John Stewart Tolley

Feb 3, 1953 -

Aug 10, 2023

John Tolley, 70, died peacefully at his home in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 10, 2023, after a long illness. He died surrounded by family and friends.

John was born on Feb. 3, 1953, in Greenville, Miss. His family first came to the Territory of Alaska in 1958 with the U.S. Air Force. They returned to the state in 1966. John graduated from Anchorage West High School in 1971, and did his undergraduate work at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He received his Master of Urban Planning, cum laude, from Princeton University in 1979.

John returned to Anchorage to work for the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. First as the Kenai Area Planner, then Statewide Aviation Manager, and finally as the Chief of Planning for the Central Region from 1984 until he retired in 2008. After retirement, John worked for the Municipality of Anchorage as Project Manager on the Seward Highway to Glenn Highway Connection for four years.

John was generous with his time and talent. He served on the Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions Technical Advisory Committee for many years. As Board President of Park Place Condominiums, John managed reconstruction after a devastating fire destroyed half the complex in 2007. He also assisted with the development and construction of the Thomas Center for Senior Leadership, on the campus of St. Mary's Episcopal Church.

John was an avid reader and loved learning. In 2016, he graduated from the Education for the Ministry Program at St. Mary's. John's thirst for knowledge was also reflected in his love of travel and travel planning. Together with Greg, his life partner of 43 years, they traveled the world, visiting all seven continents. Before he became ill in early 2018, John had planned future trips to Cuba, South Africa and Madagascar. There was always somewhere they'd never been, some new place to be explored.

In the last few years, John loved long drives. He particularly liked riding down Turnagain Arm, always on the lookout for sheep. He also enjoyed watching the swans at Potter Marsh and walking along the boardwalk.

John was preceded in death by his father, mother and two beloved corgis. He is survived by his life partner, Greg Curney; brother, Frank Tolley; sister, Ceresa Tolley; and six nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at 5 p.m., at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 2222 East Tudor Road. Reception to follow in the Church Hall.

Memorials maybe made on line to St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Providence Hospice Alaska or the charity of your choice.