Bertha Bloomer Johnson

Bertha Bloomer Johnson, a public health nurse midwife, died Sept. 23, 2017, after nearly 70 years in Alaska. She was 96.
Bertha was a loving companion to her husband, a devoted mother and true friend. She had a caring heart, formidable intellect, and an adventurous and independent spirit which defied the conventions of her time. She is deeply missed.
Services were held Sept. 29 at the Sitka Pioneers Home Chapel, and Sept. 30 at Chapel by the Lake in Juneau, her home until moving to Sitka with her husband, Martin, in 2013.
Bertha Louise Bloomer was born April 6, 1921, in Port Providence, Pa., the fourth of four children of Howard and Harriet (Smoyer) Bloomer. Her father worked in the steel mills, her mother was a homemaker.
From the time she was a small child she loved to read. A gifted student, she was valedictorian of her graduating class at Phoenixville High School, and at Johns Hopkins University and Simmons College.
When Bertha was 19, her mother passed away, and with little extra money Bertha enrolled in nearby Ursinis College. After two years she was accepted at Johns Hopkins University, where she received an RN certification, and then earned her bachelor’s in nursing at Simmons College.
Seeking adventure, Bertha went on to train in Kentucky with the Frontier Nursing Services as a nurse midwife. Along with learning about midwife techniques she was trained in horsemanship as well – horseback was the mode of transportation in the rural areas she served.
In 1948, seeking new adventure, she accepted a position in the Territory of Alaska as a public health nurse, headquartered in Juneau. She was hired to improve infant mortality throughout the territory. In this role, she traveled across Alaska as a field nurse midwife and also as a nursing supervisor, working with mothers and local midwives in their own Aleut, Eskimo and Indian villages. She wrote and hand-illustrated a library of public health, nursing and midwife booklets and pamphlets that were published by the Territory  and distributed to villages.
She met Martin H. Johnson while stationed in Naknek, Martin’s hometown. They were married Oct. 27, 1951, in Naknek, and they moved to Juneau where Bertha continued her work. She retired when Marty, the first of their three children, was born.
Although retired, Bertha became the unofficial nurse practitioner for Fritz Cove Road. She made house calls and recommended treatments or indicated when the patient should see a doctor.
She also was active in Chapel By the Lake, and was one of the Chapel Ladies, who saw to a large part of the church’s work. She helped at Rainbow Glacier Camp as a counselor, a cook and an activities assistant.
She also enjoyed crafts, knitting and sewing, and made many gifts, costumes and decorations for her family and friends.
When the grandkids started coming, Elizabeth, Ben, Amon, Jenner and Matt, “Grandma Bertha” always had craft projects that she would take with her to share with her grandkids and their friends.
In spring 2014, Bertha and Martin moved into the Sitka Pioneers Home. There she kept up her crafts – among her creations were Christmas bells made from used medicine cups. She also enjoyed many quilting afternoons at the Sitka Lutheran Church, which she and Martin attended while in Sitka.
Bertha was preceded in death by her husband Martin, who died in September 2016; two brothers, Edward and Charles Bloomer; and sister Elizabeth (Bloomer) Michener.
Bertha is survived by son Marty (Tina) Johnson of Sitka; son Eric (Sue) Johnson, formerly of Anchorage and now of Gresham, Oregon; daughter Susan McFadden of Sitka; grandchildren Elizabeth (Dan) Morrow of Tacoma, Ben Johnson of Gresham, Amon (Megan) Johnson of Portland, Oregon, Jenner (Lakrisha) Johnson of Sitka; and Matthew (Lauren) Johnson of Gresham; and great-grandchildren Jack Polaris Morrow of Tacoma and Olivia Kate Johnson of Portland.
Numerous nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews throughout Alaska and the United States also survive.

Louie Howard Sr.

Louie Howard Sr., a Sitka resident for most of his life, passed away in Eagle River this past Thursday, December 14. He was 81.
Louie was a funny and caring man who was born in Sitka on October 29, 1936. He grew up on the waterfront next to the Howard family’s boat shop, in the northern end of Katlian Street. His father, George, was a renowned boat-builder in town, and his mother, Helen, was a wonderful homemaker, caring for nine children.
Growing up, Louie loved to hunt and fish, and in this way helped provide for his large immediate family. He met his wife, Bonnie Grigsby, at Sheldon Jackson High School, and soon after they were wed and had six children of their own.
He loved basketball and played for several years in the City League, with several of his brothers.
While raising his family he worked diligently at several jobs, including the building of the Alaska pipeline and the O’Connell bridge, maintenance at Shee Atika, and carpentry, and was a general handyman. But as a father of five girls, he used to joke that “I can fix anything but a broken heart.”
He was involved in state politics, serving as the chairman of the Democratic party in Sitka during the Gov. Bill Sheffield era.
He was passionate about volunteering and served the City of Sitka by building the booths used at the 4th of July parade, coordinating several parades, and extending a helping hand where needed.
After raising their family of six children, Bonnie and Louie decided to enjoy their retirement years in Hawaii, and in 1999 made the move to Hilo. There they lived for the next 17 years, where Bonnie passed away in August 2016.
After the passing of his wife, Louie made his final move back to Alaska, residing in Eagle River with his son Louie Howard Jr.
He is survived by five siblings, Glenn Howard and Shirley Howard, both of Sitka, Diane Howard of Seattle, Wash., Georgina Lundy of Bremerton, Wash., and Ruby Lanham of Boise, Idaho; and all six of his children, Louie (Marla) Howard Jr. of Eagle River, Janet (Dan) Evans of Sitka, Mary (Rick) Henley of Roanoke, Va., Barbara (Ronald) Scott of Ferrum, Va., Veronica Reynolds of Klamath Falls, Ore., and Linda (Ed) Schauwecker of Juneau.
He is also survived by nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
At his request there will be no service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Sitka Salvation Army, http://sitka.salvationarmy.org/.

