out. She knew Sitka as home and where her heart was. She leaves Sitka and the world a better place, and will be remembered and missed by many in all parts of the earth. 

“Barbara is in a better place, surrounded by family who have gone on before, and until we see her again we say ‘We love you Barb, see you in awhile.’” 

In keeping with Barb’s unassuming manner a memorial service will be limited to immediate family. 

Chuck Johnstone

Chuck Johnstone was like the wilderness he loved and fought for: strong and quiet. 

He died February 25, peacefully in his sleep, at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Wash. He was 93.

With Chuck’s passing a beacon of the old Alaska homesteading ways was lost. His life was made full through resilience, grit, making do, hard work and experiencing the gifts of wild places.

Often dressed in wool, canvas or flannel, Chuck was an uncomplicated fellow whose warm heart and smile will endure in spirit as long as will the wilderness areas he helped to create.

Born June 12, 1923, in Burton, S.C., Charles Hershel Johnston was one of five children, four boys and a girl. The family came to Alaska in 1925. The father, Allan E. Johnstone, was a lighthouse keeper, and the family lived on small lighthouse stations around Southeast Alaska until the mid 1930s when they moved to Juneau. One dark winter morning on the school bus, Chuck, 16, met Alice Sherwood, 15, who was to be his bride and faithful partner for the next 74 years. 

Chuck and Alice were married in June 1942 at the original Chapel by the Lake in Juneau. They had one night in the brand-new Baranof Hotel and then Chuck had to return the next day to Sitka, where he was working on the Sitka Naval Air Station.

Chuck enlisted in the U.S. Navy that same year and was stationed on Japonski Island. He was sent next to Dutch Harbor then to the South Pacific until the war’s end.

When Chuck returned from the war he worked several jobs, including truck driver, dog catcher, chief of police, and deputy U.S. marshal.

He worked at the ALP pulp mill for 15 years. Starting in the 1970’s, Chuck, with his boats the Kittywake and then the Fairweather, worked with Jack Calvin and his family in offering wildlife viewing trips with the purpose of inspiring those from the Lower 48 to support creation of the West Chichigof/Yacobi Island Wilderness Area. 

In 1967 he attended one of his children’s parent teacher nights at Sitka High School and met some like-minded teachers. They started a club that would eventually become the Sitka Conservation Society. Through SCS, Chuck and Alice fought to create the first citizen-nominated federally designated Wilderness Area, the West Chichagof/Yacobi Island Wilderness Area, which was eventually designated in 1980. In 2010 Chuck and Alice traveled to Washington, D.C., to receive, on behalf of Sitka Conservation Society, the Bob Marshall Champions of Wilderness Award from the U.S. Forest Service. 

Chuck and Alice are part owners of Old Harbor Books, which they started 40 years ago with Lee and Linda Schmidt,   Don Muller and Mary Stensvold. 

Until recently, Chuck was often found chopping wood or moving boulders from one end of Fairweather Cove to the other in front of his family’s Shotgun Alley home.  With a cheery spirit, he used a peavey to move things that would wash up on his beach – logs, boats, docks. One felt that with a block and tackle Chuck could move the earth.

He straightened nails to re-use them, saved every pump and engine for parts, had a pvc pipe collection that would put a plumber to shame, and never met an old tool that couldn’t be fixed. He could piece anything together and he often did to fix boat engines, eye glasses, wheelbarrows, sinks, boilers and vehicles.

He developed hundreds of systems that allowed him to do jobs like moving large rocks and big logs, shoveling the boat house roof, building docks and floats and launching a skiff entirely by himself. He was a one-man crew.  

Aside from his family and his wife of many years, Chuck’s biggest passion was wilderness. He explored the rocky beaches and mossy forest of West Chichagof with all the enthusiastic curiosity of a ten-year-old boy. He saw birds and whales and wildlife long before most people did and is remembered for sitting calmly at the helm of his boat sipping a cup of coffee.

With a twinkle in his eye, he warmly and wholeheartedly shared his knowledge of the area with willing listeners. He felt part of the natural world, not just a visitor to it.

Chuck found joy in watching birds nest, feeding the ducks on the beach and keeping track of whale migrations, and herring spawn.

He was a charming flirt who always had a quick quip for passersby who asked, “How’s everything going?” his reply: “I don’t know, I haven’t tried everything yet.” 

