Curtis John Hipsak

Nov 30, 1967 -

Aug 20, 2026

Curtis John Hipsak, 58, passed away on Aug. 20, 2026, surrounded by loving friends and family at his home in Anchorage, Alaska, after a brave battle with a rare and aggressive mesothelioma cancer. Curtis was born on Nov. 30, 1967, in North Dakota, and relocated to Anchorage with his family in 1973.

Curtis enjoyed good food and had a passion for cooking. His first job was at the Arctic Roadrunner, an Alaska hot spot famous for its decor and delicious food. In the late 1980s he worked at the West Coast International Inn/Pipers, eventually becoming their Executive Chef. After 13 years he moved on to become the head cook at Judy's Cafe, where he worked until semi-retirement a few years ago.

Curtis loved cars and enjoyed modifying them with performance parts and premium sound systems. Over the years he owned many autos, with his latest passion being his 1987 Mitsubishi Starion. Curtis was always there to lend a hand when friends had car issues, and was a member of the local Alaska Tuner Catalog car club.

Curtis had a great sense of humor and a wicked little smile that predicted something funny was about to happen. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and roommate of the last 27 years, Jason Canfield, along with his dogs, Hodor and Toola.

Curtis is survived by his mother, Eleanora Hipsak; sister, Brenda Burkhart; brother-in-law, Blase Burkhart; niece, Jennifer Burkhart; and great-nephews, Orion and Xion Owens. He is also survived by a recently discovered half-sister on his biological father's side, and half-brother on his biological mother's side. Curtis was preceded in death by his father, Nick Hipsak; and nephew, Jerry Burkhart.

At Curtis's request the family will not be holding a public service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.