Retired Captain Emil L. Cekada

Mar 25, 1936 -

Jan 29, 2026

Former Alaska resident Retired Captain Emil L. Cekada passed away peacefully on Jan. 29, 2026.

Emil was born on March 25, 1936, at Duke Hospital in Durham, N.C. Emil graduated from Asheville School in 1955. He graduated from William & Mary with a B.S. in chemistry in 1959. Following his graduation, he enrolled in the University of North Carolina School of Pharmacy, where he earned his degree in 1962. During his time there, he was honored with the Lehn & Fink Gold Medal Award for Achievement in Pharmacy. He went on to complete his hospital pharmacy residency at Duke University Medical Center. While at UNC he met Margaret, his beloved wife and lifelong partner. In 1963, he entered the U.S. Public Health Service and was assigned to Indian Health Service in Mt. Edgecumbe, Alaska. While carrying out his regular hospital and clinic responsibilities, he served as a pharmacy consultant for surrounding communities and to the Coast Guard in the region. He and Margaret were married on March 27, 1964. Yes, the very day of the great Alaska earthquake. In June 1965, he was transferred to Arizona where he served as chief pharmacist at the Indian Health Service Hospitals in Winslow and Fort Defiance. Both Emil James and Emily were born in Arizona. In 1971, the family moved to Minnesota, where he pursued and earned his master's degree from the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota in 1972. That September, the family found themselves back in Alaska as Emil became the Area Pharmacy Officer for Alaska Area Native Health Service of Anchorage, a position he held with dedication until 1992. In his role, he directed pharmacy programs throughout Alaska, an experience that allowed him to work with and learn from many unique communities. In 1982, Emil was honored with the Bowl of Hygeia Award, State of Alaska. He also served as President of the Alaska Society of Hospital Pharmacists, was a member of the Board of Directors of the Alaska Pharmaceutical Association and was Editor of the Alaska Pharmacist.

Emil and Margaret devoted themselves wholeheartedly to their children, Emil James and Emily — coaching hockey, being members of the Anchorage Figure Skating Association, attending every one of their children's activities. Sports were a central part of family life, bringing them countless shared moments and memories. One highlight was attending the Great Alaska Shootout every year. In 1992, Emil and Margaret returned to North Carolina. They settled back in Mount Olive, N.C., Margaret's hometown. Emil worked at the Federal Prison at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base until his retirement in 1993. Retirement gave Emil and Margaret more time to spend with family and friends.

Emil was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Margaret; and parents, Dr. Emil B. Cekada and Louise Lewis Cekada.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Emil James (Jennifer) Cekada of Wilson, N.C.; daughter and son-in-law, Emily (Lyle) Draayer of Anchorage, Alaska; cherished granddaughters, Erica and Lauren Cekada and Amber Draayer and Justin (Tara) McDaniel; sister-in-law, Sylvia Pritchard; and niece, Jimi-Catherine Pritchard.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Eshelman School of Pharmacy at UNC, or to the Parkinson's Foundation.