James H. Barker

Nov 23, 1936 -

Mar 21, 2026

James H. Barker was born on Nov. 23, 1936, and lived a rich and productive life. He died peacefully on March 21, 2026. He was 89.

Jim grew up in Pullman, Wash., and spent summers in the Cascades, where he hiked and camped with family. He loved the outdoors, backpacking, boating and snow go-ing. He attended Washington State University, Art Center School of Design and San Francisco State University with a degree in visual anthropology. From the mid-60s Jim worked as a freelance photographer.

He is well-known for his work in Alaska, especially in the Bethel region where he lived 1973-1987. There he met his wife, Robin Bailey Barker, in 1975, and their son, Eric, was born in 1981. The family moved to Fairbanks in 1987, where he lived until his death.

Jim was known for his delightful, sometimes bewildering sense of humor and positive outlook, and was always doing highly amusing things with his family. He and Robin recently celebrated 50 years together. He was a loving father and shared his love of music with his son, always encouraging Eric's talents. Jim listened to NPR unceasingly, with a radio on in every room, or he played contemporary jazz, all at deafening volume.

Over his lifetime he produced four major portfolios. The first documented the historic 1965 Selma March for African American voting rights. He documented a welfare family in Northern California that he lived with for two years. He then photographed the lives of Yupik people in the Bethel region. His last project followed scientists and staff in Antarctica. His photographs were celebrated for their sense of trust, respect and intimacy of the people they document.

Jim was recognized as Distinguished Artist by the Rasmuson Foundation in 2022 and was given a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cama-i Festival in Bethel. His work was exhibited in galleries and major museums around the country. Jim co-authored three books: "Bethel: The First Hundred Years," "Always Getting Ready: Upterrlainarluta" and "Yupiit Yuraryayrait: Yup'ik Ways of Dancing."

Jim is preceded in death by his two brothers, Dick and Tom. He leaves behind his wife, Robin; and son, Eric; as well many loving friends and extended family in the Bailey and Barker clans. He will also be missed by his "chosen family" of 50 years who met in Bethel and raised their children together.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4 p.m., on May 10, 2026, at the Mushers Hall in Fairbanks.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to KYUK or KUAC radio.

A full obituary and galleries can be found at JamesBarker-Photography.com.

Mark Bly

Mar 7, 1964 -

Mar 31, 2026

Captain Bly, aka "The Flying Chef," earned his wings this year. Mark Joseph Bly was born on March 7, 1964, in Anchorage, Alaska, three weeks before the great Alaska earthquake, to Ruth Anne and David Arthur Bly, and passed away suddenly, but peacefully, from a chronic illness on March 31, 2026, in his hometown the night before Artemis II launched to the Moon.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, David Bly and Ruth and Mike Carson.

He is survived by his wife, Erika (Morgan) Bly; sisters, Ann (John) Ringstad, Cathy Graham, Beth (Clifford) Mathison and Miriam Reichner; brother, Paul Bly; 12 nieces and nephews; as well as 12 great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mark's celebration of life will be held at 5 p.m. on April 14, 2026, at the Alaska Aviation Museum, 4721 Aviation Drive, Anchorage, AK 99502. Bring a favorite dish to share.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Mark's memory be given to: UAA Aviation Scholarship Endowment (#80744) or the UAA Culinary Arts Scholarship (#20762) - Contact the UA Foundation, 907-786-1111 or give.alaska.edu/UA.

A longer obituary can be found at https://www.legacyalaska.com/obituaries/Mark-Joseph-Bly?obId=48052467 Bly).

James Alan George Bourdukofsky

May 7, 1976 -

Apr 2, 2026

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of James Alan George Bourdukofsky, age 49, of Anchorage, Alaska, who left us on April 2, 2026.

Born on May 7, 1976, in St. Paul Island, Alaska, he graduated from Mt. Edgecumbe High School in 1994 and spent much of his life working as an equipment operator across Alaska. He was known for his strength, resilience and hardworking nature.

