Bertinious Foss
May 16, 1939 -
Jun 26, 2026
Bertinious "Bert" Foss, 87, passed away at home with his wife by his side on June 26, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska. He was born on May 16, 1939, in Pedro Bay, Alaska, to Harold "Hallie" and Logaria Foss.
Bert attended Mt. Edgecumbe High School, but had to leave high school to run the family barging service with his father, hauling fuel and supplies from Pile Bay to communities on Lake Iliamna. Bert was drafted and proudly served in the United States Army. He was trained as a heavy equipment mechanic and operator.
Bert loved music and singing. He played the guitar frequently. A fond memory includes Bert, his cousin Trig Olsen, and brother Thomas Foss being in a band together and playing at dances in neighboring Nondalton.
Bert began his commercial fishing career at an early age and was later joined by his sons. Together they fished for salmon in Bristol Bay locations, including Nushagak, Naknek, Egegik, and Ugashik. Bert knew the Kvichak River like the back of his hand, due to the time he spent bringing people up and down the river with his dad.
Bert also worked for the State of Alaska for many years. He was a very good mechanic, welder and a jack of all other trades. He was sought after and flown to many villages to fix a variety of machinery.
It was at Mt. Edgecumbe where Bert met the love of his life, Edna Moto from Deering, Alaska. Bert and Edna celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in April 2026. Together they raised their children in Iliamna, Alaska, where they lived for many years.
Bert is survived by his spouse, Edna Foss; children, Afton (Darin) Boyd, Bruce Foss, Brian (Michelle) Foss, Lorelei (Nigel) Crawford, Bertram Foss; grandchildren, Hannah and Hayden Foss, Alex and Aston Boyd; sister, Lulu (Monty) Howes; and many nieces and nephews. Bert was preceded in death by his father, Harold Foss; mother, Logaria Foss; and brothers, Buck Delkittie, Alvin Foss and Thomas Foss.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, at St. Innocent Russian Orthodox Church, 401 Turpin Street in Anchorage. Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by the service at 12 p.m. A potluck to celebrate Bert's life will also be held on Monday, July 6, 2026 at 5 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 4211 Arctic Boulevard in Anchorage. Please bring a dish and a story to share.