He is survived by his wife Alice Johnstone, Sitka; his children Gale (Phil) Brownell of Sebastapol, Calif.; Brian ( Pam) Johnstone of Arlington, Wash.; Greg (Cynthia) Johnstone of Sitka and Cosmopolis, Wash.; and his  grandchildren Peter (Mindy), Erik (Anna), Karl, Emily and Alexander, Allan, Kristina, Joelle, and Anna.

His great-grandchildren Niko, Rona, Matvey, Marcus, Madison, Hailey, Lucas, and Everit, and several great-great-grandchildren also survive.

He was preceded in death by his son Jay; his brothers Allan, Robert and Mikesel; his sister Esther; and his parents, Allan Eastman Johnstone and Esther Mary Foy Johnstone Clithero.

In Chuck’s memory gifts may be made to the Sitka Conservation Society Living Wilderness Fund, the Sitka Public Library or the Sitka Sound Science Center.

A celebration of Chuck’s life will be  held 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 19, in the Del Shirley Room in Allen Hall on the SJ campus.

Larry Allen Hoffman

Larry Allen Hoffman, a former Sitkan, passed away on Feb. 25, 2017, in Tampa, Florida, surrounded by his family. He was 69.

Larry was born on Nov. 26, 1947, to Doyle and Betty (Johnson) Hoffman in Longview, Wash. In 1954, the family moved to Ketchikan where they lived through all of Larry’s school age years.

In high school, Larry was a member of the National Guard. As family story has it, he missed too many National Guard meetings, so the Army drafted him right after he graduated from Ketchikan High School in 1966. For most of the two years he was in the Army, he was stationed stateside and enjoyed serving as a glorified chauffeur near San Francisco.

After his time in the service, he moved back to Southeast Alaska where he lived and raised a family in Sitka and then in Juneau. He apprenticed and eventually became a pipefitter, retiring in 2008. 

Larry had an admirable work ethic, which inspired many around him, especially his children. He would never admit it, but he cared deeply about helping others and would frequently go out of his way to help his family, his friends and even strangers.

He eventually settled in Portland, Ore., and married Judy (Duke) Hoffman on Oct. 15, 1990. They enjoyed traveling together – visiting friends and relatives and embarking on cruises. They spent many years in the Portland metro area until the desire for warmth, golf cart rides, and two-for-one drinks, led them to The Villages, Florida, where Larry happily spent the last year of his life.

Larry had a lot of love. He collected ex-wives, children, and pets and he loved them all very much. He also loved and cherished his friends; some of his best memories and stories included friends, rum, tequila, and attending obscure festivals and events in the middle of nowhere. Larry will be remembered for the love he showed his friends and family. 

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Judy Hoffman; his children, Dan (Libby) Hoffman, Dena (Dave) Whipple, and Mindy (Morgan Montgomery) Hoffman; his grandchildren, Tori Tucker and Emily Whipple; his mother, Betty Hoffman; his brother, Richard (Rick) Hoffman; his brother-in-law, Bob Duke; his best friends, Lyle and Brenda Annis; and his dog, Maggie. He was preceded in death by his father, Doyle Hoffman. 

A party will be held for Larry on March 11, starting at 4:30 p.m. in the Cascade Grill at the Oregon Zoo, a place Larry and Judy loved and were members of for many years.  

In addition to his recent fight with mesothelioma, which he courageously took on at every turn, Larry battled Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma for years. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (donate.lls.org).

Memories may be shared with the family at: EvergreenMemorialGardens.com.

Lester Paul Davis

Lester Paul Davis celebrated his 67th birthday with his family in Sitka on March 6, 2017, and on March 7 he  passed away in his sleep at the family home in Sitka.  

Lester was born in Juneau to Gertrude Austin-Davis and David Davis II. He was a member of the Eagle Shark Clan Woosh Kee Taan of the NU Hit House of Angoon.  

Lester grew up in Juneau, and graduated from JDHS in 1969. In the fall he joined the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. He received awards for Marksman and Purple Heart as a wounded warrior. He was Honorably Discharge for his service.  He always considered himself a proud Native veteran.

His career covered employment with the State of Alaska, Alaska Pulp Co. Sitka pulp mill, and the seafood industry.

He served as commander of the American Legion Post 13 in Sitka.  He was a loyal Oakland Raiders fan his entire adult life.  

Lester was preceded in death by both his parents, along with siblings Viola Joyce Elisoff, Carol (Carrie) Alberts, David H. Austin, and Earl E. Peters Jr., and on his paternal side Ronnie Davis.

