Gregory Golodoff

Nov 17, 2023

On the evening of Nov. 17, 2023, the servant of God, Gregory - Gregor, as his wife so affectionately called him - peacefully left this earthly life. Greg was born on Attu Island in the Aleutians to his parents, Olean Horosoff Golodoff and Lawrence Golodoff. He was the last surviving prisoner of war, taken at age 3, from his hometown of Attu to Japan during World War II. After the war, the U.S. government brought him, along with his surviving family members, to the village of Atka, Alaska, where he spent most of his life. As a young man, he served his country in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany, of which he had fond memories. After he was honorably discharged, he returned to Atka.

During his 84 years of life, he served on many boards and councils in Atka, and served as Tribal President during the time the new subdivision and school were being built in the 1980s. He also served as the local Store Manager with his wife, Pauline, for many years. In addition, he and Pauline commercial fished for halibut together in a skiff that Greg built. He was living in Anchorage, Alaska, with his wife for the last five to six years prior to his passing.

He enjoyed woodworking, taking four-wheeler rides on the beach with his wife, exploring new technologies and gadgets, playing Nintendo video games and his wife's delicious baking. Family members describe his as smart, innovative, patient and kind. He had a progressive mindset and liked to joke. Once, in his late 70s, someone made mention of him being an elder and he quickly responded, "who said I'm an elder?!"

Greg is survived by his partner and wife of 49 years, Pauline Golodoff. He is also survived by his siblings, Agnes Thompson, Lawrence Prokopeuff and Teresa Prokopeuff; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

May his Memory be Eternal.