Onto
Higher Ground & Good Trails:
Ollie Walker - Chugiak
Pioneer Passes Away
Ollie Walker, 86, died March 23, 2007 (of Alzheimer's
complications) in Long Beach, California. He was born
on April 28, 1920 in Eureka, South Dakota. He was drafted
into the Army in 1942 and stationed at Bassingbourn, England
as a telephone operator for the Mighty Eighth Air Force
during WWII. While in England, he met and married a Cambridge
girl named Kathleen Furness. Ollie and Kathy came to Alaska
in 1950, homesteading near Fire Lake. They were founding
members of the Chugiak Dog Mushers Club, the Chugiak Benefit
Association and the Birchwood Baptist Church. Ollie worked
as an auto-body repairman on Fort Richardson from 1950
until 1975. After retirement, he worked on the North Slope
as a welder for 10 years. Ollie competed in dog races
at the Tozier Track, in Fairbanks, at the Anchorage Fur
Rendezvous and at Pipple's Field. He made all of his own
dog sleds and harnesses and kept a dog lot of about 40
dogs. He also experimented with breeding a greyhound line
for a number of years. His dogs won several first place
trophies in Fur Rendezvous weight-pull contests in the
late 1950's. In 1968, the Walker's became "snowbirds"
and lived in Texas in the winter and Alaska during the
summers. Preceding him in death is his wife Kathy, of
45 years (1992), a son David Oliver (1947), and 10 siblings.
Surviving him is his second wife Julie and his children,
Coleen Mielke of Wasilla, Debbie Childress of Ohio, Terry
Walker of Peters Creek, Sherrie Walker of Chugiak, nine
grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Bill Sullivan
Passes
Bill Sullivan, of Big Lake, died October 31 at age 69.
Bill was one of Alaska's all-time great sprint mushers
and ran the Rondy and North American many times. He
was a retired Anchorage Police officer and ran Sully's
Sourdough Inn on the Parks Highway at the Big Lake cutoff.
The wake was held Saturday, November 10, at Sully's
Sourdough Inn, Mile 51.5 Parks Highway, Big Lake, Alaska.
Farewell Sully.
Dave Berg Looses Battle
David William Berg, 55, died
peacefully at home Oct. 26, 2007, surrounded by his family.
He had pancreatic cancer and had battled multiple cancers
in recent years.
A celebration of life will be held at Beach Lake Chalet
at 3 p.m. Friday to be followed by a reception at the
home. Dave's wish is that everyone dress in casual attire,
as there will no doubt be a tour of the garage.
Dave was born July 11, 1952, in St. Paul, Minn., to Robert
and Florence Berg. He attended Wheaton Central High School
in Wheaton, Ill., and began his career as a fireman driving
diesels for the Burlington Northern Railroad. He later
graduated from the University of Illinois in 1979 with
a degree in engineering. He worked for the Illinois DOT
on design and construction projects in the Peoria area,
including the Pekin Bridge, a major structure over the
Illinois River.
During this time, Dave met the love of his life and soulmate,
Linda, while on a motorcycle trip in Santa Elena Canyon
in Big Bend National Park, Texas, in March 1983. In the
summer of 1984, they moved out West, a dream come true
for both of them. They were married that December on the
solstice and settled first in Casper and then Evanston,
Wyo., where Dave worked for CEI, a private consulting
firm. Dave opened a CEI office in Evanston, later transferring
the office to Salt Lake City in 1988. The office grew
to a 22-person staff before Dave took the opportunity
to work for the Utah DOT, first as statewide environmental
engineer, and than as regional director for the Salt Lake
region.
During these years, he became a proud father to three
beautiful daughters - Kelly, Kairi and KayeTori. Initially
reluctant about parenthood, Dave quickly found his children
a source of pleasure and joy. He recently stated that
his feelings of love and pride for his children had only
grown through the years.
In 1995, Dave and his gang of women followed their hearts
once more and moved to Alaska, where he worked for a number
of private consultants developing transportation projects
for the public sector. He was especially proud of the
work he did at the Anchorage International Airport, providing
a beautiful arrival and departure point for visitors to
the state. His last job was with Mactec Inc., working
with people he both admired and enjoyed.
Meanwhile, his home and family life went to the dogs -
literally. The family fell in love with mushing and became
very involved with the junior mushing clubs in the area.