James deeply loved his family. As a child, he kept his parents, Dennis and Janet, on their toes, and throughout his life he carried a deep and lasting love for them. He shared a special bond with his three brothers and often referenced the movie Staying Together as a reflection of that connection. He also held great respect for his only sister, "Angewaa," who helped raise him in his younger years.

James treasured the friendships he built throughout every stage of life — from kindergarten through adulthood. He had a genuine way of making people feel like family, and his wide circle of friends speaks to the kind of person he was.

Above all, James loved being a father. His son, Elias, was his greatest joy. Their road trips and time spent together created memories that will be cherished forever.

James is survived by his father, Dionisy Dennis Sr.; son, Elias, and Elias's mother, Maggie Samuelson; brothers, Dionisy Jr., Peter (Stacy) and Mark; sister, Angela; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and Godchild.

He was welcomed into rest by his mother, Janet; and grandparents, Alexay and Mary Lou Merculief, and George and Mary Bourdukofsky.

Services will be held at St. Innocent Cathedral on Monday, April 13, 2026. Viewing will be at 1 p.m. and funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. Elias, Peter, Mark and George Bourdukofsky, Dimitri Zacharof and Charlie Frisby will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his son Elias at Global Credit Union – savings 5137995.

Mary Carr

Dec 4, 1931 -

Mar 13, 2026

64-year Wasilla resident, Mary Carr, known to her family as Grandma Grandma, passed away from complications from dementia on March 13, 2026. She was 94 years old. Mary's warm smile lit up every room she entered; a lasting memory for all who knew her. She will be fondly remembered for her two superpowers: cooking and fishing. She could make a delicious meal out of scraps, and she could catch a fish in a mud puddle!

Every day in the final two weeks of her life, she was serenaded at her bedside by family and friends who gathered to sing goodbye.

Mary was born on Dec. 4, 1931, in Polson, Mont., to parents Pauline Ann (Rau) Knutson and Father John Arther Knutson, a survivor of the historic Lost Battalion of World War I. Mary's mother died when she was 2 years old, so was driven to live on-again, off-again with both sets of grandparents.

Mary married Derald "Red" Carr in 1959. The family moved to Alaska in January 1962 via an old-style DC-6 prop plane. They partnered with Mary's brother to purchase the Ted Knutson property on Fairview Loop to become potato farmers.

Mary worked as the head baker at the Mat-Su School District Central Kitchen located at Iditarod Elementary School, 1973-1988.

She was a member of the VFX Auxiliary, Pioneers of Alaska, Homemaker's Club, and a Valley Gardening Club Charter member.

She was a woman of opinion and wisdom. Her most notorious judicious words voiced to her family were, "If you cuss, your tongue will turn black and fall right off!" Young listeners were often left wide-eyed!

In the early 60s, Mary started the Plump Stump Sister's Band along with two friends. A highlight for the band was their performance at Anchorage's Westward Hotel.

After retirement, she and Red enjoyed travelling in their RV across North and Central America. Most summers were spent at Deep Creek where they enjoyed navigating the Cook Inlet aboard their C-Dory, The Mary Red.

Mary is preceded in death by two brothers, Jim and Bill Knutson. She is survived by her husband, Red Carr; children, Gary Buchman (Meredith), Paula Groundwater (Lance) and John Carr Sr. (Brenda); grandchildren, John Groundwater (Shannon), Katie Tsigonis (Abe), John Carr Jr. (Cassie), James Carr and Kimberley Boitz (Wayne); and numerous greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Lucius "Ross" Clement

Dec 6, 1945 -

Dec 26, 2025

Lucius "Ross" Clement passed away on Dec. 26, 2025.

He was a pilot.

Ross was born in Water Town, N.Y., on Dec. 6, 1945.

He and his mother "Betty" moved to Alaska in 1958, and Ross was a 1964 graduate of West Anchorage High School.

His "First Flight" was Sept. 3, 1965, and he never stopped flying!