Lester is survived by brothers and sisters on his mother’s side, Jeffrey J. Elisoff, Joni J. Roberts, Jacklyn J. House, Patrick L. Elisoff, Rosa L. James, Starla Williams, Lorrisa A. Peters, Leadia J. Abeyta and Tina M. Peters; and on his father’s side David Davis III, Robert (Rabbit) Davis, Willie Davis, Patrick (Paddycakes) Davis, and adopted sister Sherry Osborne-Bratton.

Lester’s final wishes were to be cremated and his ashes placed in his favorite place—Sitka Sound, where he spent many hours fishing for salmon. His family and the opposite clan will finish his request Friday, March 17.

Michael Noel Wien

Michael Noel Wien, beloved son, brother, uncle and friend, passed away unexpectedly in Seattle, Wash., Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017. He was preparing to fly home to Alaska that evening after a great ski vacation with friends.

A celebration of his life will be held 4-7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25, in the Westmark Sitka Banquet Room.

Donations in Michael’s memory can be made to the UAF School of Management or the Harry and Sally Porter Heart Center.

Michael, 52, was born Oct. 14, 1964, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Fairbanks, to Richard and Sally (O’Neill) Wien. He attended Barnette Elementary, Tanana Junior High and West Valley High School, graduating in 1982, “the best class ever!”

He earned his bachelor’s degree in communications and marketing from the University of Arizona in 1987 and was a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.

Growing up in Fairbanks with his sisters Kelly and Leslie on the hill off Farmers Loop, and then at Harding Lake, was special. A lot of time was spent outside, planning, building, creating, plus doing all the things you could do with an old snowmachine, and a little boat with a 7.5 motor, towing each other on water skis, playing with a deck of cards and some imagination.

Those memories and traditions from childhood carried him forward into all aspects of his life. He was so proud to be from Fairbanks and to have the parents and history that he did. He shared his love of Alaska with friends from around the world, at times bringing them home, and leading the way with his charm, humor and persistence.

Michael earned his pilot’s license in 1988, and for a short time was a commercial pilot for Frontier Flying Service in Fairbanks. He always had an affinity for travel and a love of business, inspired by his grandfathers William A. O’Neill and Noel Wien, and most importantly by his father, Richard. He loved to fly with his dad, having the privilege to go to lakes and rivers all over the state growing up. In 1999, he and his father flew a Stearman open cockpit biplane from Seattle to Fairbanks mostly in a snowstorm. They brought the Stearman to Alaska, so his dad and uncle Merrill could re-enact the flight Noel Wien made from Anchorage to Fairbanks in 1924. The reenactment was done in July 1999 by landing and taking off from the Park Strip in downtown Anchorage and flying to Fairbanks. Michael was thrilled to be a part of the re-enactment.

Michael worked his entire life in the visitor and travel industry. He began as a bellman at the Travelers Inn/Westmark. Then, in 1983, he worked as a tour guide for Westours/Grayline, sharing his history and love for the state and family with his passengers. He then spent almost 20 years with Holland America Cruises, ultimately as director of international sales. He worked very hard to provide the best customer service and attention to detail that his travelers deserved, and fostered that in his employees and co-workers. He spent significant time in the Caribbean and traveled around the world, making lifelong friends and always sending postcards home.

In 2011, Holland America reorganized, so Mike moved home for the summer, to stay in one time zone for a while, re-acquaint himself with his hometown, and spend time with his niece and nephews.

In 2012, he came to Sitka to work at Alaskan Dream Cruises as vice president of marketing. After four years of helping the company expand exponentially, he took the job of vice president of sales and marketing for Ravn Alaska based in Anchorage. He quickly set to work using the skills he had acquired throughout his career, fulfilling his desire to continue in the transportation and visitor industry while staying close to aviation. While living in Anchorage, and with periodic visits to his house in Seattle, Michael made many long-lasting friends. He touched so many lives and was loved by so many.

Mike had a passion for the state of Alaska. He loved everything about it. Coke Wallace, his high school classmate, college roommate and friend said, “Mike’s church is Alaska.” And Mike is heading home.

Michael was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Noel and Ada Wien; his maternal grandparents, William A. (Bill) O’Neill and Violet O’Neill; and his aunt, Jean Rozanski.

He is survived by his loving parents, Richard and Sally Wien; sisters, Kelly Wien and Leslie Wien Hajdukovich; brother-in-law, Bob Hajdukovich; nephews and niece, Nicholas Hajdukovich, Alec Hajdukovich, Connor Hajdukovich, Neill Toelle and Anya Toelle; uncles Merrill Wien (Barbara) and Bill O’Neill (Patti); and aunt, Maureen O’Neill.