He came up with the name "5 Mushers" as the
Berg's kennel name, after the family enjoyed a glorious
day mushing together. He loved being out on the trail,
enjoying the quiet beauty around him and the camaraderie
of his four-legged companions. He equally enjoyed the
people he met within the mushing community.
Shortly after Dave was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
in March, he began a major remodel and addition to their
home, not what most might choose to do in their final
months. He was able to see his designs come to completion
through the amazing support of family and friends and
even strangers who worked on the "garage raising"
and donated many hours of labor.
His family stated: "Dave's most special gift to us
was to refuse to give in to despair, to remind us to the
very end that he was a happy man, surrounded by a family
he loved, in a home he loved, and that he had lived a
great life full of challenges and opportunities, with
lots of friends and adventures along the way. We will
cherish that gift, and the memories we have of him."
Dave is survived by his wife, Lyn; daughters, Kelly, Kairi
and KayeTori, mother, Florence Berg; sisters, Barbara
Wasmund, Betty Kreuger and Donna Symonds; sister-in-law,
Cathy Berg; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert F. Berg;
and his brother, Robert G. Berg.
Memorial donations may be made to a fund for his daughters'
education at Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, or to the
Chugiak Junior Dog Mushers Association.
Caz with
his dad Tim Forbus |
Caz Forbus looses his
battle with cancer
Cazzie Wayne Forbus, 18, died of colon cancer Aug. 27, 2007,
at his home in Eagle River.
His cremated remains will be scattered in Hawaii.
Cazzie was born May 3, 1989, in Tallahassee, Fla., and moved
to Alaska in 1995. He had attended Chugiak High School, where
he played on the football team.
He enjoyed weightlifting,
and in 2006 he took second place in the Mr. Chugiak competition.
His parents said, "Our son was a true 'fighter.' "
Survivors include his mom, Candy Mulholland; Candy's husband
and Cazzie's "father-in-love," Ray Mulholland; "brother-in-love,"
Travis Mulholland, both of Eagle River; brother, Micah Forbus
of California; dad and stepmother, Tim and Diana Forbus of Eagle
River; grandparents, Sid and Neely Durant, Cazzie Hubert and
Sue Pitts, all of Florida, Wayne and Janice Forbus of Alabama,
Alice Mulholland of Alaska; aunts, Shelia Forbus of Georgia,
Connie Keathly and Cammie Bowlin of Florida; uncles, Kenny Forbus
and Dwight Forbus of Alabama. He was preceded in death by his
great-grandparents, Evie Granger, Mary and Cazzie Luvie Pitts,
and Mr. and Mrs. Berry.
A Passing of a Friend
We are saddened by the passing of Linda Rose Swanke. Linda was
the mainstay of dog painting at all the important sleddog races
in the Anchorage area for years – many of the Rondy drivers
asked after her this year. She always had a great attitude and
good humor – invaluable when the inevitable glitches of
race days hit. She will be sorely missed, not just for what
she did but for who she was.
Linda worked for the FAA since
1991 as the Occupational Health Nurse and was with the FAA’s
Industry Drug and Alcohol Program for the past several years.
Linda, a long-term breast cancer survivor, succumbed to complications
arising from lung cancer on Sunday afternoon, August 19.
A memorial service will be held
in the near future; however, a date has not yet been set. Notification
of time and date will be sent out in a separate message.
Cards and condolences can be sent
to her sister, Mary Ann Earles, 708 Kennyhill Ave., Anchorage,
AK 99521
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your favorite animal
rescue organization. Linda was a strong supporter of the two
rescue organizations here in Anchorage and it was her wish that
support be continued.
Barry
Alan MacAlpine was born in Springfield, Mass. on September
17, 1936, the first son of Victoria Joseph MacAlpine and Arthur
Winslow MacAlpine. He attended public schools in Springfield
and graduated from Classical High School where he was an exceptional
athlete, posting several Massachusetts State track and field
records. He briefly attended Howard University before joining
the Air Force, eventually stationed at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage,
Alaska, in 1956. Barry made his home in Alaska, primarily in
the Chugiak area. During his early years in the state, Barry
worked as a jazz musician playing at clubs around Anchorage.
