Julian Maule

May 14, 1929 -

Oct 30, 2024

Well-known former Alaskan Julian R. Maule died on Oct, 30, 2024, in Ketchum, Idaho. He was 95 years old.

Born on May 14, 1929, in Lynn, Mass., to Julian and Agnes Maule, he attended Lynn English High School. He was a handsome lad, and while in high school, he had a brief modeling gig. He quit high school to join the Army Air Force, and after training, he was stationed at what is now Elmendorf AFB. He returned briefly to Lynn to elope with his high school sweetheart, Catherine (Machienci).

After his discharge from the Army Air Force, they remained in Alaska. Catherine worked as an accountant and Julian as a lumberjack and a commercial fisherman in Prince William Sound. They had four children, Suzanne, Julie, Daniel and Catherine.

Julian never met a stranger. A big, imposing man with a loud voice and a louder laugh, he made friends wherever he went. During these early years, Julian and Catherine dreamed of building a bar/restaurant and cabins in Girdwood to cater to skiers who were beginning to ski at the new resort, Alyeska. They saved their money and purchased property on Crow Creek Road. With the help of many friends, they built a small stick frame building. They called their new venture "The Double Musky Inn." (By some accounts, a double musky is part Muscatel wine and part ginger ale.) They featured "cook your own steaks," and a fine selection of mostly European wines. Despite his humble beginnings, Julian had a keen appreciation of wines. When you entered the restaurant, you wrote your name on a chalkboard, and when your name was called, you received a steak that you cooked in the fireplace (sort of like the old Chef's Inn).

On weekends, the place was alive with the music of Polka Dan Zantek on Squeezebox, Hermann the German on the base or zither. Volunteers played the "Girdwood bass" (a string tied to a wash tub called the "gut bucket"). Many early Alyeska skiers have fond memories of weekend evenings at the Double Musky dancing to the music of Polka Dan.

Of course, the present-day Double Musky, a fine gourmet restaurant, is a far cry from the original. To the point, and as an example of Julian's lack of pretension, the original sign, on a half sheet of bare plywood, nailed to the tree proclaimed: "Double Musky Inn, BOOZE, BEANS, BUNKS."

Tragically, in the mid-70s, their daughter Cathy was struck and killed on the Alyeska Highway. This heartbreaking event took the wind out of their sails. They separated, then divorced, and eventually sold the restaurant.

Julian moved to Snohomish, Wash., where he enjoyed growing tomatoes and shrimping in Puget Sound. Julian loved the water and had a nice cash business selling shrimp to friends and neighbors. He frequently returned to Alaska representing rainwear lines such as Helly Hansen and Guy Cotton. He spent his last years in southern Idaho to be near his daughter, Susie McCartney.

He was preceded in death by Catherine; his daughters, Julie and Cathy; and his son, Daniel.

He is survived by his daughter, Suzanne McCartney; grandsons, Daniel and Ricardo; and granddaughter, Danielle.

A celebration of life is being planned in Anchorage this summer.

Condolences, memories and photos can be shared with the family by following the obituary link at www.demarayfuneralservice.com.