George Smith Jr.

Feb 26, 1931 -

Jul 16, 2021

George Smith Jr., age 90, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away on Friday, July 16, 2021.

George was born at the Kanakanak Hospital in 1931 and raised in Dillingham, Alaska. During his teens, he worked in the general store that his dad managed. Later, he enjoyed hunting and a bit of gold prospecting. After high school, he joined the US Army, and while assigned to Fort Rich, he served on Elmendorf. A few years later, he moved south to Washington state where he attended college. He graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. Afterwards, he came back to Alaska, and for the majority of his career, he worked for the IRS in their auditing department. He did work a few years for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and also the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), but ultimately, both times he came back and finished his career with the IRS.

George was downtown Anchorage on 5th Avenue having a drink with a friend when the 1964 earthquake happened. He waited out the quake, finished his drink, and then he and his friend spent the night guarding the IRS building, as all windows and water pipes had been broken.

George met his wife, Mona Mae Kammermeyer, when they lived in apartments across the hall from each other. They were married for 31 years and were both long-time Pioneers of Alaska. Mona passed away in 2017.

George was a proud Yup'ik shareholder of Bristol Bay Native Corporation and Choggiung Limited. He took a keen interest in the annual meetings, kept a freezer stocked with salmon, and lovingly curated Native art in his home.

George was a quiet man with a dry wit and a big heart. He typically wore collared shirts, suspenders, and if going out, would don a newsboy cap. As he aged, during conversations when he didn't want to answer or if he disagreed, he would simply close his eyes. Some saw him as grumpy, but this was often a gruff screen to mask his tenderness. Mona would often tell him, "George, you behave." He would just let loose a small, subtle smile, but his eyes would be twinkling with mischief. Those who cared for him in his last years, referred to him as "Sweet Mr. George."

George is preceded in death by his parents, George Smith Sr. and Annie Johnson; and his siblings, William Tennyson, Elizabeth Flores, and John F. Smith; as well as his wife, Mona Mae Kammermeyer. He is survived by his niece, Erin Smith (L. Tiel); nephew, Alex Smith (Norma); niece, Katrina Smith; stepson, Mike Kammermeyer (Chellie); and stepdaughter, Caralee Kleewein, and their posterity.

George will be buried Saturday, July 31, 2021, next to his wife, Mona, during a small, private graveside ceremony with military and pioneer honors.