Helena Marie Bartman Andree

Ruth Elaine “Lolly” McCullough, 87, of Homer, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016 at Long Term Care in Homer, Alaska.
Elaine was born in McPherson, Kan. on Sunday, Nov. 11, 1928 to Axel Leebert Bernard and Evelina Beda (Ledell) Johnson. She attended Elmdale Elementary, graduated from McPherson High School and received her degree from Wichita Business College. She married Don McCullough, after meeting him in Wichita in 1949. They had a son, Don, in 1950 before relocating back to McPerson.
Together, they moved to Homer in July of 1965. Elaine worked for approximately 16 years with Farmers Alliance Insurance, one year with Cessna Aircraft and 32 years with Homer Electric Association before retiring in 1994. Elaine was always intelligent, well-respected and dedicated to her business endeavors. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother who truly cared for her family and friends.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Don McCullough in 1984 and parents, Leebert and Evelina.
She is survived by her son, Greg and wife, Carol of Homer; and grandchildren John and wife, Gretchen of Homer and Robert and Don Busby; great granddaughter, Emma Elaine McCullough of Homer; brother, Roland Johnson of McPherson, Kan. and niece, Alicia Johnson of San Francisco, Calif.
A celebration of life at Faith Lutheran Church will be planned at a later date. Please visit www.alaskanfuneral.com to offer condolences.

Arthur Irwin Harris

Homer resident, The Reverend Arthur Irwin Harris, 91, died on Wednesday, December 23, 2015, at South Peninsula Hospital in Homer. A celebration of his life will be held in Florida at a later date.
Rev. Harris was born on January 1, 1924, in Falls Church, Virginia.  He was the middle child of five sons born to Charles and Margaret Harris.
When Arthur was a few months old, the Harris family relocated to Capitol Heights, Maryland.  They built a new home, and this is where Arthur and his brothers were raised.  Arthur graduated from Maryland Park High School in 1943, and later married Rosemarie Wheeler.  Arthur and Rosemarie had attended and been active in the same church all their lives, where he played the piano and they both sang. 
From an early age Arthur felt the call of God on his life, and planned even as a very young man, to go into the ministry.  During their early years of marriage, Arthur worked at the US Navy Yard in Washington, D.C.  Soon, however, the family moved to Illinois where he attended Moody Bible College.  In his college yearbook, Arthur was noted as being “small but mighty.”  His devotion to God, love of people, sense of humor, sparkly personality, and natural musical gifts all suited him perfectly for his work in the ministry. 
After leaving Moody Bible College, Arthur completed his college education at the Washington Bible Institute in Washington, D.C.  By this time he and Rosemarie had two children, Sharyn Lee and Stephen Howell.   They were offered and accepted a pastorate in Oxon Hill, Maryland, where they served for a number of years.  After leaving Oxen Hill, the family moved back to Capitol Heights, which was closer to family.  Arthur took a position with John L. Lewis, United Mine Workers District 50, and continued to work for that company until they merged with US Steel.
In 1969, Arthur married Marie Farr, and US Steel relocated them to Pennsylvania.   When he retired from US Steel in 1975, Arthur and Marie moved to Lady Lake, Florida, fully planning to spend their ‘total retirement years’ enjoying the warm Florida weather.  However, God had other plans, and this move simply began the next chapter in Arthur’s life.  Instead of retiring, Reverend Harris became one of the founding pastors of the Chapel of Christian Faiths, the first church in “The Villages.”  He remained the senior pastor there for the next 22 years.  He saw the congregation grow, and eventually two Sunday morning services were needed.  He also saw the church through four building expansion programs.  These were some of the happiest years of his life.  He truly loved the Chapel and his “Chapel family.”  In 2003,  Arthur was forced to leave the pulpit for health reasons, and in 2009, he moved to Homer, Alaska, to live with his daughter, Sharyn, her husband, Joe, and his beloved granddaughter, Jennamarie. 
Arthur was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Farr Harris, parents, Charles and Margaret Harris, brothers, Charles Harris, Edward Harris, Teddy Harris and the Rev. Wesley Harris.  He is survived by his daughter-Sharyn Super, husband Joe, Son-Stephen H. Harris; granddaughter, Jennamarie Super.
Arrangements made by Homer Funeral Home and Cremation services.  Please visit and sign his online guestbook at AlaskanFuneral.com.

