Dr. Raghbir "Raj" S. Basi

May 6, 2025

Dr. Raghbir (Raj) S. Basi, 96, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, surrounded by his family. A service to celebrate his life took place in Napa, Calif. on May 20, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor, and his presence is deeply missed.

Raj's personable and engaging personality touched all who knew him, and his deep commitment to serving others defined his work and life. Endlessly curious, he embraced life with an open mind, and his warmth gave him a genuine ability to connect with people from all walks of life. An optimist by nature, he enjoyed engaging with interesting ideas, particularly those that might improve the lives and dignity of others.

Raj arrived in Alaska to establish Alaska Pacific University (APU) in 1978, first as Executive Dean, and then as the founding Provost of the newly created institution, where he was later appointed Chair, Glenn and Eva Olds Professor of International Understanding, and awarded Emeritus status. His areas of focus included economic development, international trade and finance, and organizational administration. He was an active member of the Alaska World Affairs Council, served as Managing Director of the Anchorage World Trade Center (1986-87), and as President of the Board of Directors of Chugach Electric Corporation (1987-88).

Prior to his time in Alaska, Raj was a Professor at Kent State University, where he was the Founder/Director of the Center for Peaceful Change, established as a living memorial for the students who lost their lives during the anti-war protests on May 4, 1970. He also served as a Consultant to the Planning Commission of India in 1963, and from 1967 to 1970 on behalf of the Ford Foundation as Senior Economic Advisor to the Government of Saudi Arabia. In 1999, Raj took early retirement from APU, and applying the principles of his experience and ethos, established the Village Life Improvement Foundation (VLIF) in India, pioneering a holistic model of stakeholder-led rural development. As a complimentary initiative, Raj subsequently established an entrepreneurship center at SGGS College, Mahilpur, to transform traditional village societies into entrepreneurial economies, building upon and extending the work of VLIF for greater collective impact.

Raj was educated at Panjab University (F.A.) in India, the University of British Columbia (B.A.-Honours; B.S.W.) in Canada, and Harvard (M.P.A.) and Cornell (Ph.D.) Universities in the United States. Raj authored several publications including his latest book, Contextual Management: A Global Perspective. He is survived by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Brij; their children; grandchildren; and many loved ones.

Janet "Jan" Audrey Black

Jan 23, 1936 -

Jul 29, 2026

In Loving Memory of Janet Audrey Black

Janet Audrey Black, affectionately known to so many as "Gma Jan," passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026. Born in the coastal beauty of Ketchikan, Alaska, Janet spent her formative years attending boarding school at Mt. Edgecumbe. As a dedicated single mother, she raised five children while building a 26-year career in human resources with the Anchorage School District. Janet's family was the true center of her universe. Her home and heart were always open, and she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren from joyful family camping trips to sunny days clam digging. To know Jan was to love her. She possessed an infectious warmth, a genuine heart of gold and a vibrant, fun-loving spirit. She cherished a good laugh, never shied away from a witty dirty joke and lit up every room she entered. She loved jumping in the car for long, spontaneous road trips down the highway. She also had a wonderful penchant for life's little thrills, whether taking her annual trips to Reno or enjoying the company of good friends playing pull-tabs at the Moose Lodge and AMVETS. Janet was reunited in rest with her beloved parents and her cherished children, Clifford Jr., Britt and Cassandra. Her enduring love and legacy live on through her sons, Randy (Marlene) and Jim (Tammy); grandchildren, Cody, Zack, Alexis, Christine, Alan, Allen, Michael and Makala; great-grandchildren, Andrew, Angela, Grayson, Angel and Steven; as well as great-great-grandson, Oliver; along with a vast, loving extended family of cousins and dear friends. Gma Jan brought pure joy, humor and unconditional love into the lives of everyone she touched. She will be forever missed, dearly remembered and held close in our hearts always. There will be a Celebration of Life for her on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026, at the Moose Lodge, 4211 Arctic Boulevard in Anchorage, from 2-5 p.m., two days after Thanksgiving. You don't have to be a member to join us. Thank you!

William C. Cloyd Jr.