Ross served as a Chief Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army and Guard as a pilot for 37 years, flying Hueys in Vietnam, King Airs in Panama and the Twin Otter all over Alaska.

He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol for over 50 years.

Over the years he was a pilot for a number of operators, both fixed wing and helicopters, all while he flew his beloved 737-200 for Wien, Alaska Airlines and Shared Services.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Rebecca Clement; mother, Virginia "Betty" Thielsen of Anchorage, Alaska; father, CSM Robert Clement of Tacoma; and brother, Greg Clement of Tacoma.

Ross is survived by his son, Luke Clement with wife Dezi and children Story, Lillamor and Lucian; son, Ashley Clement with wife Sophia and daughters Elke, Anya and Pia; nieces and nephews and their families; brothers, Pete, Rob and Steve; and sister, Sue.

A celebration of life will be held on May 2, 2026, from 5-9 p.m., at the Alaska Aviation Museum at Lake Hood.

If you have any pictures or stories, please use the link to upload them for the family: https://forms.gle/E1cVEoytdCoKbFUo9.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the youth programs of the Anchorage Ski Club or the Civil Air Patrol.

James "Jim" Deagen

Jan 14, 1938 -

Mar 31, 2026

On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, James R. Deagen, age 88, devoted husband, loving father, beloved brother, uncle, cousin and friend of many, peacefully passed away at Baxter Senior Living in Anchorage, Alaska, with his family by his side.

Jim was born in 1938 in St. Paul, Minn., the first born to Dr. James and Mary (Green) Deagen. The Deagen family moved to Walla Walla, Wash., for service during WW II, then after the war, to Woodburn, Ore., where Jim's father moved his medical practice. Jim attended St. Lukes' Grade School and Mount Angel High School. He then attended St. Martin's College in Lacy, Wash., and moved to San Francisco University for his upper division classes and degree in psychology in 1960.

Jim met Gereldene Fleck when they worked together in the Strawberry Fields around Woodburn and they were married in 1960, which began a lifelong partnership. They had their first child, Chris, in Salem. During his time in college, Jim heard tales of adventures from classmates about life in Alaska, and he wanted to move there. In 1961, Jim, Gerry, and Chris moved to Anchorage, where they had daughters Theresa and Jacquelyn. They rode out the '64 earthquake in Anchorage. Jim took an immediate liking to Alaska and decided to spend the rest of his life here. Jim developed a love of hunting and fishing with his father in Oregon, and spent a lot of time hunting, fishing and exploring the back country of the state with his wife and new friends in Alaska.

In 1966, they moved to Juneau, Alaska, where Jim worked for then Commissioner, Frank Murkowski. He earned a master's degree from the University of Alaska in public administration. There they had their fourth child, daughter Rebecca. Jim worked for the Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development Mining Division until his retirement in 1989. Jim especially loved taking the family out in his boat in Juneau for fishing and exploring the beaches of the Juneau area.

After his retirement, Jim and Gerry moved from Juneau to Anchorage to be closer to their children. He also began to pursue his love of traveling and eventually traveled to every continent and had many adventures, from Europe to Africa and Asia and South America and even to Antarctica. Jim and Gerry especially loved staying in London, spending a lot of time there exploring England and attending the theater. On the trip to Antarctica their cruise ship took part in a rescue of another cruise ship in distress. Jim donated clothing to a young man who was rescued. They also purchased a condo in Hawaii and became snowbirds, traveling down in the middle of Alaska's tough winters to enjoy the sun and fun in Hawaii.

While in Anchorage Jim worked at Senator Frank Murkowski's office in Anchorage, where he enjoyed meeting and assisting the people of Alaska and traveling around the state for the senator. Through his employment, he traveled frequently through the rural towns and villages of Alaska from the North Slope, throughout Western Alaska and the Aleutians, and throughout Southeast Alaska. It was Jim's idea to bring his siblings and cousins together to many beautiful locations making many wonderful memories. These included Christmases in Sun River, Ore., and Hawaii. He would often plan fall trips to the Oregon Coast to share with them. In the last six years he has participated with his family in weekly meetings on Zoom.