He also is survived by cousins Dona Rozanski, Robyn Gunderson, Loren Rozanski, Kim Wien, Kurt Wien, Kent Wien, Christina Audette and Patrick O’Neill; Fairbanks relatives, Bonnie and Tom Roberts, Chad, Becky, and Max and their families; and many extended family members throughout Alaska and the Lower 48.

Joshua Kane Wehnes Jr.

Joshua Kane Wehnes Jr., the four-month-old son of Jacquelyn (Gravley) and Joshua Kane Wehnes, passed away March 16, 2017.

Services are pending.

“Joshua was an amazing little baby boy who touched everyone who met him,” his family said. “He was taken too soon from us to live in heaven as our angel. We love you very much Joshua Kane Wehnes Jr.”

Joshua was born Nov. 13, 2016. His family includes his parents, Joshua Kane and Jacquelyn Leeann (Gravley) Wehnes, of Sitka; sisters Cherish Ann Hamilton-Gravley and Madison Danielle Wehnes of Sitka; his grandparents Yvonne and Sean Welch of Juneau, Paula and Bruce Mathews of Sitka, Thomas Wehnes and Corrina Nakamura of Juneau, Felicitas Roman-Cruz of Juneau, and Michael and Carol Willard of Virgina; and great-grandparents Kathi Macari and Caroline and Victor Wehnes, all of Washington, and Joyce Hamilton of Virginia.

Also surviving are aunts and uncles Cassandra and Christian Hernandez of Sitka, Kimberley and Zach Alford of Virginia, Kyle Wehnes of Massachusetts, Todd Wehnes of Juneau, and Erica Porter of Juneau.

Cousins, including Riley, Eden and Knox Porter of Juneau and Jada and Isiah Alford of Virginia; and the Howard family of Sitka also survive.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Wehnes family memorial, by calling Steve Huddleson at 738-4269; or to the Meal Train, by calling Louise Olmstead at 738-1422.

Albert Carl “Buddy” Nielsen Jr.

Albert Carl “Buddy” Nielsen Jr. passed away on Jan. 4, 2017, in Washington, where he had resided since 1988. He was 68.

A military service was held Friday, March 10, in Washington.

Albert was born Nov. 28, 1948, in Sitka, the first child of Albert Nielsen Sr. and Ethel (Joseph) Makinen.

Albert’s Tlingit name was Geek’i and he was Raven/Coho of the L’uknax.ádi clan from L’ook Hit. His paternal grandparents were Peter and Dora Nielsen and maternal grandparents were Charlie and Annie Joseph.

Albert graduated from Sitka High School in 1966, and attended college in Washington. He served in the United States Navy from 1968-1972; his rating was E4 E23, a 3rd class petty officer. He served with an air wing, stationed in Hawaii, and was a Vietnam veteran. While in the Navy he met and married Anita (Domalogan) McGowan and was married to her for 36 years.

He was a clerk for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, when the offices were located at the now Mt. Edgecumbe High School. He was at Alaska Lumber and Pulp for many years; then at a lumber yard in Washington until retiring.

Albert was a Jehovah Witness for many years and held a leadership role. He was baptized in St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church and his church name was Alexi. His aunt was proud when he came back home to Sitka and he and his cousin John James did not forget the veneration of the holy icons upon entering the church. He and his cousin told their aunt that they never forgot having grown up in the church.

Albert’s family will miss him as they often did after he moved away from Sitka in 1988. His family said they are thankful that Albert is no longer suffering from the health problems he endured for years. His mother and sister, Lillian, were happy to see him, his children and grandchildren in December each year.

“He is now with our father, Albert Nielsen Sr. who died of cancer when his six children were very young, and our brothers Thomas and Phillip who passed in 2010 and 2014.”

Albert’s wish was to move back home to Sitka and he talked about this for many years. Unfortunately, he was not well enough to make the trip.

He is survived by his mother, Ethel “Daasdiyaa” Makinen who is 85; his brothers, Jeffrey Nielsen, Kenneth Nielsen Sr. (whose son K.L., lived with Albert when he was very young and called Albert “Uncle Pa”); and sister, Lillian Nielsen Young (husband Kyle and children Kyla and Joshua). 

He loved his children and grandchildren very much. His grandchildren referred to him as Papa. He is survived by his sons Nick Nason (wife, Maria and grandchildren Mica, Nica and Jade Nason), William Nielsen (Lynn and grandchildren Olivia, Sabrina and Tristan), Julie Wischer (Bernie and grandchildren Makayla, Alyssa, Jennevieve, Jenae and Zacharias), Melanie Nielsen and Nicole Nielsen (Jason and grandchildren Morgan, Lyla and Jacob).