Raquelle Elaine Reynolds

Raquelle Elaine Reynolds, 19, of Soldotna passed away Monday, Jan. 25, 2016.
Raquelle was born Thursday, May 2, 1996 in Anchorage to Frederick Anthony Reynolds and Melody Ann Ruhl.
She spent summers in Pilot Point, Bristol Bay with her father, where she became captain of her own commercial fish site with her sisters. Raquelle spent the school year with her mother in Kenai, where she graduated. In her younger years, she was enormously proud of her spelling bee victories and was extremely intelligent.
Raquelle was a competitor at heart, playing competitive soccer, basketball and volleyball — all the way through high school.
Her family said, “She was a very loving person with a big heart and a big smile, who always put your heart and feelings before hers.”
Raquelle was preceded in death by her grandmother, Lorraine Reynolds and aunt, Laura Stonecipher.
She is survived by her loving parents, Rick and Melody; sisters, Ericka and Whitney Reynolds; grandmother, Noni Ruhl; uncle, Donald Ruhl; auntie, Faye Tracy; cousins, Dustin and Dana Tracy, Jayden Douglas, Ashlee and Kaos Ruhl, Sabrina and Tiffany Knickerbocker and Jarred Stonecipher; great uncles, Wesley, Roy and David Matsuna and John Ruhl; great aunties, Aniccia Tretikoff and Sherri and Lidia Matsuno and many other family members and friends.
A celebration of Raquelle’s life was held Sunday in Kenai. Please visit www.alaskanfuneral.com to send condolences to Raquelle’s family.

Ruth Elaine McCullough

Ruth Elaine “Lolly” McCullough, 87, of Homer, passed away peacefully on Jan. 6, 2016 at Long Term Care in Homer, Alaska.
Elaine was born in McPherson, Kan. on Sunday, Nov. 11, 1928 to Axel Leebert Bernard and Evelina Beda (Ledell) Johnson. She attended Elmdale Elementary, graduated from McPherson High School and received her degree from Wichita Business College. She married Don McCullough, after meeting him in Wichita in 1949. They had a son, Don, in 1950 before relocating back to McPherson.
Together, they moved to Homer in July of 1965. Elaine worked for approximately 16 years with Farmers Alliance Insurance, one year with Cessna Aircraft and 32 years with Homer Electric Association before retiring in 1994.
Elaine was always intelligent, well-respected and dedicated to her business endeavors. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother who truly cared for her family and friends.
Ruth was preceded in death by husband Don McCullough in 1984 and parents, Leebert and Evelina.
She is survived by her son, Greg and wife, Carol of Homer; and grandchildren John and wife, Gretchen of Homer and Robert and Don Busby; great granddaughter, Emma Elaine McCullough of Homer; brother, Roland Johnson of McPherson, Kan. and niece, Alicia Johnson of San Francisco, Calif.
A celebration of life at Faith Lutheran Church will be planned at a later date. Please visit www.alaskanfuneral.com to offer condolences.

Longtime Ninilchik resident Michael R. Johnson, 67, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016 at his home from natural causes.
Graveside services were held Monday, Feb. 8, at the American Legion Cemetery in Ninilchik.
Michael was born June 10, 1948 in Vancouver, Wash. He received his education at Bonney Lake Elementary in Seattle, and Reynolds High School in Portland, Ore. He also received education in the military and served as a chaplain.
Michael served in the U.S. Army 173rd Airborne from 1966-77. He served two tours in Vietnam, as well as in Germany and Seattle. He was awarded two purple hearts, the Vietnamese Medal of Honor and the Presidentís Commendation.
Michael moved to Alaska in 1977 and lived in Anchorage, where he worked as a chef at the Captain Cook Hotel. In 1986, he moved to Ninilchik, where he worked as a smoker chef for Deep Creek Custom Packing. He retired in 1989.
Michael was very recluse, especially this past year. He loved painting, and spent most of his time doing so. He was affected for life by his duty in the military both during Vietnam and after.
“Michael had a very difficult life with a lot of problems, some of which he brought on himself. He served for 11 years active duty and was very proud to be a soldier. After his military career, he worked in various hotels around the State of Alaska. He loved the arts and was a very happy individual. It will not be the same without him. He always helped everyone he could,” his family wrote.
Michael was preceded in death by sister, Kathy Johnson, brother, Bill Johnson and mother, Jean Berger.
He is survived by his son, Todd Hendricks of Yakima, Wash.; daughters, Rachael Johnson and Tammy Eversole, both of Raleigh, N.C., Starr Johnson of Seattle, Wash.; his father and stepmother, Frank and Colleen Berger of Bend, Ore.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jeff and Mary Berger of Ninilchik, and Joe and Connie Johnson of Bend, Ore.; sister and brother-in-law, Lynnette and Ed Hewitt of Wenatchee, Wash.; numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai.