Oct 5, 1956 -

Oct 11, 2026

William Clinton Cloyd, Jr., known to family and friends as Bill, passed away on Oct. 11, 2026, at age 70, surrounded by his family.

Bill was a builder, pilot, and avid outdoorsman. A California native who also called Anchorage, Alaska his home. He spent much of his life pursuing game, fish, and adventure in the backcountry and on open water. He built homes, flew small airplanes, drove old Toyotas, and knew his way around a smoker. He had a sharp wit, capable hands, and a lifelong appetite for seeing what lay beyond the familiar.

Born in North Hollywood and raised in Granada Hills, Bill grew up playing Granada Hills Little League and graduated from Granada Hills High School in 1974. He attended the University of Southern California from 1974 to 1978. His years in Denver and Anchorage suited his adventurous nature, but Santa Clarita, Calif. remained home. He knew its hills, appreciated its vastness, and cared deeply about the land he owned throughout the valley.

A licensed California general contractor, Bill followed in his father's footsteps as a developer. His work spanned decades and included custom homes, The Preserve in Sand Canyon, and residential projects in Colorado. Through Habitat for Humanity and Habitat for Heroes, he also helped create housing for veterans. Building was both his calling and a family tradition.

Beyond the jobsite, Bill was alive with a fishing rod in hand. A lifelong fisherman and a member of the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), he loved chasing tuna off San Diego and fishing for salmon in Alaska. The ocean, the anticipation of a bite, and the time spent on the water were among his great joys.

Wherever life took him, his allegiance stayed with the Dodgers and Rams. A good catch often became a great meal, and time around his grill meant amazing food, conversation, and laughter.

His humor was quiet, quick, and often unexpected. Those closest to him knew his generous heart, his steady love for his family, and the comfort of being in his company. He leaves behind the homes he built, the warm stories people still tell, and a family proud to call him their own.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Clinton Cloyd, Sr., and Jeanette Delatore Cloyd. He is survived by his partner, Jasmine Foster; his children, Travis (Elisha) Cloyd and Carissa (Devon) Zillner; his grandson, Tritan Cloyd; his sister, Rachel (Kirk) Jorgenson; and the mother of his children, Donna Morrison Cloyd, (m. 1981 - 2011)

He was a cherished father figure to Jasmine's sons, Gregg, Hayden, and Eric (Charlotte) Foster.

Bill built a great deal throughout his life, but the love he gave his family will remain his greatest legacy.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Bill Cloyd on Oct. 29, 2026, at Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary in Newhall, California.

Eugene "Gene" Dale

Apr 27, 1944 -

Sep 25, 2026

Gene Dale was born to Eugene and Ivy Dale on April 27, 1944. He spent his early years in Crookston, Minn. His family moved to Long Beach, Calif., where he attended school from kindergarten through high school. After graduation he worked for NCR Corporation including a move to Alaska in 1969. After retirement from NCR, he attended the University of Alaska Anchorage earning degrees in business and accounting. He then worked for the Anchorage Parking Authority. In later years he worked as a gunsmith.

Gene died on Sept. 25, 2026, from complications of pneumonia. He is survived by his spouse, Kathy; sons, David, Michael and Sara, and Eric and Misty; and grandsons, Corey and Kyle. He was preceded in death by daughter, Kara; parents; sister, Lorna; and nephews, Aaron and Daryl.

A memorial service will be held at Central Lutheran Church, where he was a member since 1969, at 1420 Cordova Street in Anchorage, on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at 4 p.m. A cookie reception will follow. The service will be live-streamed with log on at centluth.org.

A second service will be held in Mesquite, Nev., on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Central Lutheran Endowment Fund or a charity of your choice.

Donna Gifford

Jul 17, 1947 -

Aug 15, 2026

Donna Gifford, 79, of Valdez, Alaska, passed away at her home in Valdez with family by her side.

Born in Fairbanks, Alaska, to Florence and Robert Ditman, Donna was a lifelong Alaskan and longtime resident of Valdez. Donna was a fisherwoman, mother and grandmother, and a proud Alaskan.