He also worked as a draftsman at District Engineers, and a surveyor
for BLM at many sites around Alaska including Amchitka and the
Snettisham Dam. In 1963 he attended UAF for training as an electronic
technician. At the time of his death he was employed at Anchorage
Printing where he had worked for approximately 20 years. In
his later years he lived alone in Birchwood, working in Anchorage
and devoting himself to the care and training of his sled dogs,
many of which he adopted from around the area. His chief interests,
in addition to his dogs were his music, playing chess, reading
and all things mathematical. Barry is survived by his former
wife, Donna Miller MacAlpine, of McGrath, whom he married in
Anchorage in 1961, and by their four children Robin of Hyattsville,
MD, Kenneth of Pittsfield, MA, Norman of McGrath and Heather
of Anchorage, and by 13 grandchildren. Four brothers, two sisters,
and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews on the East coast also
survive him. His mother, Victoria (MacAlpine) Miller, who made
many visits to Alaska, passed away last year in Springfield.
Martina Delp
Musher Martina Delp died suddenly (electrocuted) at her
home in Salcha. She operated Long Haul Kennels and had
more than 30 dogs.
A memorial will be June
9th at 11:00 AM St. Nicholas Catholic Church 707 Saint
Nicholas Drive North Pole, AK. Immediately following these
services, there will be a graveside service at the Salcha
Community Cemetery off Balch Way. South on Richardson
Hwy, Left on Balch Way (Just before the Salcha Store).
Once on Balch follow road until you see the sign for the
Salcha Cemetery, turn left and follow signs. After the
graveside services there will be a Potluck reception back
at St. Nicholas Church. Any questions you may contact
Ann at St. Nicholas Church at 488-2595 or Terry &
Cynthia Julien at 488-5035
Curtis A. Charlie
- Published November 8, 2006 Posted in Local, Fairbanks
News
Curtis
Allen Charlie, 44, passed away in his sleep Nov. 4, 2006.Curtis
was born March 31, 1962, to Chris and Martha Charlie in Minto.He
attended high school in Nulato and Tanana. His favorite sports
were basketball and dog mushing; he won many junior dog mushing
races as a young man. Curtis
was a seasonal firefighter and avid subsistence hunter, he loved
being out on the Minto Flats with friends and family. Friends
were always welcome at his home in Minto.Curtis
will be greatly missed by numerous friends and relatives.He
was preceded in death by his parents Chris and Martha Charlie;
and nieces Dana Charlie and Annette Roberts.He
is survived by his daughters, Minnena, Georgjean, Shaunda, Shelissa
and Keely Shay; son, Hunter Allen; brothers, Lloyd, Ollie and
Roy Charlie of Minto: sisters, Esther Hayward, Verconia, Frances
and Christine Charlie of Fairbanks and Pricilla Johnson of Minto;
his favorite uncle, Alfred Frank of Minto; and his companion,
Jessica Silas.A funeral will
be held at 1 p.m. today, Nov. 8, in Minto. The service will be
officiated by the Rev. Anna Frank. He will be laid to rest in
the village cemetery.A traditional
potlatch will follow at the Minto Community Hall. Arrangements
were by Fairbanks Funeral Home and Crematory.
SUSAN INTERVIEWING
MIKE WILLIAMS AT THE START OF THE 2004 IDITAROD |
Four-time Iditarod champ
Susan Butcher dies
AP News : August 5, 2006
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Four-time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher
died Saturday in a Seattle hospital of complications from a recent
bone marrow transplant. She was 51 years old and leaves behind
a husband and 2 daughters. Butcher dominated the 1,100-mile
sled dog race in the late 1980s. In 1986, she became the second
woman to win the grueling race from Anchorage to Nome. She added
victories in 1987, 1988 and 1990 and finished in the top four
through 1993. Susan will be greatly missed by all of us - she
was truly an amazing person and a great ambassador for the sport
of mushing. (TD)
photo courtesy of ITC |
Legendary Iditarod
Photographer Passes
The Iditarod Sled Dog Race has lost a very talented and dedicated
friend. On August 3rd, photographer Jim Brown passed away in Palmer,
Alaska at the age of 91. Jim was described as a consummate photographer
who shared his love for the “Last Great Race on Earth”
and shear beauty of the Iditarod
Trail with millions of race fans from around the world.
Today, we mourn the loss of one of Alaska’s legendary
photographers.
Mellen Shea
Longtime Alaskan
educator and outdoor adventurer Mary Ellen "Mellen"
Shea, 55, died March 6, 2006, after a 14-month fight with inflammatory
breast cancer.
A funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph's
Church in Shelburne Falls, Mass. Burial will be afterward at
Arm's Cemetery. A reception will be at 1 p.m. at the Charlemont
Inn. A memorial service in Anchorage will be announced later.
She was born Nov. 29, 1950, in Franklin County,
Mass.
Her family wrote: "Mellen lived for the
past 30 years in Anchorage. She was lured to Alaska by her love
of outdoor adventure. She climbed Denali and other major peaks
and took many wilderness adventures. But her greatest recreational
passion became skijoring and dog mushing. She finished the Iditarod
Trail Sled Dog Race and made six other trips to Nome as part
of the Serum Run with famed explorer Norman Vaughan. She taught
skijoring and helped popularize the activity in Anchorage.
"Mellen was an educator -- a teacher by
birth and a teacher by heart. She taught and was a guidance
counselor at Anchorage High School for nearly 20 years, after
which she was a guidance counselor for Native Americans, employed
by Cook Inlet Tribal Council. Additionally, she coached several
sports. She also introduced numerous students to the outdoors
through many nontraditional courses, including Outward Bound
in Minnesota and Wilderness Recreational Skills programs in
Anchorage.
"Mellen was known for her bright smile,
cheerful disposition and irrepressible spirit. Mellen inspired
many students and friends with her teaching and recreational
pursuits and she continued to inspire with the courage and grace
with which she fought cancer. Mellen faced cancer the way she
lived life, often comforting and inspiring other cancer patients
even as she was losing her battle."
She is survived by her husband, Jimmy Jackson;
parents, Jack and Marilyn Shea; siblings and their spouses,
Jack and Christie, Patrick and Susan, Mark, and Suzanne and
Richard Taylor; nieces, Kate (Shea) Kellogg, Heather (Shea)
Kochin, Emily Shea and Molly Taylor; nephews, Greg Shea, Simon
Taylor and Clayton Shea; and in-laws, Betty and Rhett Jackson
and Kay and Jack Lawrence of Columbia, S.C.
Contributions in her memory may be made to The
Caring House, 2625 Pickett Road, Durham, NC 27705.
Iditarod matriarch a little
Pennsylvania girl who came North VI REDINGTON: Wife of race founder
helped to keep it going.
Published ADN: March 7, 2006
An instrumental player in the creation of the now famous Iditarod
Trail Sled Dog Race, Violet Elizabeth Redington -- "Vi"
to her many friends all across the state -- died of cancer March
4, 2006, at her home in Knik. She was 81, and she hung on just
long enough to witness the televised start of one more Iditarod
leaving downtown Anchorage.
A memorial service will be conducted after the finish of the 2006
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Details will be announced later.
A private interment will be in the Wasilla Aurora Cemetery next
to her husband.If it is true that behind every great man stands
an even greater woman, Violet Elizabeth Redington was living proof.
From her birth on July 17, 1924, in Kintnersville, Pa., to Milton
and Cora Hoffman, Vi led a life of which most others could only
dream.In 1948, with her husband, Ray Redington, brother-in-law,
Joe and family, and father-in-law, James Redington, this self-described
"little Pennsylvania girl" hit the road to Alaska with
no other goal than to have a life of adventure.On the way to Alaska,
they picked up their very first sled dog and hauled him all the
way to "sunny Knik," where they settled. But the marriage
of Vi and Ray wasn't to last. She and Joe decided on Feb. 18,
1953, in the Wasilla Post Office with Postmistress and Magistrate
Mae Carter officiating, to see if they could make a go of marriage.Not
only did they make a go of it, but together they single-handedly
put the sport of dog mushing on the map.Many stories have been
told of Joe Redington Sr.'s exploits and through it all, Vi Redington
was his strong right arm.After one of several plane crashes, when
Joe was missing for a few days, Vi was asked if she was worried.