Mrs. Betty Bee Martin, 86, of Anchor Point, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016 at South Peninsula Hospital in Homer.
Betty was born Monday, March 4, 1929 in White River, S.D. to Donald and Luella (Milks) James.
She moved to Alaska in August of 1980, living in Cordova and then Anchor Point. She retired from her jobs as a waitress and caregiver in 1994, and enjoyed spending her free time sewing. She even made her own clothing and suits.
Betty is survived by her loving husband, Leroy Martin of the home; daughter, Madeline Serna of Lakewood, Calif.; sister, Mary Lou Marcum of Las Vegas, Nev. and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Services are pending at the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall (850 Sterling Highway in Homer). Please visit www.alaskanfuneral.com to give online condolences and check for updated service information.

Roy L. Morris

Roy L. Morris, 65, passed from this life on Feb. 17, 2016. A 60-year resident of Homer, Roy died as he lived; on the move, always working, rarely slowing down or taking a break.
Roy was born March 7, 1950, in Silva, Mo. At 5 years old, he came to Alaska with his parents to experience homestead-living on Greer Road. Roy attended Homer schools, and graduated from Homer High in 1968. He served his country on a four-year hitch in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam Era as a cook in Kodiak, Bermuda, Maine and Maryland. Proudly, he’d say, “I served in the Navy, but never onboard a ship.”
Roy founded “Snowbird Enterprises” in 1977, and was “on the job” when the angels called him. Whether it was road-building, land-clearing, or excavation, Roy took pride in his work.
His favorite projects were envisioning and sculpting raw land into a work of art to be proud of.
Watching Roy run his equipment could be captivating. His nephew, Ted, had never built a road when he created one for State Forestry. When asked how he did it, he simply said, “I just tried to think like Uncle Roy.”
A lover of coffee and conversation, Roy could be found most mornings at a local restaurant swapping stories, advice and jokes with friends. Always willing to help others in any way he could, Roy would show up with a smile and some words of wisdom to turn a bad day around.
He often said of others, “he’d give you the shirt off his back;” little did he know, that also applied to him. His many friends and family will miss his quick wit, positive attitude and can-do spirit. There’s gonna be a shortage of jokes in Homer for a while now.
Roy is predeceased by his parents, Loyd and Edna Morris. He is survived by son, Byron Morris, and brother, Fred (Michelle) Morris, all of Homer. Nephews Fred (Mary) Morris of Hoquiam,Wash., Ted (Jeanne) Morris of Tok, Sam (Kaari) Morris and Robert (Roxy) Morris of Fairbanks, niece Tiffany of Amboy, Wash. and many friends acquired in his life here.
Roy lived life and left life on his own terms, ignoring the health advice of his doctors by working hard, smoking cigarettes and indulging in the all-American meal: cheeseburger with fries and a coke.
Join in a potluck celebration of Roy’s life Saturday, Feb. 27, from noon-4 p.m. at Homer Elks Lodge.

LaVelle “Vel” Dillon

LaVelle “Vel” Dillon, beloved wife, aunt, friend, Gammy and “surrogate mother” to many, passed away peacefully, with her husband by her side, on Tuesday Feb. 2, 2016 at Homer’s South Peninsula Hospital, after a courageous battle against cancer.
LaVelle was born in Baker, Ore. on Oct. 19, 1936 to Nelson and Oriel Speelman. She met Spud while living in Kennewick, Wash. in January 1960. They married in Spokane. on Nov. 19, 1960.
In August 1963, they moved to Alaska for Spud’s job with Homer Electric Association, where they shared many great adventures during their 55 years together.
LaVelle owned and operated her beauty salon, “The Powder Puff” for 30 years in Homer. She also worked as a florist at Forget Me Not, a bank teller at National Bank of Alaska and an avid quilter. She made hundreds of quilts, by hand, machine and crochet. She was very generous with her time, making quilts for friends and family. She was a member of the Quilting Guild, and participated in the Mother’s Day Quilt shows.
LaVelle cooked at a variety of hunting camps, while Spud guided hunters throughout the state. Camps included Post Lake, Alaska Range and Kiliuda Bay on Kodiak Island. Spud and Vel purchased property in Tutka Bay, where they built and ran a fish camp/guide service for 20 years. They also hosted numerous guests at their properties on Long Lake and Caribou Lake near Homer.
Vel is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Veldon “Spud” Dillon, of Ekalaka, Mont; her twin brother Vern Speelman of Talkeetna; sister Oriel Sharp of Pinehurst, Idaho, and many relatives, friends and “adopted kids” throughout Alaska — and especially in Homer.
LaVelle will always be remembered for her kindness and friendship and will be greatly missed by her family and many, many friends. Condolences may be sent to Spud Dillon, Box 591, Homer, AK 99603.