Dorothy Marion Didrickson

A memorial service for Pollyanna Dorothy Marion Didrickson will be held 1 p.m. January 6, 2018, at the First Presbyterian Church.
    A celebration of her life will follow immediately afterward in Latta Hall. It will be a potluck, and those attending are invited to take a favorite dish.
    Polly died Dec. 19 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was 91.
    She was born March 3, 1926, in Akiak, the daughter of Katie (White) and Norman Frank Lott. When she was 7 she went to an orphanage, the Moravian mission school in Holy Cross, Alaska.
    In 1941, she came to Sitka to attend Sheldon Jackson High School, where she met and married Herb Didrickson. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary on Sept. 4.
    Along with raising her brother Norman Lott’s children Katie and Norman for a time after his death, Polly raised her own children, Vicki, David and Herb Jr., and held several jobs. Her last secretarial job was for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game law enforcement branch.
    Polly was a “prayer warrior,” and even while she was passing away, she still prayed for others.    
    Polly was preceded in death by her husband, Sept. 25, 2017, and her three brothers, George, Ted and Norman Lott.
    She is survived by her children, Vicki Hamilton and David Didrickson, both of Anchorage, and Herb Didrickson Jr. of Sitka; eight grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
    Those wishing to make memorial contributions can send them to Herb Didrickson Jr., P.O. Box 154, Sitka.

Scott Thomas Brill, third from left

Scott Thomas Brill, 68, passed away December 25, 2017, at Sitka Community Hospital.
Scott was born on September 9, 1949, to John Thomas and Zaida Lee Cora (Mills) Brill.
He was raised in Washougal, Washington, where he attended Washougal High and played football all four years. 
When he was 18 years old, he traveled to Alaska,  working in Petersburg, at False Island and then Sitka, where he made his home since 1972.
Scott worked for McGraw Gravel and Service Transfer in Sitka before retiring in 2009.
Scott was known for his incredible sense of humor,work ethic, great smile and love for family.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Beverly (Bahrt) Brill; sons Bradley Brill, of Jacksonville, N.C., and Ty Brill (Kimberly), of Anchorage; grandchildren Breven, Kiana and Bode Brill of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Bella and Etta Brill of Anchorage.
Scott is also survived by his sisters,  Marla Cerrillo (Willie) of Vancouver, Washington, and Tammy Lehman of  Ocean Park, Washington.
Scott was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Genine Pass and Vicki Brill.
A celebration of his life is planned for July 2018.





 

Jamie Lee Reaney, who lived in Sitka for most of her life, passed away Jan. 1, 2018, at Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. She was 31.

Jamie Lee Reaney

Jamie was born Aug. 11, 1986, in Sitka to Rhonda and John Reaney. She was the oldest of two children for both Rhonda and John Reaney, and arguably the most spirited of the children. Michelle Reaney, her younger sister, followed a few years later, bringing their little family to a total of four. 

Jamie could light up a whole room without even saying a single word, but when she did speak everyone would hang on to her every word and laugh with her when she would find something entertaining.

She lived in Sitka her entire childhood and graduated from Sitka High School in 2004. She then moved to Portland, Oregon, to pursue her higher education, and made many new friends and went on many amazing adventures  that all of those here in small town Sitka loved to hear about.

She always said that Sitka was her home, but she also loved the fast-paced lifestyle that Oregon offered. Her family knew that while she enjoyed the big city, and adventure, her heart remained in Sitka, where she loved swimming in the ocean on a rainy day; laughing and smiling with her friends and family around a warm and toasty bonfire reminiscing about past shenanigans; playing video games and watching movies with her younger sister Michelle; listening to Big Foot stories from her dad John; and talking about passed family members and stories with her mom Rhonda.

Jamie moved back to Sitka in 2016 after living in Oregon for a few years. She always stated that Sitka was a place “you never could escape, and who would want to?!”

Jamie’s heart was big – she would always find ways to make people smile when they were down, would join in on any fabulous conversation to bring people together with laughter, and her smile could turn anyone’s frown upside down, her family said.

“Her spirit will be missed most of all,” they said. “You could count on Jamie to instigate a midnight ocean swimming session, to organize a hike up a trail to witness the phenomenal beauty that Alaska has to offer and that you could only see through her eyes, to recite some oddball quote from a movie we all watched and get us all giggling, or get everyone over for a get-together in her house surrounded by family and friends for one of her infamous dinner parties that would for sure lift anyone’s spirits, because laughter and smiles were never far away while she was around.”

She will be missed by the many friends and family members she has touched with her love throughout the years – people from all walks of life, as she never discriminated against anyone and welcomed everyone, her family said. 

She is survived by her parents, Rhonda (Ozawa) Reaney and John Reaney; sister Michelle Reaney; and countless aunts, uncles and cousins.

Jamie was preceded in the call to the Big Bonfire in the Sky by her grandparents Ivy (Cogo) Ozawa and Paul Ozawa; sister Dawn Marie Reaney; uncles Richard and Ray Ozawa; aunt Roberta (Ozawa) Reeves; and cousin Dustin Eisenhower. 

Jamie did not want a service to be held in a church; she wanted one last bonfire in her honor for a celebration of life. The details will be announced later.

The family requests that those who  would like to send flowers or cards, send them to the Reaney Family at 411 Andrews St. Apt E  Sitka, AK 99835.

The family greatly appreciates all the love and support this community has shown them during this difficult time. 

Ricky Lynn Cook, a 1968 graduate of Sitka High, died Dec. 17, 2017, at his home in Raymond, Wash., at the age of 67.

Ricky Lynn Cook

He was born July 25, 1950, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, oldest son of William Clyde and Thora Mae (Jolley) Cook.

He lived with his grandparents, Homer and Gladys Cook, during first grade in Sequim, Wash., and had fond memories of watching Gunsmoke on TV and sneaking downstairs for candy.

He also went to elementary schools in Port Angeles, Forks and Everett, Wash. Most of his pre-teen and teen years were spent in logging camps in Southeast Alaska, and he attended Blatchley and Sitka High. He told many stories of growing up in Sitka and how he enjoyed the people there.

In 1968 he entered the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Ulhman DD-687 and the USS Chicago CG-11. He received three medals: National Defense Service, Vietnam Service and Republic, and Vietnam Service Campaign. 

Released from active duty he was transferred to Naval Reserves in 1971-1974 with an honorable discharge.