Her reply both typified her confidence in her husband and her
unflappable nature: "Oh, I'm not worried. If the crash didn't
kill him, he'll be all right."Vi followed Joe as dog musher,
homesteader at Flat Horn Lake, traveler (to support Joe's mushing
habit) to the Alpirod in Europe, to Great Britain, and most notably,
to Nome.Through all of Joe's seemingly harebrained schemes, Vi
kept her mouth shut and just nodded, smiling the smile that lit
up everyone who came within range. In even the worst moments,
her most aggressive comment was "Good grief!" But her
biggest test was yet to come."A dog race to Nome is impossible"
seemed to be the general consensus of everyone around. But a few
hardy (many would say foolhardy) souls, led and inspired by Joe
Redington, Sr. and supported all the way by Vi, made it happen.Though
not officially known as the "mother" of the Iditarod,
few would argue that Vi was the matriarch of the event, hosting,
sometimes tolerating musher after musher in her never-locked home
in Knik, and in various cabins including a much-loved place in
the Peters Hills.Vi's activities outside the mushing realm included
her employment as Registrar at Mat-Su Community College until
computers came on the scene. Vi always hated computers. She was
active in the Wasilla-Knik Historical Society, serving as its
secretary for many years. Along with Joe, she formed the Iditarod
Trail Blazers, the group largely responsible for the designation
of the Iditarod as a National Historical Trail.One of Vi's most
memorable experiences came in 1981, when she and Joe, in their
first formal attire, attended President Ronald Reagan's inaugural
ball, after Joe proudly mushed a dog team in the inaugural parade.Vi
was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 46 years, Joe
Redington, Sr., and their son, Keith.She is survived by sons and
daughters-in-law, Tim and Lorayne, Tom, Raymie and Barbara, Joee
and Pam; daughter, Sheila; sister, Myrle Ott; grandchildren, Laurie,
Lisa, Joee Ray, Heather, Ray Jr., Vernon, Ryan, Robert, Kerrina
and Tommy Ray, Jerry and James; and great-grandchildren Justin,
Wyatt, Robert and Raynee; and many friends around the world, especially
in the mushing community.Arrangements are with Kehl's Forest Lawn
Memorial Chapel. Information was provided by the Redington family.
A
Great Man Passes We are saddened by the passing of a
great man today, on the 23rd December 2005 , Norman Vaughan passed
away peacefully in Anchorage, Alaska, he was 100 years old.
Born in 1905, when Teddy Roosevelt was president and polar
exploration was in its heyday, Norman was weaned on tales of Robert
Peary, Roald Amundsen, and Sir Robert Falcon Scott. In 1925 he
left Harvard to join one of his heroes, Sir Wilfred Grenfell in
Newfoundland, bringing medical supplies by dog sled to isolated
villages. He left school again three years later to go to Antarctica
with Admiral Byrd - a bold move that changed his life.
Norman was part of history as the
chief dog driver on the first Byrd Antarctic Expedition in 1928-30.
He raced with the best in sprint mushing demonstration
races in the 1932 Lake Placid Winter Olympic Games. In 1967, drove
a snowmobile 5000 miles from Alaska to Boston. Brazenly declared
himself dog driving champion of the Pentagon to compete as the
first non-Alaskan dog driver in the North American Sled Dog Championships
in Alaska. At age 68, moved to Alaska for dogs and adventure with
empty pockets after a business collapse and a shattered marriage.
Shoveled sidewalks for food, found a job as a janitor, and built
a dog team. Participated in 13 Iditarods, running his first one
at age 72. Norman completed 6 with his last finish being in 1990
at the age of 84. Crashed President Carter's inaugural parade
and was in the next two. Taught John Paul II how to mush. In 1997
organized the annual 868-mile Serum Run from Nenana to Nome, Alaska.
This commemorates the 1925 dash to Nome by the fastest village
dog teams to deliver diphtheria serum to save Nome. Norman "Dreamed
big & dared to fail". Safe trails Norman.
Gifts in memory of Colonel Vaughan
Providence Alaska Foundation
3200 Providence Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
Charles "Sonny"
Belford 1935
Photos from The Belford Collection,
courtesy Elsie Chadwick,
Siberian Husky Archives |
Dr. Charles Belford...one
of the world's foremost "sled dog racing veterinarians"...has
passed away in his hometown of Laconia, NH, at age 85.
Doc Belford was one of the most influential of Siberian
breeders and racers. He was a close friend of that OTHER
racing vet, Doc Lombard. With Dick Moulton making a threesome,
these men undertook to found SEPP-- a move within the
ranks of SHCA to retain the racing qualities of the Siberian
Husky. Doc Belford lived much of the important racing
history that we read about in books. He was a World Champion
and raced Alaska shortly after Lombard initially went
there from New England and came back with many tales of
the tough trails, tough drivers, and tougher dogs. He
started in Siberians when his father bought dogs from
Seppala. He was a member of the newly formed NESDC Juniors.