Mr. Harold S. Gnad

Mr. Harold S. Gnad, aged 97 of Homer, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016 at South Peninsula Hospital.
Harold was born Sunday, Dec. 8, 1918 in Lone Pine, Calif. to Sabastian Sudlow and Margaret Lillian (Banta) Gnad.
Harold graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts, and taught school in Oahu, Hawaii until 1942. He then proudly served his country during World War II in the United States Navy.
After the war, Harold worked at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard and Jet Propulsion Lab from 1946 until 1961, when he moved first to Anchorage — and then to Homer in 1964 to teach once again. He retires from the Kenai Peninsula School District in 1974.
Harold belonged to the Homer United Methodist Church and routinely helped in major remodeling and routine maintenance of the church. His family remembers that he enjoyed scuba diving, road trips, camping, boat building, sailing and had even obtained his commercial pilot’s license.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Sabastian and Margaret.
He is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Ruth S. (Soetens) Gnad of the home; sons, Peter H. Gnad of Homer; Alan R. Gnad of Homer; John K. Gnad and wife, Moon of Rotonda West, Fla. and Bruce R. Gnad and wife, Marilyn of Homer; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Harold’s name may be given to the Homer United Methodist Church (770 East End Rd. Homer, AK 99603)
Please visit www.alaskanfuneral.com to leave online condolences.

Arnold O. Beymer, Sr., of Kasilof, passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna. Arnold was born to Howard and Eula Beymer in Ketchikan, Alaska on March 25, 1943. Per Arnold’s wishes, private family services will be held at a later date.
Services were entrusted to Peninsula Memorial Chapel.

Charles Michael Rockett

Kathy Roberts

Long-time Alaska resident Kathy Roberts (Mary Kathleen McGlinchy-Roberts), 65, passed away March 18, 2016, at home with husband Bill, and kids Erica, Kris and adopted son Torstein, holding her.
Kathy courageously fought a 13-year battle with ovarian cancer, showing her family and friends how to graciously fight through recurrent adversity. She never gave up her gentle ways, her zest for life or her love of family, friends and children.
Kathy was born to James Joseph McGlinchy and Eula C. (McEwan) McGlinchy on Dec. 11, 1950 in Mt Vernon, Wash. Kathy grew up mostly in Snohomish, Wash., before attending the University of Alaska (Fairbanks), where she earned her bachelor of science degree in home economics and education. She was certified K-12, and was recognized as a gifted, gentle teacher who loved children.
Growing up on a farm with six siblings — and at one time, 20,000 chickens — made Kathy resilient, resourceful and diplomatic. Although small in stature, she had a quiet demeanor that instilled respect and confidence in her friends and family and radiated unquestioned strength of character.
She was fiercely protective of her family and devoted partner to her husband Bill. With an adventurous spirit, she was willing to camp or hike anywhere her husband or kids would go.
Kathy had two children with Bill: Erica Lynn Roberts-Jacoby and Kristofer William Roberts. She also had an “adopted,” special son from Norway, Torstein Kjosavik.
Kathy’s siblings are Ann (McGlinchy) Braatan, Patrick McGlinchy, Marie (McGlinchy) Ferguson, Michael McGlinchy, Tim McGlinchy, and Tom McGlinchy. Ann passed away in 2013.
The world is a slightly less gentle place with Kathy on to new places and new groups of children to guide and care for. She recently told Erica that the “happy place in her mind” was running and jumping around the yard in bare feet pretending to be a fairy.
Now she can run and jump all she wants.
Just as Kathy would wish, there will be a happy celebration of life at Faith Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 26 at 3 p.m. Children are welcome — just as Kathy would want it. For more information, contact Bill at 399-2700 or Faith Lutheran Church at 235-7600.