His daughter, Melanie took care of him for many years so that he did not have to live in an assisted living home. This took a lot of work and his family is thankful for this.

He was predeceased by his father Albert Carl Nielsen Sr.; his brothers Thomas Nielsen and Phillip Nielsen; and a granddaughter, Isabella Renee Nielsen (William and Lynn).

Albert’s mom, Ethel (Joseph) Makinen, may be contacted at 717 Biorka Street Sitka, AK 99835. Cards will be forwarded to his children.

Donald D. Barron, 68, died peacefully March 10, 2017, surrounded by loved ones, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Walla Walla, Wash. He had been a resident of Dayton, Wash., for the past two years.

He was born September 4, 1948, in Houston, Texas, to William and Leota Carpenter Barron. He attended local Houston schools, graduating from Lamar High School with the class of 1966. He attended the University of Texas and graduated from the University of Houston with a B.A. degree in psychology in December 1970.

He married Jane Whaley on May 18, 1969, at the Rice University Chapel in Houston.

He worked many years for Harris County Texas as a computer programmer and database administrator, retiring in 2006 to move to Sitka to join his wife and other family members. Both he and Jane worked for the Center for Community in Sitka, retiring in 2015 to move to Dayton.

Don enjoyed the great outdoors, music, reading, and going to the movies. He played the tuba and string bass and loved Seattle for its jazz bands and other cultural offerings.

He is survived by his wife Jane; daughter Emily Barron and granddaughter Shelby Mandes; daughter Amy and son-in-law Eric Kinkead; son Ellery Barron; sister-in-law Diane Whaley; and first cousin Mary Summers.

Memorial services were held on March 22, 2017, at Grace Episcopal Church in Dayton. Those who wish may contribute to the Grace Episcopal Memorial Fund or to a charity of the donor’s choice through the Hubbard-Rogg Funeral Home, 111 S. 2nd St., Dayton, WA 99328.

Gerry Arleta (Sexten) Young

Gerry Arleta (Sexten) Young, of Anchorage, a former Sitka resident, died peacefully, family at her side, on March 27, 2017. She was 77.

Gerry was born to George and Isabelle (Browne) Sexten on Nov. 20, 1939. In 1957, she enrolled at Ohio Wesleyan University where she met Chuck Young the very first day of class in Religion 101. Four years later, on June 17, 1961, they married, in Waukegan, Ill. Gerry earned her Ph.T. (Putting Hubby Through) while Chuck attended seminary and earned a doctor of ministry degree. On Oct. 27, 1963, their daughter Allison Anne was born, and on Jan. 24, 1965, their son Christopher arrived.

In 1961, Gerry began a teaching career in gifted and talented education with a specialty in environmental education. Her career helped keep the family in sailboats and islands at their beloved Kashe Lake in Ontario, Canada, and to move to Fairbanks in 1978. During her teaching career in Alaska, Gerry received many awards for her outstanding and innovative teaching, culminating in 1988 with her winning a candy apple red Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais International for her ground-breaking work with students on contributing data on acid rain and snow to NOAA’s database.

Gerry also became known as the “Dinosaur Lady” in Fairbanks, working with UA paleontology faculty, providing leadership on dinosaur excavations on the Colville River, developing an Alaska Teacher Training Program for Alaska Dinosaur Education, as well as cataloging dinosaur bones at the UAF Museum. During all of this she constantly supported Chuck’s work in prison ministry in United Methodist churches in Illinois and Alaska, and in United Campus Ministry at UAF. 

In 1993, Gerry retired from teaching, only to find herself deeply immersed as a volunteer in Sitka, where the Youngs moved when Chuck became the pastor at Sitka United Methodist Church. Her second career as a community volunteer culminated when she had the experience of releasing a bald eagle that she helped rehabilitate.

In 2001, the Youngs moved to Cooper Landing, where they built their dream home near Kenai Lake. Gerry loved living at the lake, enjoying walks with Chuck and their dog, Angel along the lake, painting, quilting, attending church at the Moose Pass United Methodist Church, and delighting in visits with Allison and her husband, Barron McLain, and their daughter Emily; and Christopher and his wife, Carla, and their children Allison Renee and Roscoe.

In 2012, Chuck and Gerry moved to Chester Park in Anchorage. In 2013, Gerry became a resident of Serenity Circle Assisted Living Home where she received loving and extremely competent attention until her death. 