And he loved the sport. Dr. Belford was recognized for
his authoritative knowledge of the racing Siberian and
was asked abroad to speak and lecture in the Scandinavian
countries.
Harold Capps with dog Sampson |
Harold
Capps, from Chugiak, Alaska. A memorial service was held
Wednesday May 18th, at Anchorage Funeral Home and Crematory.
He was born Jan. 4, 1961, in Denver.Mr. Capps retired
from the Wheat Ridge, Colo., Fire Department as a lieutenant.
He received the Fireman of the Year Award from the Wheat Ridge
Department.Mr. Capps moved to Alaska in 1999. He worked for Grinnell
Fire Protection, where he used computers to design fire sprinkler
systems.He enjoyed firefighting, dog mushing, fishing, hunting,
skiing, beer making, welding/building, fly tying and rod wrapping.
He received the Inspirational Musher Award from the Chugiak Dog
Mushers,Julie, his wife, wrote: "Harold is my best friend
and the love of my life. Harold is my hero."Forrest Capps
wrote: "Harold is my friend and mentor. He is also a wonderful
uncle and brother-in-law. He is one of the smartest people I know."Mr.
Capps is survived by his wife, Julie of Chugiak; brother and sister-in-law,
Forrest and Cindy Capps; niece, Meagan Capps; nephew, Nick Capps;
mother, Marilyn Capps; and sister, Heather Katt, all of Denver.Memorial
donations may be given to Chugiak Dog Mushers, P.O. Box 671523,
Chugiak 99567, or the American Cancer Society. If
anyone would like to send condolences to Julie Capps, her address
is: Julie Capps, P.O. Box 671692, Chugiak, AK 99567
Fairbanks Musher
- Bob Stroecker of Salcha, Alaska died June 12 th 2004 from
complications stemming from a mushing accident. Stroecker, of
Salcha Alaska, hit his head on a low-hanging tree, frsctured
his skull and was paralyzed from the shoulders down. He stayed
at the Seattle Veterans Hospital for 2 years before returning
to Alaska. He was living at the Denali Center in Fairbanks when
he died. A memorial service was held in Fairbanks in June.
The 'Flying Frenchman'
- John Paul Trotier of Essex Junction, Vermont died July, 19th
2004 at the age of 81. Trotier was a musher who trained dogs
year around and attended winter sled races. He received an honoraray
Olympic Gold medal for his fund raising efforts in 1972, making
him the only musher to hold an Olympic medal. He participated
in parades with his sled dogs, often playing Santa to deliver
presents to children and nursing home residents. A memorial
service was held in Essex Junction in July.
David Armstrong |
Yukon Quest Musher Dies
Charlie
David Armstrong, 51 Wasilla
resident Charlie David Armstrong, 51, died June 17, 2004,
at Providence Alaska Medical Center as a result of an
accident. A memorial service was
June 22, 2004, with military honors. Spiritual Leader
Dean Babco officiated. Burial was at Fort Richardson National
Cemetery. Mr. Armstrong was born Sept. 7, 1952, in Coos
Bay, Ore., to Charles and Phyllis Armstrong-Branson. He
considered his hometown Branson, Mo., before moving in
1991 to Alaska, where he had been self-employed as a musher.
He was a member of McKinley Mountain Men, Wasilla Veteran
Centers and Aurora Dog Mushing Association. Mr. Armstrong
served two tours of duty in Vietnam and received awards.
He was also the recipient of the Award of Appreciation
of Standdown for five years of service at Fort Richardson.
Mr. Armstrong's special interests included black powder
marksmanship and archery. His family wrote, "He had a
good sense of humor, always smiled, and was a dedicated
and generous volunteer." He was preceded in death by a
daughter, who died at birth, and his parents. He is survived
by his wife, Judy, of Wasilla; brothers, Larry Armstrong
of Columbia, Mo. and Randy Armstrong of Mountain Grove,
Mo.; sister, Yvonne Blair of Potosi, Mo.; sons, Billy
Armstrong, serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq, and DeWayne
Armstrong, serving in the U.S. Navy in Michigan; stepson,
Neil Lippincott of Anchorage; numerous nieces and nephews;
and four grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family
requests memorial donations be made to the Wasilla Vet
Center, Wasilla, Alaska 99654. Arrangements
were made with Evergreen Memorial Chapel.