Jim and Gerry had a strong Catholic faith which brought them strength and comfort throughout their years in both good times and bad.

Jim and Gerry moved to Baxter Senior living in Anchorage, where he stayed until he was called home. The staff at Baxter Senior Living were very caring and amazing to Jim and were much appreciated.

Jim was predeceased by his son, Chris; and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Gerry; daughter, Theresa Whelan and husband Bruce; daughter, Jackie; and daughter, Rebecca, all of Anchorage. He is also survived by brothers, John and Patrick; sisters, Joan and Debbie; plus many nieces and nephews and many friends.

Jim will be laid to rest next to his son Christopher at Memorial Park Cemetery in Anchorage. A service for Jim will be at St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Anchorage on April 17, 2026, at 3 p.m.

Eddie F. Dearman

Sep 6, 1929 -

Apr 1, 2026

Eddie F. Dearman, 96, a loving patriarch and longtime Anchorage, Alaska, resident, passed away peacefully at Providence Hospital. Born in Rusk, Texas, he later grew up in Oakland, Calif., where he graduated from McClymonds High School. In 1951, he married his beloved wife, Ada Marie Dearman.

Eddie and Ada moved to Anchorage in 1954, where they built their family home in the Green Acres subdivision and raised their two children. Eddie worked more than 20 years as a heavy equipment operator at Fort Richardson Army Base, retiring in the 1980s. He was admired for his strong work ethic, gentle humor and unwavering devotion to his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ada; parents, Walter E. and Zephyr Dearman; and siblings, Ella Mae Dearman and Walter W. Dearman. He is survived by his children, Eddie D. Dearman and Debra D. Dearman; grandchildren, Philandus Dearman, Antoinette Dearman Bruner and Amara Meierhoff Dearman; great-grandchildren, Shemar Lawson, Aaqilah Dearman, Elliana Meierhoff and Azariah Meierhoff Nave; great-great-grandchild, Elizabeth May Curry; and many extended family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 1, 2026, at First CME Church in Anchorage, with viewing at 10 a.m., and service at 11 a.m. A fellowship repast will follow. Interment at Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery will take place at a later date, weather permitting.

Vera Lou (Warren) Gustafson

Feb 11, 1938 -

Feb 12, 2026

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our family matriarch, Vera Lou (Warren) Gustafson.

In the early morning of Feb. 12, 2026, Vera died of natural causes surrounded by loving family, leaving us at age 88 to be with the Lord.

Vera was born in Bentonville, Ark., on Feb. 11, 1938, and moved to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1956 where she resided permanently.

She is survived by her sister, Barbara Cashion; brother, Donald Ray Warren; children, Kim Campbell (Lance), Kevin MacLeod and Kent MacLeod (Lisa); grandchildren, Bradley MacLeod (Lauryn), Brandy Savage, Jesse Walker, Emily MacLeod and Veronica Campbell; and great-grandchildren, Maycin, Grayson, Martigan and Oonagh.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Jessie Mae (McKinzie) Warren; father, Donald Carden Warren; husband, Ronald Duane Gustafson; stepmother, Izella Warren; and sister, Sharyn Warren.

Vera worked in the liquor industry for over 30 years with Brown Jug Liquor Stores, formerly Northland Development.

A celebration of Vera's life will be on May 9, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Faith Christian Community Church, 4240 Wisconsin Street, Anchorage, AK 99517. Reception to follow with light refreshments.

In lieu of sending flowers, consider donating to the Food Bank or Alaska Community Foundation Funds.

Rebecca Johnson

Apr 12, 1963 -

Mar 20, 2026

Rebecca Johnson, age 62, died at home on March 20, 2026, with her family holding her and each other, her soul transitioning to another state of being.

Born and raised in rural Eastern Kansas, she graduated from Lola High School, went onto Allen County Community College and graduated from Pittsburgh State University in Kansas, becoming the first of her family to get a college degree. She was accepted to the University of Kansas School of Medicine, where she met Mark Thorndike. They married the same weekend as their medical school graduation before departing to Phoenix, Ariz., for residency. Rebecca completed the family medicine program at Good Samaritan Hospital.