Lifelong Alaskan, Mrs. Rebecca Irene Brown, aged 44 of Anchor Point, passed away Sunday, March 13, 2016 at her home.
Becky was born Monday, Aug. 30, 1971 to Raymond and Grace (Pennington) Bellamy in Homer, where she graduated from high school. She attended Kenai Peninsula College, where she earned her CNA certificate. She received many awards at various rodeos with her horses.
Her family said, “Becky’s first love was her husband, children and grandchildren. Her love for them was unconditional. Spending time with them was the highlight of her life, along with the love she had for her dogs. She really enjoyed walking them on the each with her husband.
Becky’s skills as a CNA shined in the way she cared for her clients. She always treated people with love, respect and compassion.”
Becky was preceded in death by her mother, Grace Pennington. She is survived by her loving husband of 19 years, Wakeen Brown; her children, Alyssa and Drew; grandchildren, Jazzmyn, JJ and Jayce; father, Raymond Bellamy; longtime companion, Phoebe Ebtill; brothers, Roy and Raymond Jr. and wife, Nani; sister, Rose and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given in Becky’s name to Homer City Animal Shelter (4060 Heath Street, Homer, 99603)
Please visit www.alaskanfuneral.com to offer condolences and sign her online guestbook.
“What a Wonderful World” was Becky’s favorite song. Her husband requests that when you hear the song, you smile and think of Becky.

Garry Phipps

Garry Phipps, 49, of Homer, Alaska, passed away Saturday, April 2, 2016 at South Peninsula Hospital in Homer after a 10-month battle with cancer. A gathering of friends and family was held Sunday at the family’s home.
Garry was born Jan. 28, 1967 in Christchurch, New Zealand. He lived in Michigan before moving to Alaska, where he was an employee of Ravn Aviation in Homer. He was well-loved by all and will be remembered for his amazing skills to fix anything and make everyone laugh.
Garry’s favorite past-times included anything involving aviation, the ocean, sailing, Morse code and a love for learning new things. He also enjoyed gliders, welding and small-engine repair.
Most importantly, Garry loved spending time with his kids and family, both near and far.
“We love you Garry, and you will be missed,” his family wrote.
Garry leaves behind, his mother, Heather; father, Gordon; wife, Helen; brother, Kelvin; and children, Bradley, Sarah, Emma, Hannah, Sidney and Gordon.
Memorial donations may be sent to Helen Phipps, P.O. Box 1812, Homer, AK 99603.
Arrangements were by made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai.

Jeffrey H. Wraley

Homer resident, Mr. Jeffrey H. Wraley, 56, died Saturday, April 2 2016 in Homer, Alaska. No services are planned at this time. Mr. Wraley was born Dec. 29, 1959 in Columbus, Ohio. He moved to Homer in 1986.
Jeff spent many hours doing what he loved: fishing, hunting and exploring. He was an avid reader, and taught himself about archeology, paleontology, history, philosophy, music, literature, science and just about everything in between.
He was exceptionally intelligent and creative. Over the years, he enjoyed painting, stone carving and photography. For more than 20 years, Jeff lived in his chosen home of Homer.
He spent many wonderful years with his Alaska family — including his close friends Ed Bailey and Nina Faust. He took yearly trips to the Lower 48 to visit family. Jeff was a thoughtful and caring man. He will be dearly missed.
He is survived by parents, Robert and Brenda Wraley of Westervlle, Ohio; sisters, Beth (Dan) Sweig of Boise, Idaho, Lori (Tony) Trobridge of Sunbury, Ohio and Karin (Matt) Barbee of Tecumseh, Mich.; nephews, Christ Hunt, Ashton Trobridge, Frank Barbee and Aiden Trobridge; nieces, Alyssa (Kyle) Siebold, Taylor Trobridge, Pearl Barbee and Avery Siebold.
Arrangements were made by Homer Funeral Home and Cremation Services.  Please sign his online guestbook at AlaskanFuneral.com. 

