Tom Bailey Brion

May 22, 1941 -

Aug 17, 2022

Tom Bailey Brion, 81, passed away on Aug. 17, 2022, at his cabin in the woods with his wife Patty by his side. Tom, the third of six children, was born on May 22, 1941, near Liberty, Pa., to Floyd B. Brion and Sara G. Brion. He entered the U.S. Air Force in September 1959, and served proudly, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant, until retirement in September 1979. He married Patricia A. (Mahosky) Brion on May 22, 1960, and moved to Chugiak, Alaska, in 1971.

Tom and his family built and operated both Cottonwood Lodge and Bentalit Lodge, both in the Lake Creek area off the Yentna River. He had numerous adventures living in the Alaska bush and as a private pilot, some of which he recorded in his popular book "Stories I've Heard, Characters I've Met and Lies We've Told in My 44 Alaskan Years."

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother William, October 2019; and his son Jody, May 2021. Tom is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia (Mahosky) Brion. He was the brother of Joyce Beaver of West Milton, Pa., Sidney Brion and Sally Maneval of Liberty, and Rita Grimes of New Columbia, Pa. He is also survived by his daughter, Ruth King; son, William Brion (wife Annette) of Chugiak; eight grandchildren, Sara King, Patricia (King) Lauer, Chancey King, Gabrielle Brion, Sean Brion, Aidan Brion, Liam Brion and Shannon Brion; two great-grandchildren, Avery Brion and Zephram Lauer; many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life was held on Sept. 3, 2022, at the Bentalit Village Airpark. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to disabled veterans or war widows.