Rebecca, always open to adventure, agreed to a six-month temporary position in Anchorage, Alaska, with Mark. Alaska has a way of crawling into your heart; as is often the case, a temporary position became permanent, and Anchorage became home.

After the birth of her first child, Tim, Rebecca began the most important period of her life. Being a mother was an introduction to a new depth of love. It was all consuming and defined the next 30 years of her life. This was also a challenging time, as Rebecca had to learn to be a mother without mentorship or role models. As a great friend of hers once said, you must seek adversity to obtain rewards. Her adult children are the greatest reward, born of the most challenging and meaningful labor of her life.

This time was also a transition, first symbolically, no longer wanting to be called Becky, as she had been her whole life, instead becoming Rebecca. She gave up medicine for motherhood and also pursued her spirituality. She became a spiritual director, which allowed time to read, write and study. Always questioning, learning and growing in the light of love, she slowly evolved from one-on-one direction to group-based spiritual teaching. She also underwent important spiritual transformations herself, and sought to help others do the same. This culminated in the development of Surrendered Presence Practice and Transformational Listening Circles. In the final years of her life, she wrote a guide to these practices called Untangled: How to Relax the Ego and Return to the Soul as a Guide. The book is a practical roadmap on how to form Transformational Listening Circles yourself, with clear instruction and guidance. It has helped many use the power of love and practice to transition from living in ego to being in the soul as the guiding light.

Rebecca lived a life full of travel and adventure. Some notable trips include a trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal, a month-long pilgrimage along the way of Saint Francis from Florence to the Vatican, leading a group pilgrimage in honor of St. Hildegard von Bingen in Germany, and many backpacking and sea kayaking adventures in Alaska.

Rebecca was a person who loved many things, and loved them well. She loved dive bars, karaoke, dancing and live music, especially local and touring bands in small venues. She hosted many gatherings and parties. The food was always good, the cocktails well-crafted and the space filled with love. She loved playing pinball, thrift shopping, mid-century modern design and all things vintage. She loved baseball games, the feel, sound and ritual of vinyl jazz, Charlie Brown Christmas, British murder mysteries, Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, naturalist poetry and the story of Ernest Shackleton's voyage in Antarctica. She collected paintings, teacups, vintage Thermoses and Avon perfume bottles.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Evelyn Johnson; father, Dale Johnson; sister, Sally Johnson; and beloved dog, Jesse Jane. She is survived by her husband, Mark Thorndike; son, Tim Thorndike; daughter, Annie Thorndike; brother, Dan Johnson; mother, Diana Igo; many cousins and so many of her chosen Alaska family.

Sharon Linda Keopuhiwa

Feb 2, 1947 -

Mar 25, 2026

Sharon Linda Keopuhiwa, born on Feb. 2, 1947, was called home to her Savior on March 25, 2026, after facing recent health challenges with characteristic grace. A woman of immense heart and quiet strength, Sharon was the cornerstone of her family and a loyal friend to many.

She was reunited in heaven with her parents, Julian and Carmen Rodrigues; brother, Howard Rodrigues; and former husband, Rodney Keopuhiwa.

Sharon's legacy of love lives on through her four children: Sherilee Keopuhiwa, Rodlynn (Joe) Smallwood, Margaret Keopuhiwa and John (Nai) Keopuhiwa. She was a devoted grandmother to MarSean, Mariah, LeiLani, Jordan (JJ), Alyssa, KaiLi, Adriana, Ayden and Max, and a doting great-grandmother to Makani and Uzziah. To her family, Sharon was a steady rock—always present, fiercely caring and a source of unconditional support.

Her deep faith was the compass of her life, shining through her commitment to her church family at Greater Friendship Baptist Church. While her absence leaves a void, her family finds peace knowing she is rejoicing in the presence of the Lord.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Greater Friendship Baptist Church, Anchorage, with Repass to follow at Kincaid Chalet at 1 p.m.