She worked as the high school lunch lady for many years and enjoyed working with the kids. She worked a number of local jobs over the years and was a volunteer for community organizations. She was a proud member of the Pioneers of Alaska, Valdez Women's Igloo No. 2, forever listed on the membership roll. She was a longtime member of the Eagles Auxiliary Valdez and AA proud and sober.

She is survived by her husband, Jim; son, Ed with wife Mary, grandson Donovan and granddaughter Kinleigh; daughter, Theresa with husband Scott and grandson Chase; daughter, Stella with husband Brenden and grandsons Gavin and Clark; and daughter, Liz with partner Gabe and grandson Troy.

She was a lifelong member of this great big wonderful extended family that makes up Valdez.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Diana.

She is loved.

Patricia James

Apr 15, 1932 -

Sep 20, 2026

With heavy and saddened hearts, our family wishes to share the passing of our precious Pat with all who knew and loved her. We find comfort in imagining her happily sorting, cutting, and sewing away in her perfect little "Patti's Fabric" store up in the sky. And with Joe right there by her side, cheering her on as always, they are together again.

Patricia was one of those rare, beautiful souls who made the world a little brighter just by being in it. She was kind, generous, honest, and had a heart big enough to welcome everyone. Her home was always open, and if you knew Pat, you knew that opening her home and opening her heart were one and the same. She had a special way of making people feel welcome, loved, and like they belonged.

And oh, those stories! Her long, endless stories that we all know so well will be missed more than words can say. They could keep us listening for hours, and more often than not, leave us smiling and laughing along the way. Those memories, and the joy she brought with every telling, will stay with us forever. One of our favorite stories was about Jesse James working on her grandfather's farm while hiding from the law. You just never knew what kind of story Pat might share next!

Patricia leaves behind her beloved family and a handful of very special friends who were so much more than friends — they were family in every sense of the word. The love she gave so freely will live on in all of us who were fortunate enough to know her. There really are no words to express the depth of our loss or how much Pat meant to us. Our hearts are broken, but we are so grateful for the memories, the laughter, the stories, and the love she leaves behind. Today, we celebrate and remember a truly remarkable woman — a one-of-a-kind soul who loved deeply, gave generously, and left her mark on so many hearts. She will be missed more than she could ever have imagined, loved always, and never forgotten. Rest easy, sweet Pat. Keep those stories coming, keep those sewing machines humming, and give Joe a big hug from all of us.

We will be holding a celebration of life on Nov. 1, 2026 from 2-5 p.m. Please join us with a story or favorite moment spent with her. Celebration will be held at Penny Royalty, 3005 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK 99503.

Due to family allergies we ask that unscented floral options or alternatives would be appreciated. Per her request no family names were mentioned in this obituary.

Victoria "Vicki" Lynn Shamp

May 7, 1973 -

Oct 19, 2025

It is with great sadness and grief that the family of Victoria Lynn Shamp announces the one year anniversary of her passing. On Oct. 19, 2025 Victoria Lynn Shamp died unexpectedly. At the time of her passing, she was in the state of Maine and was scheduled to return to Alaska the next day. Vicki, as she preferred to be called, was born May 7, 1973 in Albuquerque, N.M. to Nancy and Philip Martin. She joined her siblings, Cathy and Susan, in the family. In 1980, the family moved to Anchorage, Alaska where Vicki lived the rest of her life. Vicki had her daughter, Alyshia, at an early age in 1990. Vicki finished high school and attended UAA where she graduated with an Associate's Degree. She then went on to purchase a home at the age 25, as a single parent. She married her husband, Dana Shamp, in 2008 and added Skylar Victoria Shamp to the family in 2014. Vicki was a very talented person who taught herself how to crochet. Vicki had a knack for crafting her own original ideas which she often then gifted to her loved ones. Her friends and family continue to appreciate these works even more so now in her passing. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Ralph and Dorothy Berger; her paternal grandparents, Fred Martin and Barbara West; and her father, Philip Earl Martin. She is survived by her mother and step-father, Nancy and Ralph Lee; her step-mother, Cheryl Martin; her husband, Dana Shamp; and her daughters, Alyshia Bischoff and Skylar Shamp. Additional surviving family members include her sisters, Cathy Grossman and Susan Kruse; son-in-law, Bart Bischoff; brother-in-laws, Mike Grossman and Ron Kruse; her adopted siblings, Kelly Herbert and Wayne Martin; step-sister, Denise Spanos; step brother and his wife, Tom and Teresa Day; grandchildren, Holly and Olivia Bischoff. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Vicki's sharp wit, creative soul, protective nature, and sense of humor will forever live on in those who loved her as we strive to live in her honor. Vicki is in our thoughts more than anyone will ever know. She is missed by all who knew and loved her.