LONGTIME RESIDENT
Mary Carey, 91 Alaska
pioneer and historian Mary E. Carey, 91, died suddenly June 18,
2004, at her lodge, Mary's McKinley View Lodge, at Mile 134 Parks
Highway. Visitation and viewing will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday
at Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla. A funeral will be at 2 p.m.
Tuesday at Montana Creek Baptist Church, Mile 98 on the Parks
Highway, near Talkeetna. Mrs. Carey was born April 1, 1913, in
Chatsworth, Ga. She came to Alaska in 1962 and quickly fell in
love with the state and its people.
Mary Carey |
She had been scheduled to be
the grand marshal of the Talkeetna Moose Dropping Festival this
July, an honor her family said pleased her very much. "Mary
was most famous for her books, having written 16 books about her
adventures," her family said. "She homesteaded in what
is now Denali State Park when it was 100 miles to the nearest
road. She lived in a tent while petitioning then-Gov. Egan to
put a highway from Anchorage to Fairbanks which would pass through
the area she thought had the prettiest view of Mount McKinley.
Seven years later, the Parks Highway was finally completed, and
she opened a business on the side of the road which her family
still operates today. In her later years, Mary wrote a book, 'My
Three Lives in Headlines,' which has been sold for a movie. "Mary
loved greeting customers and sharing 'her mountain' with everyone.
She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends."
Mrs. Carey is survived by her daughter, Jean Carey Richardson
of Denali Park; three grandchildren and their spouses, Linda and
Martin Williams of Titusville, Fla., Carol and Karl Knudson of
Cypress, Texas, and Joe and Melissa Richardson of Denali Park;
two great-grandsons, Shawn Williams of Denali Park and Taylor
Knudson of Cypress; three great-great-grandchildren, Austin, Hailey
and Trey Williams of Bay City, Texas; and extended family and
friends. Arrangements
are with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory of Wasilla.
Marjorie
Page, 79
Oct 30, 2003
Longtime Anchorage resident Marjorie M. Page died Oct.
21, 2003, at Alaska Regional Hospital, surrounded by family.Her
family wrote: "Margie was born June 28, 1924, in Kansas.
She was Elmer and Blanche Berrie's only child and grew up in
a house filled with love. "In 1946 Margie was a factory
worker by day and a roller skating queen by night. That is where
she met her husband Bob, when she fell right into his arms.
Three months later they were married. They started their new
life together seeking adventure and never stopped. "They
ran a radio repair shop for five years in Kansas. They joined
a carnival, spent five years traveling, and had their daughter
Vickie. For the next eight years, they lived in Texas. Margie
worked as a secretary until 1962 when she and Vickie moved to
Anchorage where Bob had been transferred the year before. "In
1964 Margie was in a grocery store when the quake hit. She huddled
near the register with others to ride it out. Margie and Bob
spent the next month at The Salvation Army office downtown sending
and receiving HAM radio messages to the Lower 48 since there
were no phone lines working in Alaska. For many families, HAMs
were their link to the outside. Margie's and Bob's call signs
were 'GLU' and 'HIU.'"Over the years Margie was a member
of the Toastmistresses of Alaska, serving as club president
for 1965-1966. She was also a member of PARKA the Polar Amateur
Radio Klub of Alaska, serving as president for 1971-1972. She
and her husband also ran radio communication check points for
the Iditarod and Fur Rendezvous dog sled races."She is
loved."Mrs. Page was preceded in death by her husband of
55 years, Bob.She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law,
Vickie and Kerry Hawkins; granddaughter and husband, Jostina
and Kevin Jones, and their children, Justin, Caitlyn and Dalton;
grandson, William; grandson and wife, Edward and Jennifer Page;
and granddaughter, Lennett Idleman, and her son, Sheridan.
Myron Gavin, 74
July 7, 2003
Myron Dominic Gavin, 74, died July 7, 2003, at Providence
Alaska Medical Center of complications from congestive heart
failure and subsequent pneumonia.A memorial service will be
at 9 a.m. Monday at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Eagle River.
Mr. Gavin was born Dec. 15, 1928, in New Hope, Wis. He enlisted
in the U.S. Army in 1950 and was stationed at Fort Richardson.