Christopher Miner

Oct 19, 1959 -

Dec 31, 2025

Chris Miner passed away on Dec. 31, 2025, in Valdez, Alaska, with his best friend and love of his life, Robin James, by his side.

Chris was born in Cutbank, Mont., to Leo and Lorraine Miner. He moved to Alaska in spring 1972 and lived in Alaska for the rest of his life. He was a beloved brother to John Michael, Lynne, Lisabeth, Maureen, Constance, Joseph, Andrew, Julie and Cheryl, and brother-in-law to Tim James.

Chris's legacy is survived by his children: son, Cody James Miner (Brenda Grandorff); daughter-in-law Courtney Miner; daughters, Ceylon Miner and Timi Miner (Robin James); son-in-law, Jamie "Kal" Berg; and through grandchildren, Cory, Colby, Colton, Connely, Winter and Isla.

We will celebrate his life at the Eagles Hall at 6 p.m., on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Valdez, Alaska.

Sylvia Perez

Sep 5, 1956 -

Mar 12, 2026

Sylvia (Castillo) Perez, 69, of Homestead, Fla., passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, after a long and courageous battle with illness.

Strong-willed and full of life, Sylvia was a tenacious and vibrant woman. A devoted Christian with unwavering faith, she held firmly to the promise of eternal life and salvation through Jesus Christ. As an active member of The Last Harvest International Ministry in Miami, Fla., Sylvia continually sought opportunities to serve, uplift others and be a blessing to those around her.

Born in Newark, N.J., Sylvia later moved with her mother to Puerto Rico, where she met and married Raniganj and began their family. Together, they raised two daughters and built a life that spanned New Jersey, Alaska, Puerto Rico and Florida. Sylvia loved to travel, but above all, she poured her heart into her family. She took great pride in the life she built and in raising her children alongside her beloved husband, Raniganj Perez, with whom she shared 47 years of marriage.

Sylvia's three grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy, lighting up her face with an unforgettable smile. She cherished every moment spent with them. Everything Sylvia did was a labor of love—whether it was preparing traditional Puerto Rican dishes like pasteles, arroz con gandules, empanadillas and chuletas, or making her signature giant buttery pancakes. With a vibrant, room-brightening laugh, Sylvia was unforgettable—a striking portrait of cherry-red lips and nails paired with soft, blown-out hair. She created a home filled with warmth and faith, reading the Bible to her daughters each night, praying with them and singing hymns to comfort them at bedtime.

Sylvia is survived by her devoted husband, Raniganj Perez; daughter, Sylvette Perez; and daughter and son-in-law, Lorraine and Daniel Frechette along with their children, Thomas, Andalucia and Frederick. She is also survived by her mother, Socorro Velez; siblings, Rosa Ruiz, Judith Castillo and Tommy Castillo; and many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her sister, Maria Cruz.

Mami, this is not goodbye—it is simply "until we meet again." We find peace in knowing that you are free now, safe in the arms of Jesus. You taught us to live with gratitude, to cherish each moment and to never take tomorrow for granted. We made it our priority to be by your side, to call, to visit and to love you intentionally. You are a virtuous wife, a devoted mother and a cherished Abuela. You are, and will always be, deeply loved.

Jennifer "Jenn" A. Torres-Ferrari

Nov 4, 1975 -

Mar 7, 2026

Jennifer Torres-Ferrari passed peacefully in the company of friends and family on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Jenn moved to Reno, Nev., from Eagle River, Alaska, in 1995 to attend the University of Nevada. She called Reno home for most of her adult life.

She had a successful university career, making lifelong friendships, becoming a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and graduating in four years with a degree in psychology. She studied behavioral analysis in a post graduate program and was ultimately drawn to teaching.

Jenn was a gifted, kind and thoughtful educator. She worked within the Washoe County School District and eventually as Lead Teacher at the Las Vegas Day School's Kinderschool.