During her teaching and volunteering careers, Gerry influenced, in very significant ways, more than 10,000 students and adults with her creativity, multitude of talents, and magnetic and charming personality. Gerry and Chuck were married 55 years during which she was his shining light and best friend, while also guiding and supporting their children, Allison and Christopher.

Gerry’s life will be celebrated at St. John United Methodist Church, in Anchorage, 3 p.m. Saturday, April 8. A reception will follow. All are invited. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Southern Poverty Law Center or Bread for the World. 

LeRoy Allan “Lee” Bagley

LeRoy Allan “Lee” Bagley, a Sitka resident, died of cancer March 30, 2017, at Sitka Community Hospital. He was 63.

He was born Feb. 4, 1954, the third son of Gail and Louise (Nelson) Bagley, in Sheldon Jackson Infirmary in Sitka, when Alaska was a territory, not yet a state. His father and an aunt, Florence Schutte, delivered him.

LeRoy attended Sitka schools, graduating from Sitka High School in 1972. He attended Sheldon Jackson College for one year then transferred to Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wash. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree with a double major in chemistry and biology.

After college graduation he lived in Lakewood, Wash., where he was emloyed by Pennwalt (Agchem). He later worked for Washington State Department of Ecology.

He married Laurie Boshers on July 3, 1981, and they made their home in Puyallup, Wash. They had two children, Leahna and Chris.

LeRoy moved back to Sitka in 2005, and went to work for the Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association. At the onset of his illness, he was employed as a fish culturist at Sitka Sound Science Center. He was proud of the work being done at the Science Center, and loved being a part of it and with the people who worked there. He was dedicated to maintaining and preserving the ecosystem.

He was an avid outdoorsman, who loved fishing, camping and spending time in nature. His love for the environment was evident in his life’s work.

He also enjoyed music, and was a talented guitarist.

His reverence for and vast knowledge of nature and biology will be missed by all who knew him.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents and former wife, Laurie.

He is survived by his daughter, Leahna (Dustin Collier) Bagley of Sitka; his son Chris (Jackie) Leker Bagley and their children, Kaetlyn, Ciah and Blain Bagley of Rock Springs, Wyo.; his brothers, Mike (Cathy) Bagley of Sitka and Gary (Debbie) Bagley of Simpsonville, S.C.; and many other relatives and friends.

A celebration of his life is planned for later this summer.

Carolyn Marie Howard

Carolyn Marie Howard, of Frisco, Texas, died on March 25, 2017, at home with family. She was 45.

She was born on October 23, 1971, in Sitka, the daughter of Joelle (Barden) and Ray Clough. She attended Baranof Elementary School, Blatchley Junior High, and Sitka High School.

In 1986, she married Don Howard, and they had two children, Tyler and Jessica.

They lived in Juneau and then Idaho before moving to Frisco, where she worked as a stock supervisor at Banana Republic. 

She dedicated herself to her family. A unique soul, Carolyn was very funny, and enjoyed reading comic books. She enjoyed taking the kids on vacations – she especially liked going to the Grand Canyon.

She will be greatly missed.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Donald A. Howard, of Frisco, Texas,  and her children, Tyler and Jessie; her mom, Joelle Eimers, of Meridian, Idaho; her dad, Ray Clough, Sitka; sisters Colleen Clough of Meridian and Marcia Eimers (Bill) Arnold of Lewiston, Idaho; aunts Claudia Barden of Meridian and Rosemary (Pat) Burnett of Sitka; and uncles David (Jackie) Barden of Cheney, Wash., and Robert (Dolores) Barden of Parma, Idaho.

Cards and contributions can be mailed to: Don Howard, 9400 Wade Blvd., Apt. 1411, Frisco, TX 75035.

Tom True

Longtime U.S. border agent Tom True died March 21 at the Sitka Pioneers Home, following a long decline due to dementia, and more recently Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS). His wife of 42 years, Shelley McLaughlin-True, was with him.

A celebration of his life will be held 1:30 p.m. April 21 at the Pioneers Home chapel.

Thomas Jesse True was born in 1949 in Portland, Ore., to Gail and Charles True. His father worked for a phone company and his mother was a homemaker who played violin. True began playing the piano at four, and played on the same piano his entire life. He attended Willamette University as a National Merit Scholar, and earned his master’s degree from Idaho State University in 1974.