In 1969, while on a leave, he met Kris Schott, a farm girl from Sequim, Wash. They married Dec. 4, 1971, and became the proud parents of two healthy boys, Tim and Ted.

Rick worked for numerous logging outfits in the Sequim area for about six years, then in 1977 moved to Menlo, Wash., where he continued logging and started in the heavy construction world.

 After 20 years of marriage Rick and Kris took a short break, divorced in 1992 only to remarry in 1999.

A co-worker said, “Rick was a man’s man, the John Wayne of my time. He was good at everything, most enjoyable to work with, there was no quit in the man.”

“He brought joy and laughter to the workplace along with an incredible talent to accomplish most difficult tasks,” another co-worker said.

“He was smart, he was funny, a great crane operator and a natural leader.”

He owned and operated a truck butchering business for five years in the ’80s, with his boys’ and wife’s help.

After retiring in 2010, he continued his adventures and bought a Harley Davidson, fished mainly in the Willapa and hunted in Eastern Washington with his band of brothers. He bought and worked on his own man cave in the house next door, where he enjoyed time with his buddies.

He had traveled to 48 states, enjoyed foraging for mushrooms, rock hounding, golfing, boating, or just watching old westerns while keeping an eye on the neighborhood or trying to take naps while the kids played in the back yard.

 He filled every room he entered, not just with his size but his ability to put all at ease. He gave of himself to all who knew him; if something needed fixing or someone needed help, he was there, asked or not!” his family said.

His greatest heartbreak was the loss of his two dear sons, Timothy Neal and Tedy William, in 2008.

Rick also was preceded in death by his youngest brother, Timothy W. Cook, and his mom, Tootie, who died in 1999.

Those left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren, Sabrina and Cole, (Ted’s children) and Mariah (Tim’s daughter) and her mother Marisa; brother Charles W. Cook; his wife, Kris; his father, William Clyde; Auntie Sheralyn; and an extended family, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and friends who gave him joy and companionship.

 Rick didn’t want a funeral, memorial or celebration of life service. “I have already celebrated my life with those I know and those I love,” he said.

His ashes will be scattered at his requests. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations in his name to a local home health, hospice service or Helping Hands. Condolences and cards may be sent to 5706 School St. Raymond, WA 98577.

Brenda Marie Knutson Allen

Brenda Marie Knutson Allen, a longtime Sitkan, lost her battle with cancer on January 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho, at the age of 59. She left peacefully surrounded by her family.
Brenda was a gentle warrior filled with energy and a spirit for life that was undeniable. She fiercely loved and was loved by her family and friends.
Condolences can be sent to Dania Allen, 5030 Vancouver Rd., Fairbanks, AK 99709.
A private family service is scheduled for late spring.

David Lance Meabon

Services for David Lance Meabon, a former Sitka resident, will be held 11 a.m. Jan. 19 at Prewitt Funeral Home. Graveside services will follow at the City Cemetery, and a potluck dinner will be held at 205 Lance Drive.
David died Jan. 7 at Providence Hospital in Anchorage. He was 70.
He as born May 31, 1947, in Ellensburg, Wash., the son of Kenneth and Shirley Meabon. He graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1965, then joined the U.S. Coast Guard and served until 1969. He attended Bates Technical College in 1984.
He came to Sitka with the Coast Guard in 1967, and married Colleen Jimmy in May of  that year. After his discharge from the Coast Guard in 1969, he worked for Alaska Lumber and Pulp Corp., leaving in 1986 when a strike was under way.
He later worked three years for the city as a Police Department jailer; for Alaska Airlines and then as a TSA; and for Sitka Tribe of Alaska as a bus driver. He left Sitka in 2003.
His family remembers his enjoying John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and other Western movies; playing chess; and being Santa Claus for many years for The Cellar.
He liked spending time outdoors  with his kids, camping, fishing and shooting; and teaching them about vehicle maintenance and repair.
David is survived by his wife, Colleen B. Meabon, of Anchorage; children Tracy C. Fallin of Derby, Kansas, David C. Meabon of Sitka, Jason C. Meabon of Roseburg, Ore., Heather C. Meabon of Anchorage, and Joshua C. Meabon of Sitka; his father-in-law Harry Jimmy; 15 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
His brother, Mike Meabon of Yelm, Wash., and his sister, Sandy Herrick of Texas, also survive.
Flowers, cards or donations may be mailed or delivered to 205 Lance Drive, Sitka.

Evelyn Jean Cici

    Early Saturday morning, January 6, Evelyn Jean Cici was taken home by the Lord. She drifted off to sleep and died peacefully with her daughter by her side, in her Sitka home.
    She was 77.
    She was born July 18, 1940, in Sitka, the daughter of Florence (Hayes) and Harold Donnelly. She graduated from Sitka High in 1958. She married Angelo Cici in December 1958 and lived in California until returning to Sitka in 1972, after their divorce.
    As a very young adult, Evelyn was diagnosed with mental illness, and she struggled every day. Longtime use of one medication caused permanent damage to her kidneys and 10 years ago was at stage five of renal failure. She rejected dialysis, which would have meant leaving Sitka, and once was given no more than two years to live.
    Despite the odds against her, she not only survived renal failure but many bouts of pneumonia, infections, a fractured hip, breast cancer, Parkinson’s and a host of other physical ailments.
    But she was a fighter, and amazed doctors and others at her resilience and strength. She always had faith that tomorrow would be a better day.; it always was for her.
    “We will miss her big beautiful smile, a gift straight from her heart,” her family said. “She was so loving and gave to those around her.”
    Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; her brother,  Harold ”Bunny” Donnelly; and two granddaughters, Kahana Smisek and Charissa Cici.
    Surviving are her daughter, Angela Smisek of Silverado, Calif.; sons Joe Cici of Temecula, Calif., and Kelly Cici of Van Nuys, Calif.; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
     A remembrance service is planned for early spring. It will be announced later.

Lucie Eckersall, a former member of the Sitka community, died peacefully on Dec. 11, 2017, surrounded by family in her hometown of Bishop’s Waltham, in Hampshire, England. She was 51 years old. Services were held  near her family home in England on Dec. 22, where more than 120 friends gathered to pay their respects.