Born in Okinawa, Japan, and raised in Alaska, Jenn was born with a spirit of adventure that carried her through life. She was an avid traveler, visiting nearly 50 countries around the world. From ziplining in Costa Rica and safari adventures in Africa, to hiking and horseback riding through much of the European continent, Jenn realized the importance of Carpe Diem and living each day to the fullest. Her travels and passion for learning about people and places could not be quelled. Jenn was passionate about live music, art, birdwatching, outdoor activity and cultural experiences.

But above all, she loved dogs. Getting her first dog in college, there was never a time in her life when she didn't have at least one furry friend. She was an excellent dog trainer and all of her dogs enjoyed much of their lives off leash.

Jenn was blessed with lifelong friends, some dating back to early school years. She was a super friend in return, with an unflinching loyalty for those she cared about.

She is survived by her mother, Cristina Torres; sisters, Betsy Butterworth and Lisette Martin; multiple nieces and nephews; and dogs, Bellini and Milou.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Alaska.

Jenn would like to direct any support to noahsanimalhouse.org .

Gary Turner

May 11, 1955 -

Apr 5, 2026

Gary J. Turner passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at his home in Soldotna, Alaska. He was born May 11, 1955, in Phoenixville, Pa. His parents, Jack S. Turner and Floris M. Turner, predeceased him. Gary had a strong work ethic, mowing grass for others when he was eight and working in a general store when he was 12, making $.75/hour. This ethic was true his entire life.

Gary attended the University of West Virginia and West Chester State University in Pennsylvania when he was selected for the National Student Exchange program at the University of Idaho for one semester. While there he built a log cabin by hand with a friend he had met. The cabin was 30 miles from the university and they needed 4-wheel drive to get there, and then hike 1/4 mile to reach the cabin site.

He returned to West Chester State University and stayed one more semester, but the call of the west drew him and his then-girlfriend Marlene - now wife - to Centennial, Wyo., where they lived in a very old log cabin with a wood stove for heat and no indoor plumbing.

The couple moved back to Phoenixville after five months and he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1979, the same year he married his wife, Marlene M. Schantag. He served as a public affairs non-commissioned officer for four years at Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane, Wash. While there he finished his bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Regents University. He was accepted to Officer Training School and was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant as a public affairs officer. While at Fairchild they had their son, Traye.

They were then stationed at NORAD and U.S. Space Command in Colorado Springs, Colo., for four years and then they were at Florennes Air Base, Belgium, for a one-year tour. They returned to Colorado, where Gary received, from Denver University, his master's degree in mass communication and pursued his Ph.D. coursework in human communication. He also took Ph.D. classes at the University of Oklahoma.

Gary taught English and literature at the U.S. Air Force Academy and returned to the public affairs field at the academy. The Turner family then transferred to Eielson AFB, Alaska, until Gary retired in 1994. He was the continuing education coordinator, student advisor and communication instructor at the University of Alaska Southeast-Ketchikan Campus. He then became a NASA public affairs program manager at Marshal Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. After four years with NASA, he was hired as a senior vice president for Weber Shandwick Worldwide, a public relations company with an office in Bellevue, Wash.

In June 2002, he was hired as the director/CEO of Kenai Peninsula College, a campus of the University of Alaska Anchorage. He retired, in July 2021, as the longest-serving director in KPC's history. He co-founded the Kenai River Guide Academy - a required course for all Kenai River guides - and founded the Kenai Fishing Academy where people learned how to fish Alaska waters.

Upon retirement he was named "Emeritus Director" by the university and awarded the UAA Meritorious Service Award.

During his military career he was awarded two Meritorious Service Medals, Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Air Force Commendation Medals, Air Force Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and numerous other ribbons and awards. He was particularly proud of being selected as one of "Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Air Force" in 1982. He was chosen from 500,000 enlisted personnel for this honor.