He and his family settled here in 1951. He and his wife homesteaded
on the banks of Eagle River. After being flooded out a few times,
they bought property elsewhere in Eagle River and later moved
to Peters Creek.His passion was sprint sled dog breeding and
racing; his dog breeding and training programs of 10 to 20 dogs
would eclipse other dog lots with hundreds of dogs and generations
of experienced dog people. Tuffluk Kennels set many track records
at Tozier Track and statewide. Mr. Gavin served as race marshal
for the 1978 Iditarod in the only photo finish the race ever
had. His stock previously won races in Alaska, the Lower 48
and Europe. He also enjoyed painting, drawing and ivory carving.Mr.
Gavin was a 23-year welder for civil service before retiring
and made artful pieces in metal for family members. He received
numerous commendations for equipment improvements and had also
worked as a carpenter and millwright. His family wrote: "He
always told it like it was and didn't care whether you agreed
with him or not. He was always opinionated, and you always knew
where he stood on the important issues. He told great jokes,
and when he was younger, could tell them one right after the
other. He was always there to lend a hand with the tough decisions
with wit and a sense for reality and what was right and wrong."Mr.
Gavin was a member of St. Andrew's Parish, Alaska Sled Dog Racing
Association, and founding member of Chugiak Dog Musher Club.Survivors
are his wife of 53 years, Shirley; son and daughter-in-law,
Michael and Linda Gavin of Fairbanks; daughters and son-in-law,
Gale Franks of Chugiak and Michele and Michael Walsh of Birchwood;
five grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Dombrowski; brothers and
sisters-in-law, Bob and Bonnie Gavin and Alfred and Dorothy
Gavin; and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death
by his parents, Martha and Barney; and brother, Rudy Gavin.Memorial
donations may be made to the charity of choice.Arrangements
were with Alaska Cremation Center.
Bob Ernise Passes from
Cancer
29 June 2003
"Our good friend, father, grandfather, son, brother and loving
husband departed this realm today at approximately 3:30 p.m. Alaska
time. He went
in peace with the permission and embrace of his family and friends.
He is without a doubt currently entertaining and winning the hearts
and souls of
those with which he is currently in residence. God Speed, Bob
Ernisse, the likes of you shall not pass this way again, any time
soon." The family request if you want to do something to
honor his life, give blood. Safe journey Bob.
Keli Mahoney
June 6, 2003 -ADN
Talkeetna resident Keli Mahoney, 35, died May 28, 2003, as a result
of an aviation accident on South Hunter Pass in Denali National
Park. The rosary was said June 1, and a Mass was held June 2 at
St. Bernard Catholic Church in Talkeetna with The Rev. Leo Walsh
as celebrant. A celebration of her life was held June 2 at the
Talkeetna Elementary School gym. Ms. Mahoney was born Feb. 20,
1968, in Quincy, Mass., to Roy and Francis Mahoney, the youngest
of six children. At age 16, she became the first female member
of the Seven Hill Yacht Club in Boston. A private pilot at age
16, she was a certified flight instructor at 18. After completing
a bachelor's degree at Bridgewater State College, she began flying
the east coast corridor for the TWA regional commuter shuttle
in 1989, at age 21.In 1991, Ms.
Keli Mahoney (left) and LeeAnn Wetzel
Mahoney moved to Bethel, where she flew for Hageland Aviation.
In 1993, she relocated to Talkeetna. She was chief pilot for Doug
Geeting Aviation for the 1993 and 1994 seasons. In 1995, she and
business partner LeeAnn Wetzel began McKinley Air Service, one
of only four companies in the United States owned and operated
by women. Specializing in ferrying climbers to base camp on Mount
McKinley and flightseeing tours of Denali National Park, Ms. Mahoney
acted in the capacity of co-owner and chief pilot for McKinley
Air from 1995 until the time of her death.She was an avid dog
musher. Owner of McKinley Kennels, she raced in the Iditarod Trail
Sled Dog Race from Anchorage to Nome in 1997 and 1998, placing
as high as 30th. She also ran in the Yukon Quest race between
Whitehorse, Yukon, and Fairbanks in 2001 and 2002.An active member
of the Talkeetna community, Ms. Mahoney was a member of the volunteer
ambulance service and was a volunteer firefighter.Family and friends
said: "Keli lived her life to its fullest capacity. There
was no boundary she felt she couldn't cross nor was there a challenge
too great for her to tackle."
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