Mary Laurie Epperson
June 6, 1922 — April 11, 2016

Mary Laurie Epperson

Our beloved mother, friend and teacher passed away at South Peninsula Hospital in Homer, Alaska on April 11, 2016. She was 93. She left behind a legacy that will be forever remembered.
Mary was born June 6, 1922 in Los Angeles, Calif. to Mexican immigrants, Ramon Espinosa de los Monteros and Margarita Camou Espinosa. She had one sister, Emma Luz Espinosa Sosa and a step-brother, Raymond Espinosa.
Mary met her husband Jack Epperson, and in 1942 they were married in Los Angeles. They had two children: Terry and Dean.
In 1954, Mary’s life changed dramatically when Jack decided the family would move to Alaska. In October of 1954, they packed up all their worldly goods, bought a bunch of warm clothes, and off they went. They filed for a homestead in Happy Valley, and while improving on the property, they moved into a one-room log cabin called Goggins Cabin. It was about a mile from their homestead.
This little cabin had no electricity or water, and they had to use an outhouse. It was not insulated, and the sky could be seen between the logs of the cabin. Somehow, they managed to survive that first winter, but the homestead cabin was not progressing as fast as they had hoped.
In an effort to stay warmer, the following winter they decided to file on a home site in Ninilchik. They found the perfect plot of land, right across from the Ninilchik School. Jack built them a small one-room cabin out of rough cut lumber he had milled in his sawmill on the homestead.
Mary still did not have modern conveniences like running water and indoor plumbing, but they were able to hook up to the power grid and — best of all — Mary was now near people. She immediately involved herself in the school and became a substitute teacher of music and dance. She also taught the piano to some of the local children for free. But she had to use the school’s piano, as she still did not have one of her own. Finally, Mary was able to purchase a piano of her own, from Anchorage.
After a year or so, the family decided the Happy Valley homestead was just too difficult to improve on, so they found another homestead; this time in Anchor Point. They built a luxury house — with three rooms — but still no modern conveniences.
In time, electricity was brought in which made life much easier. Wanting to continue giving piano lessons, she struggled to make the three-mile trek out of the homestead in order to teach the continually growing children and adults who wanted her to teach them piano.
In time, money became an issue, so she and Jack decided they needed to get real jobs. They left the homestead and moved to Homer, and Mary soon got a job as the city’s treasurer. She continued to teach piano in her students’ homes.
Finally, she decided she needed to have her own music studio so her students could come to her. She retired from the City, and found a little building on Pioneer Avenue. She called it “Etude Studio,” and all of Mary’s dreams had finally come true.
Mary had a great part in establishing the Kachemak Bay College, as well as the Homer Council on the Arts. She was involved in any and everything involving arts and education.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, her grandson Shane Harrington, her husband Jack, and her son-in-law Stan Harrington.
She is survived by her daughter Terry Harrington, her son and daughter-in-law Dean and Cindy Epperson, three grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, plus multitudes of wonderful friends she thought of as her extended family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the KBC Mary Epperson Student Endowment at 533 E. Pioneer Ave., Homer, and/or to the Homer Foundation at P.O. Box 2600, Homer, 99603.
Terry and Dean can be reached at P.O. Box 1473, Anchor Point, 99556 or 6901 Round Tree Dr., Anchorage, 99507
Memorial services will be held June 25 at the Homer Mariner Theater and the high school commons. Services will begin at 2 p.m.

Charles E. “Charlie” Little, III

Homer resident Charles E. “Charlie” Little, III, 57, passed away Monday, Apr. 18, 2016 at South Peninsula Hospital in Homer. A private service will be held.
Charlie was born to a military family on May 8, 1958 in Germany to Charles and Betty Little. He was a resident in Homer at Main Tree Independent Living Facility. “He was a happy man with people who loved him,” his family wrote. “He had a wonderful sense of humor.”
Charlie was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Little and is survived by his father Charles Little.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.