He met Shelley McLaughlin in 1974 when she enrolled in a summer field course in which he was teacher’s assistant. As a practical joke, he asked her to carry a large stick for two miles, saying it was for the professor. They married on May 24, 1975, in her hometown of Rocklin, Calif. His pranks continued throughout their married life. He would steal jigsaw puzzle pieces from her, and “either hide it or swoop in to complete the puzzle,” his son Micah said. When their sons were four and seven, True convinced them shoveling snow was fun by presenting them kid-sized snow shovels as if they were “the keys to new motorcycles.”

For more than 30 years, True served as an inspector for the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, beginning in 1975 in Eastport, Idaho. He moved to Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C., in 1976 and then to Haines in 1978, where the family lived first in the former custom’s house at Main Street and Old Haines Highway, and the next year moved to the new border station at Dalton’s Cache. He retired from Customs and Border Protection in 2008.

True was a longtime Haines Borough Public Library board member, and a devoted father to sons Nick and Micah. He was deeply introverted, and few outside of the family knew him well, family members said.

He was a supporter of the Arbor Day Foundation, Sierra Club, National Wildlife Association and the World Wildlife Fund.

Micah True said his father had “quiet humility” and did not draw attention to his achievements that included gifted piano playing and a master’s degree in zoology. His thesis was “The Behavior and Ecology of the Pika.” While working at the border, True collected butterflies for University of Alaska Fairbanks researcher Ken Phillips, and after retiring, conducted his own experiments to learn if butterflies are attracted to some colors more than others.

True is survived by wife Shelley Mc Laughlin-True of Juneau; sons Nick of Juneau and Micah of Edmonton, Alberta; granddaughter Alex True of Edmonton; mother Gail Taylor and brother Glenn True of Portland, and two nieces. A brother, Scott True, and his father, Charles True, preceded him in death.

Tom True especially adored his toddler granddaughter. “He wrote her letters until he was no longer able to write, and spent a lot of time watching a slide show of her pictures on his TV,” Micah said. They skyped several times a week, and she wall-papered the room of her “Babu” with her artwork.

Cards may sent to the Trues c/o Sitka Pioneer Home, 120 Katlian St., Sitka, AK 99835.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations to the Arbor Day Foundation, Sierra Club, National Wildlife Association or the World Wildlife Fund.

Peter Lyle Bryan

Peter Lyle Bryan, 69, died March 12, 2017,  in Seattle after an illness.

Peter was born Feb. 22, 1948, in Ponoma, Calif., to Petrea and Hugh Bryan.

He was preceded in death by his sister Susan Rice and brother James Bryan; and a close friend, Joyce Otto.

He is survived by a sister, Donna Bryan Peterson of Maple Valley, Wash.; nephews David Rice of Sitka and Robert Rice of Chehalis, Wash., and Kazan Peterson in Puyallup, Wash.; and a niece Sarahlynn Schenck, Sumner, Wash.

Peter grew up in Pomono, with a loving extended family. When his father obtained a managing position at Alaska Lumber and Pulp, the family moved to Sitka, where he enjoyed boating, camping, fishing and hunting.

He attended Sitka High 1962-1963. The family moved to Eureka, Calif., where Peter attended Eureka High,  graduating in 1966.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve as a clerk in Viet Nam. Afterwards he obtained an AA degree and worked in radio. He attended Humboldt State University where he studied business.

He was gentle and kind, enjoying a quiet life reading, collecting books, hiking and camping in the California and Hawaii mountains. He enjoyed music and attended festivals.

He worked for AT&T in the 1980s and the DMV in 1990s, where he managed the Weaverville, Calif., office by 2001.

In 2009 he retired and became a watch tower fire lookout, a job he loved. In 2011 he moved to Seattle to be near his sister Donna, her family and his friend Joyce.

He donated to wildlife, public radio and human rights charities. He researched his ancestors including Calvin Henry Hale, an influential person in early Washington history.

“He will be dearly missed as we adored him for his warmth, kindness, intelligence and wonderful sense of humor,” his family said.

 Services will be held at the Maple Valley Presbyterian Church 2:30 p.m. on April 9.

Anita Anderson

Anita Anderson passed away April 2 from cancer at her home in Port Orchard, Wash.,  surrounded by family.

She was 63. 

She was born Dec. 23, 1953, in Sitka, the fourth child of Clinton and Alice (Brown) Holmes. 

In 1965 she moved with her family to Port Orchard, Wash. She graduated from South Kitsap High School in 1972. She loved horseback riding in those years. 

