David Ernest Bridges
Nov 1, 1953 -
Sep 19, 2022
Well-known and loved, David Ernest Bridges, 68, of Fort Yukon, Alaska, passed away on Sept. 19, 2022, at University of Washington Medical Center-Montlake in Seattle, Wash.
Born in Blue Hill, Maine, on Nov. 1, 1953, he was the third child of Margaret (McIntyre) and Clarence Bridges of Brooklin, Maine. Growing up in rural Maine, David spent his childhood in the woods around his home, hunting deer with his father and harvesting blueberries for his mother. In the summer the family would take weekend hikes to the shore for cookouts and spend the evenings listening to the Boston Red Sox on the radio. The time in between was filled with trips to the library, where he fell in love with reading. A 1972 graduate of George Stevens Academy in Blue Hill, David went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in education from the University of Maine in 1976.
Soon after graduation, David traveled to Alaska with plans to teach for a few years, have a few adventures, and then return to Maine. David fell in love with Alaska; he stayed and built his life in the Yukon Flats. He raised his daughters in Chalkyitsik and Fort Yukon, returning to Maine each summer via a cross-country road trip. In Maine, along with Margaret and Clarence, he taught his girls how to ride bicycles, dig clams, pick the best McIntosh apples and, of course, catch a few Red Sox games. In 1996, David married Juanita Diane Carroll, and together they grew their family. Both teachers, deeply rooted in their Christian faith, they opened their home to the community.
For over 20 years, David taught middle and high school in the Yukon Flats School District. He joked that when he started teaching the grandchildren of his first students, it was time to retire. After retirement, David remained dedicated to the community and served on the Local School Advisory Committee, Yukon Flats School Board and Fort Yukon Assembly of God Church Board. He was most recognized as "Coach Dave" of the Fort Yukon Eagles basketball team. For 19 seasons he held practices, helped with homework and coordinated travel opportunities across Alaska. The Eagles and "Coach Dave" were chronicled in the book "Eagle Blue: A Team, A Tribe, and a High School Basketball Season in Arctic Alaska" by Michael D'Orso. David was very proud to have his team and community featured in this book and developed a lifelong friendship with the author. David became the most decorated coach in the school's history. Yet, he was so much more.
A constant in the community, David connected with many people, providing comfort and encouragement, and sharing his witty humor. He took the long view in life, always looking past the obstacles in front of him, keeping his eye on the broader view. He shared his life experiences with the hope that it would help others on their journey. David was a mentor to his students and players, preparing them for the world ahead.
In more recent years, David was the friendly face to greet you at the airport as he managed the Fort Yukon airport terminal. It was there that he began a lending library, devouring books between flights and passing them along to the next traveler. From the airport he helped fill the freezers of local elders by connecting with hunters returning from their expeditions in the Brooks Range. As a beekeeper and gardener, David was awarded many blue ribbons at the Fort Yukon Agricultural Fair and shared honey and vegetables with anyone who asked. In his family, David will be remembered as a loving husband, grandpa ready to share treats, trivia whiz, master griller - even at 40 below, avid sports fan - especially of his beloved Boston Red Sox, the gardener who didn't eat vegetables and the only one who got three martin tails added to his fur hat. In his final days, he continued to check in with friends and family, exchanging stories and providing encouragement. David will be remembered as more than the "decent man" he strived to be.
David lives on in his wife, Diane; children, Lewis Firmin (Tamara), Gabriel Vent, Jamie Bridges (Marlin), Jolene Firmin Telford (Brandon), Gavin Rifredi (Jennifer); nephew and honorary son, Todd Solomon; grandchildren, Angelica Firmin (21), Karilee Firmin (12), Joesias Firmin (11), Avril Firmin (7), Jesse Vent (11), Avianna Vent (9), Cain Vent (4), Brooklin Jimmie (6), Sawyer Bridges (5), William Telford (10), Elaina Telford (6), Bryson Englishoe (5), McKenna Rifredi (2), Greyson Solomon (9); siblings, Jane Wyllie (Duane), Anne Bridges (Paul), Richard Bridges; aunt, Jean McIntyre; countless nieces and nephews, godchildren, former students and former basketball players. He is welcomed home to heaven by son, Andrew Firmin (Kara'lissa); and his parents, Margaret and Clarence Bridges.
A celebration of life service will be held at the Fort Yukon Assembly of God Church, on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, at 2 p.m. He will be laid to rest at the Assembly of God cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fort Yukon School Activities Fund, which provides resources for the Fort Yukon Eagles basketball teams.