Eloise Yeager

May 30, 1945 -

Jul 10, 2026

As she wished, Eloise Yeager's ashes were scattered in Monterey Bay, Calif., surrounded by breaching humpback whales, sea lions and sea birds. Her sister and her family tossed in the sea flower leis and notes to her written on sand dollars. Eloise was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Eloise passed on July 10, 2026, of end stage frontal temporal degeneration. Born Eloise Stone in Payson, Utah, in 1945, the rebellious little Mormon girl used to hide her shoes so she wouldn't have to go to church and was non-participating to the end. Eloise grew up in Fair Oaks, Calif., near Sacramento.

After high school, while attending beautician school, she met Kirk at Rick's Drive In, in Orangevale, Calif., where she bought him a hamburger. Kirk knew a good thing and they married in 1964 and had three children. She was predeceased by their infant daughter, Lisa; brother, Larry Stone; and parents, Ralph and Verna Stone. She is survived by her husband, Kirk; son, Eric (Cassey); daughter, Erin Stender (Alan); granddaughter, Savannah Martin (Garrett); great-granddaughter, Rory Eloise Marti; and granddaughter, Shelby Stender; as well as brother, Clyde Stone; and sister, Sheri Granlee (Gary).

Eloise was a devoted wife and mother and a very proud "Nana" and "Great Nana."

As a young working mother, Eloise represented the California Almond Growers as the Sacramento area "Queen of Transportation." Kirk jokingly referred to her as the "Mother Trucker of the Year."

In 1975, construction of the trans-Alaska pipeline drew the young family north. Eloise was the office manager for a CPA firm in Anchorage, Alaska, for many years.

Eloise was up for anything! In Alaska she started riding motorcycles solo at age 50. She was a softball player, a bowler and a walker. We can picture her long walks singing to her Boston terrier companion, Muggs. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, cooking and baking. We miss her touch on her favorite recipes.

The couple retired in 2000 and traveled the west for two years in their RV, which carried along two Harley motorcycles. They settled in Yerington, Nev., in 2002, and built a new home seven miles south of town.

Eloise had a form of Frontal Temporal Degeneration (FTD). The Yerington Senior Center was essential in keeping Eloise engaged in life and engaged in the community. Until 2020, she volunteered for many years to serve lunches at the center.

Eloise first noticed minor speech difficulty in 2007; in 2010, she was diagnosed with the agrammatic form of Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) a rare form of FTD. Initially affecting speech, the later stages of the disease was complicated by apraxia and visual/spatial processing issues. Eloise took in information, but had difficulty getting information out. We are grateful the progression was lengthy, as most patients progress at a much quicker rate.

In 2011, Eloise volunteered for research studies at Northwestern University's Mesulam Institute for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, https://www.brain.northwestern.edu, in Chicago, Ill. She made 10 trips to the institute over the years, and her contribution to the research has been significant. She donated her brain to the institute at end of life. We are so proud of her.

As a research participant we received patient and caregiver counseling. Eloise received a referral to a speech therapist appropriate for PPA, in which she participated for seven years. Her contribution to the research was fulfilling for her and helped in coping with her predicament.

Our recommendation is to participate at your local Senior Center. The seniors knew and accepted Eloise; it's a comfortable place to be and we are grateful. It also keeps you engaged!

Secondly, give back! If you have memory issues and if possible, volunteer at the nearest memory research center. It can be fulfilling and you will contribute to a future treatment.

In remembrance, donations can be made to the Yerington Senior Center or the Mesulam Institute.