Lucie Eckersall

Lucie lived in Sitka intermittently from 2003 to 2006, and returned for trips during the summer as often as she could. Despite her disagreements with the weather, she was extraordinarily fond of this coastal Alaskan town. She referred to her own notoriously rainy homeland as “essentially arid in comparison.”

She was raised in a Medieval market town along the river Hamble, where she did well at school and followed her natural inclination for mathematics. She grew to be a competitive skier, though she learned to ski on an artificial slope made of plastic bristles and which was built on sheets of plywood from the roof of a community building and ran down onto a farmer’s field. She would travel to competitions in the Alps, to which she would often drive in a vehicle with no heat or defrost, scraping the windshield with one arm as she went.

She took a mathematics degree from the prestigious University College London (over which the school’s patron, Jeremy Bentham, still presides, having been taxidermied and installed in the main foyer per his own request).  After graduation she worked her way around the Mediterranean and across the Atlantic as a ship’s cook, and came to work in a theatre in Key West, Florida, using the skills as a lighting technician which she had acquired while interning for the BBC in London. From there she took the unlikely post of bicycle courier in Washington, D.C., where her lifelong love of cycling began.

Her mathematics degree led her to teach in international schools around the globe, including five years spent in South America, as well as Italy, the UK and the United States. She led international school trips throughout Europe, Mexico, South Africa, Egypt, and Namibia, and traveled for adventure as far afield as Morocco, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. 

She was known for her iron constitution, able to eat local fare unharmed that would fell the stoutest of her traveling companions.

She was conversant in Spanish, French, Italian and – she would point out – ’Merican.  

To assist with student training for one teaching position in England, she was asked to become a civilian Flight Lieutenant (always pronounced “Left-Tenant”) for the Royal Air Force.  Though she was technically an officer, she never flew a plane and admitted never quite getting used to genuine career military professionals being required to salute her.

It was in Argentina in 1997 that she met her future husband, Nils Jackson. The couple would be together for 17 years, living and traveling together on four continents.

Lucie was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer in 1998, but after two years of extensive treatments (to which she would often ride her bicycle, claiming cheerfully that bicycling to radiation treatments felt better than sitting in traffic). She remained symptom-free until 2017. 

Lucie detected signs of a cerebral glioma in September 2017, which developed very rapidly. She died three months later. Her family reports that she was surrounded by loved ones and that there was not significant physical pain. 

While in Sitka she worked as a waitress and tour assistant, and volunteered many very happy hours with the EMS squad at the fire hall. She was also an on-call substitute math teacher at Sitka High and Mt. Edgecumbe High.

She enjoyed hiking and sailing with her husband and their friend Bill Spivey, climbing and snowboarding on Mt. Verstovia and Gavan Hill, spending time at the Hames Center, and fishing when the weather was fair and someone else was on hand to bait the hook and fillet the catch. She loved traveling by float plane, watching the northern lights and, despite the rain, would volunteer to hide herself on the damp hillsides to help train some of Sitka’s rescue dogs. She absolutely loved chatting with people at the Back Door Cafe to discuss current events, catch up with friends, or share the latest political comedy she had run across online.

She had many friends all over the world, who will remember her for her warmth, her brazen sense of humor, her tenacious sense of justice, and the hospitality she shared when Sitka folks passed through London on their way elsewhere.

She is survived by her parents, Mary and Arnold Eckersall; her sister, Faith; her brother Matthew; and a beloved niece and two nephews. Lucie is very deeply missed.

A celebration of the life of Mark Anton “Tony” Jacobs will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, 2018, at the Salvation Army in Juneau, with a reception following that service.

Tony Jacobs

Tony passed away peacefully on Dec. 21, 2017, in Medford, Ore., after a lengthy illness, his dear friend and companion Sam Collins by his side. It was six years to the day after his mother died.  

Tony was born June 2, 1952, at Sheldon Jackson hospital to Mark Jacobs Jr. and Adelaide (Bartness) Jacobs and was named Mark after his paternal grandfather and Anton after his maternal grandfather.  He attended Sitka schools from kindergarten on, graduating from Sitka High School in 1970. He then attended NW Bible College in Kirkland, Wash.  

He was from Hít Tlein (Big House) of the Yanyeidí clan of the Taku People, and his Tlingit names were Shálaghéi and Neis’deiw.  He was learning the Tlingit language as a young boy from his grandfather Mark Jacobs Sr., who was Deisheetaan, and retained a good remembrance of it. 

He was a Sentinel “paper boy” even through high school and although some made fun of his choice it provided him with chocolate bars and Coke-in-hand. To “keep up the family tradition,” he joined the U.S. Navy in 1972. Asked if he wanted sea duty or land duty he requested sea duty, and was assigned to and served his entire enlistment at an Army base in Maryland, where he lived close to former Sitka neighbors, the Youngbloods. He made several vacation trips to see his parents’ school teachers from Sheldon Jackson School.

He moved back to Sitka in 1976 and worked at the Alaska Pulp Corp. mill until 1980, when he moved to Seattle. There he met Pam and in 1983 they were married. They had a daughter, Heather Kathleen Jacobs. Tony was extremely proud to become a father. He lived in Washington State until 2009 when he moved to Reno, Nev., and then to Medford, Ore., with his long-time companion Sam.

He loved to sport fish and travel, was an avid cribbage player and liked to play Bingo.

He stayed in Juneau several times in caring for his mother during her final years. He had a wonderful sense of humor and, just like his mom, was caring, gentle and independent in spirit, and a generous soul. He will be missed by all who knew and cared for him. 

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Richard Jacobs and Phillip Jacobs, and sister Karen Mann.

He is survived by his daughter Heather Jacobs and her mother Pam Cronkrite of Sedro Woolley, Wash.; his brother Harold Jacobs of Juneau; aunts Bertha (Jacobs) Karras of Sitka, Karen (Bartness) Scriven of Huntsville, Ala., and uncle Ole Bartness of Juneau.

Nephews John Jacobs and Mark Mann; nieces Michele Moore and Rene Eubanks; and numerous cousins also survive, as well as companion Sam Collins who took care and was with him as he passed. 