She received an AA in law enforcement from Olympic College in 1976, and held several positions in civil service. In 1983 she became a journeyman Electro-Plater, working at both PSNS and IMF-Bangor. She retired in 2009. 

Anita loved doing things with her family, and really “dug” being grandma. She was a mom figure to many, and very hospitable to all she met. 

Anita is survived by her husband of 20 years, Richard Anderson; children Daniel Weber and Jennifer Parris; grandchildren Celese, Morrigan, Rowan, Anthony, Dakota and Zoey; sisters, Mauna Lehmann and Linda (Mike) LaFrance, both of Port Orchard; sisters-in-law Becky Holmes of Wasilla  and Debbie Holmes of La Mirada, California. 

Anita was preceded in death by her parents, and three brothers, Jay D. Holmes, Marty Holmes and Ken Holmes. 

She will be missed by all who knew her, plus every casino in Western Washington.

William “Bill” Edward Fish

U.S. Air Force Cpt. William “Bill” Edward Fish passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, after a heart attack at his home in Pataskala, Ohio. He was 54.

 Bill was a member of Sitka High School’s class of 1980.

He received a B.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from Virginia Tech in 1984 and an MBA from Westchester University in 1993.

He served in the U.S. Air Force as a development engineer specializing in astronautics. He primarily worked with Air Force Materiel Command, specifically with the Air Logistics Complex with the 76th Maintenance Wing out of Tinker AFB. For his service in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm Bill received a National Defense Service Medal Joint Meritorious Unit Award, as well as many other decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons.

After finishing his career in the Air Force, Bill went on to be a successful software developer. He was employed with Nationwide Insurance in Columbus, Ohio, at the time of his death.

Bill was a passionate triathlete. He spent countless hours running, swimming, and cycling – most recently he was training for an Ironman race.

In addition to spending time racing and training, Bill was also an active member of the Episcopal Church. He previously served as a junior warden in a previous parish, and currently volunteered with a committee working to address the opiate crisis in Ohio.

Bill loved spending time with his family, and was looking forward to the birth of his first grandchild in August. Bill will be remembered for his dedication to serving his country and community.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, MaryAnn A. Goodman-Fish, of  Pataskala; his son, Daniel B. Fish and wife Laura D. Fish; his daughter AnnaBeth M. Feltner and husband, Matthew R. Feltner; his parents, Robert B. Fish and Marcia M. Fish; his brother Robert J. Fish; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Helen Fish, and Edward and Marcia Morgan, and uncle Edward Morgan.

A memorial service is planned Saturday, May 6, in Quakertown, Pa. He will be interred at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets or St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Pickerington, Ohio.

Richard Daniel Miyasato

Services for Richard Daniel Miyasato will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at the Salvation Army.

Richard died April 17 in Sitka, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 56.

He was born July 17, 1960, in Bethel, the second of six children of Katie Charley David and Chester John Miyasato Sr.

The family moved to Sitka in 1962, and Richard attended school here from kindergarten through high school. He attended some college in Oregon, and later lived in Anchorage where he worked as a night auditor at Anchorage Hilton Hotel and in banking with the National Bank of Alaska.

He returned to Sitka in 2010.

Richard had a deep and loving respect for his Tlingit, Yupik and Japanese heritage and culture. A soft-spoken, thoughtful man, he was very organized.

He was passionate about sports. He enjoyed everything to do with sports, especially local high school sports teams, and the Boston Celtics and Red Sox teams.

But foosball was his major sport. Both he and his cousin, Tony Moreno, won state championships, and  represented Alaska in out-of-state tourneys.

Richard’s father, Chester Miyasato Sr., died in December 2005.

He is survived by his mother, Katie Miyasato and siblings Chester Miyasato Jr. and wife Susan; Nick Miyasato Sr. and wife Rachel; Liz Miyasato and partner Ole; Ben Miyasato; and Chuck Miyasato and his son Kenneth, all of Sitka.

Also surviving are aunts and uncles on his mother’s side of the family, Carrie, Sadie, Elmie, George, Nick, Joshua and Oscar; and an aunt on his father’s side, Harriet Beleal.

Many first cousins, nieces and nephews throughout Alaska and the Lower 48 also survive.

Honorary pallbearers are Robert Weddel, Brian Weddel, David Miyasato, Andrew Roberts, Tony Moreno,  George Moreno, Phillip Moreno, Randy Peters, Chris Parker, Michael Miyasato, Nick Miyasato Jr. and Nickayo Miyasato.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to Chuck Miyasato for a trust fund for Richard’s favorite nephew, Kenneth.