Gary served on the Alaska Select Committee for Legislative Ethics from 2006-17, serving as chair twice and vice chair twice, and was named the 2012 Soldotna Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year. Gary was selected as the 2013 Campaign Chair for the Kenai Peninsula United Way. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW and the Air Force Public Affairs Association. Gary also served on the Kenai Watershed Forum board of directors.

He enjoyed golf, fishing and hunting, and spending time with his son and grandsons and watching them play hockey and football. Gary played hockey into his 30s and threw the javelin in high school, earning two letters and being named the outstanding track and field athlete in 1973.

Gary is survived by his wife, Marlene; son, Traye and fiancee Becca Satathite; two grandsons, Brycen and Trent, all in Alaska; sisters, Gail Turner and Lisa Copeland, who live in the Lower 48; and his dog, Kenai, a Goldendoodle. He loved his dogs and they loved him - some say he was a dog whisperer.

A celebration of life will be held at Kenai Peninsula College on May 31, 2026, at 1 p.m.

Julie Catherine Varee

Mar 11, 1958 -

Apr 1, 2026

Julie Catherine Varee will be remembered for her joyful, dimpled smile, her wide almond eyes, her enviably long lashes and her easy, contagious laugh that lifted every room she entered.

She loved "Hamilton," "Harry Potter," a perfect plate of cacio e pepe pasta and a great glass of red wine. She delighted in the simple pleasures of scones, writing in her journal at Kaladi Brothers Coffee alongside her daughter, watching British detective shows with her husband, relishing every new handbag and cuddling with her beloved Corgi, Floyd.

Julie built lasting bonds throughout her distinguished career in philanthropy and strengthened every organization she touched. She served as donor relations director at the Anchorage Museum and senior development officer at the University of Alaska Anchorage. In her civic life, she sat on numerous boards, gave her time generously and was a fierce advocate for the arts.

Her most profound professional chapter came as the outreach archivist at the Anchorage Museum Atwood Resource Center – a role she pursued after earning her second master's degree from the University of Washington at 63. Julie showed that reinvention is possible, and she embraced it fearlessly.

The "Black Lives in Alaska: Journey, Justice, Joy" exhibition she created helped tell a fuller, more inclusive story of the state she called home for 39 years. "There's always room for more," she often said. In 2022, she was a recipient of the Diversity Award given by the Society of American Archivists.

Julie's legacy is her unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and the community she built around those values. Her greatest pride was raising her daughter, Madelyn, who carries forward the same compassion and commitment to inspiring the next generation.

She is survived by her husband, Ken Varee; daughter, Madelyn Joan; sister, Rebekah Sager; and a wide circle of loved ones.

A funeral mass for Julie will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10 a.m. A celebration of Julie's life will be held Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 6 p.m., at the Anchorage Museum.

In place of flowers, please consider donations to the Anchorage Museum Archives and the Alaska Black Caucus.

Judith Ann Younkins

Mar 22, 1950 -

Mar 26, 2026

Judy (Crosby) Younkins was born on March 22, in Anchorage, Alaska. As a child she loved to fish with her family and read. She married her husband Richard in 1968 and later welcomed their boys Keith and Kevin.

The family moved to Hood River, Ore., in 1976, where Judy worked at the local Rosauer's Grocery Store for 15 years. She always had a kind word and helpful spirit in her community. As her children grew up, many of their friends would come to call Judy's house home as well. She loved to cook and bake, but perhaps her favorite thing was canning. She was also a talented singer and loved music. Her granddaughters, Jubilation and Manon, were the light of her life, and she loved watching them grow up.

She got to fulfill her lifelong dream of visiting Rome in 2025 with her family. Above all else, Judy loved her family and taking care of them was her greatest joy. She supported and encouraged everyone's dreams. She was surrounded by her family when she passed and the people who were in her life will carry on her legacy of love, kindness and nurturing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Shirley Crosby. She is survived by her beloved husband, Richard; son, Keith and his daughter Manon; son, Kevin and his daughter Jubilation and wife Hannah; brother, Lon Crosby with wife Denise and family of Redmond, Ore.; as well as many dear friends and extended family members.