Interment of the ashes with brothers Richard and Phillip will take place at a later date in Sitka.

A memorial service for Donald Rowe Ballou will be held 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at the Church of Christ, 1113 Edgecumbe Drive. A reception will follow.

Don passed peacefully in his sleep early in the morning on Jan. 21 at the Sitka Pioneers Home. He was 88.

Don was born Nov. 14, 1929, in Medera, Calif., the son of Henry Carl and Emma (Rowe) Ballou. He graduated from Medera High, and on Feb. 25, 1949, he married his high school sweetheart, Eunavae Olgetree.

In 1948, Don and three of his best buddies joined the U.S. Coast Guard, and after basic training he was shipped to Alaska aboard the U.S.C.G. Cutter Cooey. Eunavae joined him in Sitka in 1951, and they lived here for the next 65 years, before moving to Juneau in 2010 to be close to family. They had returned to Sitka early this month.

After he left the Coast Guard, Don was the postmaster of Mt. Edgecumbe post office, worked at Alaska Lumber & Pulp, was manager of Market Center, then worked at Spenard Building Supply and at Gopher Wood before retiring in 1998.

Don enjoyed flying his plane Piper Tomahawk “The Snow Turd,” and shared his love of flying with his family and friends. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol.

Don liked literature and watching TV – his favorite shows were MASH, the news and weather. He liked classic Christian music and classic movies.

He was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ.

Don was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Donavae Ballou.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Eunavae, of the Sitka Pioneers Home; sons Michael (Catherine) Ballou of Madera, Calif., and Jeffrey “Scott” (Judith) Ballou of Juneau; grandchildren Michael, Mark, Jeremiah, Savannah, Kristin, Kyle, Harley, Carley-Jean and Haley; and 14 great-grandchildren.

The family may be contacted at P.O. Box 33461, Juneau, AK 99803.

Gertrude Hazel Shayen

Services for Gertrude Hazel Shayen will be held 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, at the United Pentecostal Church, 101 Cascade Creek Road.

Gertrude passed away on Dec. 10, 2017, at SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital, surrounded by family. She was 70.

Gertrude was born May 29, 1937, to Louisa Marsden (Feak) and Steven Marsden Sr. of Metlakatla, Alaska.  

She grew up in Metlakatla, and attended grade school there but attended high school at Mt. Edgecumbe High School where she graduated.

Gertrude was an awesome Mom of nine, an awesome Gramma of 24 and awesome Gigi of 27. She lived for and loved her family, and prayed daily for them all. She was well known for her kindness and love for all she met, and always found time to pray for everyone.

“She made the best homemade bread ever,” her family said. “It was always a blessing to us to get loaves of her bread for toast.”

Gertrude worked at the Mt. Edgecumbe Girls Dorm on the night shift, where she enjoyed her co-workers and her job.

She and her husband always went to Metlakatla for Founders Day, on Aug. 7, and would stay there for one month to enjoy family there.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her father and mother, Steven Marsden Sr. and Louisa Marsden; her son William Lawrence Shayen Jr.; her grandson Robert Dean Samuelson Jr.; her siblings Anna Laura Marsden, Allan Steven Marsden, Ida Margaret Marsden, Alice Maggie Marsden, Johanna Alma Neucklavok, Gertrude Marsden, Henry Stanley Marsden, Hazel Marsden, Louisa Marsden, Janet Louisa  Hanson, Margaret Maude Marsden and Stanley Steven Marsden.

She is survived by her loving husband William Lawrence Shayen Sr. and children Myrna (Ray) Howard of Sitka,  George (Tracy) Johnson III of Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK, Brian Johnson (Sharon Thomas) of Sitka, Mary Samuelson (Andy Morris) of Ketchikan, Georgianna (Michael) Smith of Sitka, Sheryl (Mike) Sanderson of Window Rock, Ariz., Karen Howard (Kirk Callow) of Ocala, Fla., and  Karla Shayen of South Pasadena, Calif.; 24 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; siblings Steven Edward Marsden of Soldotna, and  Lena (George) Dundas of Metlakatla.

Gertrude will be missed, for she touched many lives with her kindness, love and prayers. God has gained an angel.

“Love you Mom, and we miss you so much, but we all know you are in a better place,” her family said. “Until we all meet again. It’s never goodbye, it’s see you later!”

Lee Charles Saunders

The family of Lee Charles Saunders invites all to join them in prayer “for one who is gone too soon.”

Lee was called to be with the Lord on Jan. 13, 2018, at the age of 59.

Lee was born May 20, 1958. He arrived in Sitka 17 years ago, and has called it home ever since.

Lee, his family said, was “one of God’s rare miracles. He truly loved unconditionally.”

He was a talented artist – he really loved his music, and playing the guitar. “His artistry is shown all over this island, with many homes and places he  put his touch on,” the family said.

Over the last couple of years he enjoyed catching and smoking fish in his spare time, and he liked football – he was a big Seahawks fan.

Lee held many jobs in Sitka, his first being with Pete Hagan at K&D Painting. He also worked bartending at the American Legion, and helped anyone with anything – he had a big heart.

As a member of the American Legion he took pride in helping with the upkeep. He loved the kids, and he played Santa Claus for Christmas; the Easter Bunny on Easter; dressed up and handed out candy at Halloween; and helped with Legion fundraisers.

“Lee will be remembered in the hearts of all who knew his kind and gentle soul,” family members said. “His love for life will be carried on by those who survive him.”

Lee will join his mother, Virginia Louise Yost Haley, and his father, Gerald Alan Saunders, as the angels take him home.

He is survived by his sister, Dianne Fulps, of Vancouver, Wash.; brothers Ronald Saunders of Olympia, Wash., Larry Saunders of Tumwater, Wash., and Danny Yost of Orlando, Florida; and his sister-in-law, Kathy Rozier, of Sitka.

“Uncle Lee” also is survived by many nieces and nephews, who will miss him.

A celebration of Lee’s life will be held 1 p.m. Feb. 24, at the American Legion Post 13.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Kathy Rozier, C/O American Legion Post 13, 205 Lincoln St., Sitka, AK 99835.

Alice Marie Titell

Services for Alice Marie Titell, a Sitka resident for 68 years, will be held 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, at the ANB Founders Hall.

Alice died Jan. 19 in Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital, at age 72.

She was born Aug. 28, 1945, in Juneau/Douglas, the daughter of Nancy (Jimmy) and Art Littlefield. Her mother was from Klukwan, her father from Sitka.

After graduating from Sitka High School, Alice went to San Diego business college, then returned to Sitka, in 1971. She worked in several departments at SEARHC, then was with Sitka Tribe of Alaska in finance and administration, working at the front desk. She also worked at Sitka National Historical Park in the gift store, and was a dispatch clerk for The Ride.

Alice loved her Native culture, and was active in the Alaska Native Sisterhood, serving as an officer and taking part in many activities. She was a member of the Noow Tlein Dancers and the Sitka Kaagwaantaan.

She liked beading, weaving robes and baskets, and taking photos.

Among her other enjoyments were going on the ferry to Juneau, traveling to Canada with her son Chad and brother Mike Littlefield, going berry-picking, and taking car rides looking for bears.

She is survived by her children, Michael Titell, of Glennallen, and Larry Titell and Chad Titell of Sitka; brothers Mike Littlefield and Pat Littlefield, both of Sitka, and sister Charlene Johnson of Lynnwood, Wash.

Pallbearers for the service are Skinny Young, Jeffrey Young, Mitchell Young and Loren Littlefield. Honorary pallbearers are Ann Marie Johnson, William Kanosh, Josephine Johnson, John Paul and Leonty Williams.

The family thanked Alaska Native Sisterhood, SEARHC, Sitka Fire Department and Sitka police for their help during the loss.

Those wishing to make memorial donations may send them to Mike Littlefield, Box 2953, Sitka.

Patrick Gordon Clifton

Patrick Gordon Clifton, 38, passed away at home in Sitka on Jan. 28, 2018.

Services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Sitka Elks Lodge.  A celebration of life will follow at the Halibut Point Recreation Area South Shelter.

 Patrick was born Jan. 22, 1980, in Yakima, Wash., to Jay and Victoria (Tebb) Clifton. The first grandchild on both sides – oh, he was specially loved!

Patrick grew from daddy’s little helper into a very capable man.  As he grew into the physical ability he would quickly master the skills and technique required for the next task – seemed like he could do anything that he set his mind to do.

Patrick liked animals, and had a special fondness for a certain few dogs and horses in his life. He enjoyed opportunities of hunting adventures with his dad and friends.

He spent his first years on the (cousin) McInnis’ farm, then time with his mother and soon siblings Ellyse and Alex. He also spent time with his dad on the Stelzer farm in Dufur, Ore.  

Patrick got into commercial fishing at the age of 8, helping his dad with summer trolling out of Security Bay and Gedney Harbor in Alaska. Summers fishing with dad turned into summers and winters fishing with dad after his mother passed away when he was 14. Patrick and his Dad continued trolling and found themselves in Sitka in the fall of 1994.  At the age of 15 Patrick was a commercial harvest diver!

Tommy Williamson offered a much better opportunity for Patrick than fishing with dad: marine construction.  With WS Construction in Sitka, Patrick learned about big equipment, and liked operating, rigging, welding, diving and building.

His last three school years were spent with Grandma Carolyn and Grandpa Willie in Yakima, forming a tight bond with them. Still, summers meant work for Patrick: fishing or construction.

He graduated in 1999 from West Valley High, his dad’s old school. He spent a school year at Big Bend Community College where he learned to fly and met and married Becky (Jacobson).  After three years in Moses Lake, Wash., he came back home to Sitka in 2003 with his precious family, Becky and beautiful daughters, Bailey and Tayler.

With Tommy Williamson’s guidance and help Patrick built and put his family into a new house, operated his own charter boat and even established his own marine construction business – “Clifton Enterprises.”  In 2008, Patrick and Becky welcomed their third beautiful daughter, Bristol, into the world.  

After some years of marine construction on his own, Patrick sold his equipment, tug, crane and barge, and bought the F/V Lovey JoAnn to fish with dad again, seining!

In June 2017 he married Trina Lea Vila, who seined with him on his new boat the F/V Confidence. Trina was lovingly there for him tending to his needs through his final hours. 

Patrick was touched and positively influenced by many people of fine character; he had a wealth of very fine people as friends. Many made loving, caring visits during his last months.

Patrick will be remembered as one who loved his girls, Bailey, Tayler and Bristol; loved adventure; was confident and fearless of a new challenge. He was smart, with rugged strength and endurance but after nine years of contending with his cancer he finally had to let go.

 He was preceded in death by his mother, Victoria (Tebb) Phillips, his maternal grandfather, Gordon Tebb, and his paternal grandfather Jerry Clifton.  

Patrick is survived by his wife, Trina Lea Vila, daughters Bailey, Tayler and Bristol Clifton; father Jay (Sherry) Clifton with brother and sister Tommy and Grace Clifton all of Sitka;  grandmother Carolyn (Willie) Van de Graaf; aunt Jan (Gary) Logston; uncle Jimmy (Lorri) Clifton; and cousins Kyle and Kelsey Clifton all of Yakima.  

Stepfather Kevin Phillips and brother Alex Phillips both of Yakima, sister Ellyse (Michael) Capobianco of Hermosa Beach, Calif., grandmother Deidre (Mike) Northcutt of Alta Sierra, Calif., uncle Tom (Vickey) Tebb of Prosser, Wash., aunt Wendy (Randy) Kenyon of Mountain View, Calif., aunt Mehri Herlitz of Grass Valley, Calif., and uncle Stephen (Kathleen) Tebb of Napa, Calif., and many cousins also survive.   

Sonja Caroline Lindsey Teas

A memorial service for Sonja Caroline Lindsey Teas, 80, will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16, in the Sitka Pioneers Home chapel.
All who knew her are welcome.
Sonja was born in Texarkana, Texas, July 26, 1937, to Henry and Phern Martin Lindsey.
She attended high school in Roswell, New Mexico, where she met and on June 4, 1955, married John Teas.
That fall they moved to Lubbock, Texas, where she went to nursing school and then worked as an RN in an obstetrics ward while John obtained his bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech.
In 1961 the couple and three sons traveled the Alcan Highway to Fairbanks, where they homesteaded on land granted by the government on the condition they “made a go of it” for five  years. Homesteading was Sonja’s idea.
They built a one-room log cabin, had their fourth son, added another room, and added a daughter to the family. The cabin burned down in December 1969, so the family roomed in town with friends for the winter. At spring thaw they moved back to the homestead to live in a 20-man Army tent while rebuilding. They never had running water on the homestead but did have electricity and telephone service.
After 14 years, of rearing her children on the homestead, the last few of those also spent as a school nurse at University Park Elementary, the family  drove to Haines in 1975, boarded the new state ferry Columbia and headed for Sitka.
John and Sonya bought an old church building on Katlian Street where they opened Sitka Electronics Lab.
In 1980 Sonja pursued renewing her nursing license and then went to work at Sitka Community Hospital, during which time she often escorted patients to Anchorage. After several years there she moved to Sitka Medical Center as Dr. Robert Hunter’s nurse, and then to Moore Clinic.
After retiring from private nursing she spent a few years nursing for Sitka District schools and volunteering at Pregnancy Aid.
Sonja was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John, and a son, Robert Walter Teas Sr.
She is survived by sons Bill Teas of Clatskanie, Oregon, and Dan and Dave Teas of Sitka, along with daughter Phern (Teas) Ballard of Denver, North Carolina.
She also is survived by 11 grandchildren: Missy (Teas) Hendrickson, Nichole (Teas) Padgett, Robert Teas Jr., Kory Teas, Jesse Teas, Lisa (Teas) Conaway of Sitka; Jason Abbott of Anchorage, Kyle and Stefani Ballard of Greensboro, N.C., and Yoshee and Elricc Ballard of Denver, N.C.
Her 16 great-grandchildren reside in Alaska and North Carolina.
Sonja enjoyed many things, among them studying and discussing the Bible, nursing, playing piano, and volunteering.
After suffering for five years from dementia and Alzheimer’s, Sonja peacefully passed away at the Sitka Pioneers Home on Feb. 1, 2018.
“We will all miss her very much, but we know her suffering is over, and she is at home with her Lord, waiting for us,” her family said.
In lieu of flowers at the memorial, the family request donations be sent to: Christian Relief Fund, P.O. Box 19670, Amarillo, TX 79114-9955.

Eileen Ann Jackson

Eileen Ann Jackson, an artist and a fisherman, passed away peacefully on Jan. 11, 2018, surrounded by family, in Juneau. She was 84.
    A celebration of her life was held Jan. 13 in the Juneau Tlingit & Haida Community Council building.
    Eileen was born April 17, 1933, in Haines, the daughter of Helen (Thomas) and Jimmy Jackson. She attended a Catholic boarding school in Klukwan and then Mt. Edgecumbe High School in 1947. After graduation, she met Ernie Bernhardt; they were married, and had three sons.
    Eileen lived in Sitka for many years, and had been in Juneau for 14 years. She also had lived in Craig and Tenakee Springs.
    She worked at several laundries, and had one of her own, on Sawmill Creek Road.
    She worked in several other jobs, but her favorite one was fishing – she loved being on the water. A commercial troller and shrimper, she had two boats, the Elna Lorraine and the Shannon, and fished all around Southeast Alaska for more than 20 years. She eventually moved to Tenakee Springs, where she pursued shrimp (her favorite fishery), and halibut and salmon. Her ashes will be spread in the waters of Tenakee.
    At age 58, Eileen changed careers. She went back to school, received her Certified Nursing Assistant certificate, and enjoyed working with the elderly.
    Eileen loved to go to Juneau Tlingit & Haida Community Council, and liked to play crib and bingo on occasion.
    Eileen was an accomplished and talented artist, creating beautiful Native artwork and crafts. She was recognized for her work on the local and state levels in her later years.
    Eileen was a loving mother, grandmother and friend to many, and will be missed dearly, her family said.
    She was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Jimmy Jackson, and siblings Charley Jackson, Marion Greer, LaVern Roussou, William Thiemeyer and Raymond Thiemeyer.
    She is survived by her sister, Millie Schoonover of Craig; brothers Donald Thomas of Cottage Grove, Ore., and Harold Thomas of Craig; sons Ernie Bernhardt of Anchorage, Nathan Bernhardt of Sitka and Jeff Bernhardt of Anchorage; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
    The family expressed thanks for all the thoughts and prayers extended to them.


   

Dean F. Tirador, MD

Dean F. Tirador, MD, a former Sitka resident, died Jan. 27 in Seattle at the age of 86.
A memorial Mass will be held at noon Friday, Feb. 16, at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 416 Fifth St., in Juneau. A celebration of his life will be scheduled in Juneau later this year.
Dean was born Nov. 8, 1931, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Hazel and Dr. P.A. (Pat) Tirador. The family lived in several interesting areas of the United States as assigned by the United States Public Health Service. After retirement, Dean’s parents lived in Sitka for a time, before moving to Juneau.
 Dean graduated magna cum laude from Marquette University, then summa cum laude from Johns Hopkiins University, obtaining his MD and Public Health degrees. He joined the Public Health Service, achieving the rank of captain and serving, while still in his 20s, as the first medical director at the then-clinic for the Navajo Nation in Chinle, Arizona, and later in northern California, and at Mt. Edgecumbe.
Beginning in the early 1970s, Dean served with the World Health Organization and was posted to New Delhi, Bangkok, Zurich, and Washington, D.C., among other locations, and worked extensively in South America. In a third career, he became the Deputy Commissioner for the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, prior to retiring.
His retirement afforded Dean many opportunities to indulge his passion for travel. His wanderlust took him throughout the world: voyages to the Antarctic and far above the Arctic Circle, educational trips to remote islands such as Madagascar, treks to Australia, Patagonia and the Pantanal in Brazil, and other fascinating locations. Dean never stopped learning and caring about our world.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Martin Tirador, and great, good friend, Dr. George Longenbaugh.
Dean left very close friends and their families: Dee Longenbaugh of Juneau, Matt Longenbaugh of Tumwater, Washington, Betsy Longenbaugh of Juneau, Leslie Longenbaugh, also of Juneau, and John Longenbaugh of Portland, Oregon, as well as his beloved Labradoodle, Olaf, and many friends in Washington, Alaska, and throughout the world.
He also leaves nieces Mary Alice Staggs of Ramona, California, Katie Epperley of Leavenworth, Washington, and Margaret Sternbach of Lakeport, California, and their families.

Iris D. (Dee) Longenbaugh

Dee Longenbaugh, a history buff and antique map specialist whose wit and cheery personality endeared her to generations of visitors to the succession of bookstores she ran, died peacefully Feb. 9 at her home in Juneau. She was 84.
    Dee never lost her love of the American Southwest where she grew up, but she formed a lasting attachment to Southeast Alaska after arriving in Sitka with her husband and children in 1963. Her husband, Dr. George H. Longenbaugh, was a surgeon at the Indian Health Service Mt. Edgecumbe hospital and later in private practice in Sitka.
    In 1977, with only one of her four children still at home, Dee fulfilled her longtime goal of having her own book store and opened The Observatory on Katlian Street in Sitka. From the first, her shop, as it moved to different locations, became known for its mix of offerings, from rare first editions to journals of early explorers to volumes of literary fiction.
    But it was her collection of rare maps that drew the attention of her friends and patrons: she bought, sold and traded, but most of all Dee loved the lore of early maps. She wrote journal articles about her map research, and until the past several years would make pilgrimages to map collector conferences in the U.S. and Europe, often with a grandchild or two in tow.
    The Observatory’s last venue was a corner shop on Franklin Street in Juneau, where it was not uncommon for a cruise ship visitor to renew the acquaintance, formed years before, with the delightful lady who ran this wonderful book store.
    Iris D. (Dee) Longenbaugh was born Dec. 19, 1933, to Grace (Whelan) and Glenn R. Davis, on a farm in Billings, Okla. Her mother later married Thomas Montgomery, whom Dee always called her father.
Dee lived in towns throughout the Southwest growing up, as her family moved to accommodate her father’s work with oil companies. She made friends easily, and enjoyed the frequent moves.
At age 16, having attended 30 schools, she graduated from high school in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and worked for a year before attending Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
After her first year at Highlands, she met George H. Longenbaugh in Cortez, Colorado, where her family was then living. She and George married October 12, 1952, in Denver, where Dee put her husband through medical school, and the couple began a family. During this time, she worked for the Denver Post, a job she always recalled with great fondness.
After several years on the Navajo Nation and in Baltimore, Maryland, where George completed his surgical residency at Johns Hopkins, the couple and their three young children moved to Sitka, in 1963, where George was stationed with the Public Health Service. In 1967, he began a private practice in general surgery in Sitka, and the couple moved above his clinic at 814 Halibut Point Road.
Sitka was a perfect fit for George and Dee and their family. They all liked to boat and had many weekend adventures aboard the Arrowmaker.
Dee quickly came to love the natural beauty and rich history of Sitka, while forming close friendships. Her many volunteer efforts included founding the first mental health clinic in Sitka, assisting children through Easter Seals and the White Elephant Shop, and chairing the local committees to elect and re-elect Gov. Jay Hammond.
She and George also had their fourth child while George was stationed at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital.
In 1977, Dee opened Observatory Bookstore, on Katlian Street; she envisioned it as a used bookstore specializing in Alaskana, but added the antiquarian maps at the urging of George, who enjoyed their buying trips to Europe.
In January 1985, George died in a traffic accident in Mexico while he and Dee were on vacation with their closest friend, Dr. Dean Tirador. In 1989, Dee moved to Santa Fe, opening here bookstore there. She greatly enjoyed her time in New Mexico, but missed Southeast Alaska. She returned in January 1992, this time to Juneau, where her daughters lived with their families.
The Observatory occupied three locations during its 24 years in Juneau, all within a block of each other downtown. The store and its knowledgeable and friendly owner became known internationally through travel writers and books (it was featured in Fodor’s travel guides for many years).
Dee met thousands of people at the shop and may have occasionally forgotten a face, she said, but she never forgot a book she sold.
She became known as an expert on Alaska maps and history, helped train museum guides and presented a number of papers at international conferences. She was a guest lecturer for several years at the Juneau Charter School, introducing many students to Alaska history.
She traveled around the world to many of the International Map Collectors Society’s annual conferences and treasured her reading card at the British Museum, which assisted her in her research for her many papers and articles on Alaska history and map-making.
In Juneau and Sitka, she was well known for her reviews of Alaska books, featured in the Daily Sitka Sentinel and on KTOO public radio.
In 2016, Dee closed the store due to ill health, and it then became even more clear how many people felt connected to her and the Observatory. Dee and family members were flooded with inquiries about her and thanks for her participation in their lives. It was very meaningful to Dee and her children to know she had had such an impact on so many people.
Dee spent her last two years in the excellent care of Hans Snyder and his staff at Sunny Days Home Care in Juneau. She remained an active member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church until her death.
Dee is survived by her children, Matt and wife Suky Longenbaugh of Tumwater, Washington; Betsy Longenbaugh and husband Edward Schoenfeld of Douglas; Leslie Longenbaugh and husband Robert Schults of Juneau;  and John Longenbaugh of Portland, Oregon; grandchildren Miles, Leah Rose, and Olivia Longenbaugh, Maggie and Elizabeth Schoenfeld, Jane Sherbrooke  and Jack Sherwood; and great-grandchildren Noah, Micah and Ivy Longenbaugh and Ben Lesewski. She also leaves her two “sweet sisters,” as she always called them, and their husbands – Sandy and Thad Poulson and Cathy and Mike Bagley, all of Sitka, AK.
Dee was preceded in death by her husband, George Longenbaugh; parents, Grace and Thomas Montgomery; sister Gertrude Christopher; brothers Timothy, Chuck and Thomas Matthew Montgomery; and dear friend, Dean Tirador.
Dee will be buried in Sitka, with a funeral service scheduled there 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at St. Peter’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church. A memorial service in Juneau is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, May 19.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Holy Trinity Church elevator fund, or to the Front Street Clinic in Juneau.