Michael Karl Orth

Michael Karl Orth
Oct. 5, 1952 — April 17, 2016
When we talk about death, we must talk about life. Sometimes, somebody comes along that is bigger than life. This would be the case when we talk about the life of Mike Orth. In his own words a few months before his death, he said, “I’ve had one hell of a run.” He is survived by his loving wife Trish, and numerous siblings and nieces and nephews, as well as abundant friends and acquaintances. His life enriched the lives of all who knew him. After a 16-year battle with cancer that amazed his doctors in Washington, as well as in Alaska, for his robust constitution, he quietly slipped his mooring on the morning of April 17.
Mike’s love affair with the sea started when he got a job working in a cannery in Dutch Harbor in the early ‘70s. He quickly traded in cannery work for a fish-picking job in the Bristol Bay salmon fishery. From there, he crewed on a catcher/processor, and various crab boats in Shelikof Straights, Kodiak and the Bering Sea.
At the end of the 2015 season in Bristol Bay, when the Rolfy was set to sail from the Naknek River to Kodiak, all the cannery workers and personnel at Ocean Beauty were summoned to the dock and lined up as the Rolfy tossed lines. They were there to salute Mike and Trish for their excellent service over the years, knowing — because of his illness — it might be the last time they would get to honor him.
And it was.
Mike was the oldest boy of 14 siblings. He excelled in football in high school, where he played fullback as a varsity letterman for three years. He spent a part of high school abroad in Germany, where he found many mountains to climb, fueling his adventuresome spirit. He almost joined the seminary.
Mike was also an avid skier and skilled wrestler. He received a full scholarship to the University of Washington for his rowing skills, and maintained a 4.0 grade point average there. His rowing team went to the 1972 Olympics in Munich.
Mike was preceded in death by both his parents, Alex and Elizabeth. He had a baby sister Mary who died when she was eight months old. His brother in law Gary passed two years ago.
Mike is survived by his loving wife Tricia Caron and step-daughter Kristen Bernazzani. He has 12 surviving siblings: Erika Marks, Paul Orth, Kristy Enser, Mark Orth, Stephanie Hurless, Walt Orth, Matt Orth, Kris Orth, Andy Orth, Rob Orth, Julie Orth and Tom Orth. There are a large number of nieces and nephews and one grand-niece as well as numerous in-laws. Also surviving is his faithful dog Bosun, who misses him very much.
Any donations can be made to Hospice of Homer. There is also a memorial fund (fundrazr.com/CaptainMichaelOrth) in the works to help Trish pay some large medical bills, and also help pay for tiles at Seattle’s Fisherman’s Terminal and the Homer Seafarer’s Memorial. The Rolfy is for sale and comes with a two-year tendering contract. That boat made Mike happy; it would surely make someone else happy too.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held May 21 at 2 p.m. at a friend’s residence on Kayleen Road in Homer.

Aug. 30, 1945 — April 12, 2016

Susan Jane Johnson Markve

Susan Jane Johnson Markve, age 70, of Hot Springs, went to her heavenly rest after a long, courageous battle with brain cancer on April 12, 2016.
Susan was born the first child of Keith and Muriel (Gustafson) Johnson on Aug. 30, 1945, in Grand Rapids, Minn. She spent her childhood in Harrold, and in 1961, the family moved to Pierre. Graduating co-valedictorian from Riggs High School in 1963, Susan went on to the University of South Dakota, where she graduated with highest honors, obtaining a bachelor of science degree in accounting (first in the School of Business) in 1967. Susan’s academic achievements propelled her business career, which began with Haskins and Sells of Denver.
Including tax preparation in private practice, she also worked in California, Oklahoma and Kansas. She completed her career with Bank of America (Boatmans Bank of Kansas) as a trust officer. She volunteered in tax preparation for senior citizens and was active in adult literacy programs.
Susan loved growing roses and landscaping her homes. Her warm glowing smile showed a soul as white as driven snow, propelled by her deep and abiding love of Jesus Christ. She loved her bible and her favorite minister was David Jeremiah, with whom she toured the Holy Land.
From her mother, Susan inherited her love of bridge. At the Rapid City Club, she met the love of her life, Ken Markve. They were married Jan. 23, 2013, and played duplicate bridge in
tournaments across the country. In the summer of 2013, the couple traveled to Alaska. Susan enjoyed the travel, seeing many bear — including a blond grizzly near Lake Kluane, Yukon Territory. She also enjoyed successful halibut fishing in Kachemak Bay, near Ken’s summer home in Anchor Point, Alaska.
Tragically, she was diagnosed with cancer just after Thanksgiving of 2013. Before her surgery at Mayo, Ken and Susan turned their lives over to the care of God. Ever-attended by her husband,
Ken, she survived two years and four months. She resides in her heavenly home at peace and with jewels in her heavenly crown.
Susan is survived by her husband, Ken of Hot Springs; sisters, Linda (James) Flannery of Shorewood, Minn.; Nancy (Monte) Hanson of Gillette, Wyo.; Lorene (James) Fromm of Granite Falls, Minn.; and brother, Gustav Johnson of Rapid City.
Memorial services were April 20, 2016, at Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs. Rev. Morris Nelson officiated.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Dallas Theological Seminary, P.O. Box 612626, Dallas, TX 75261-2626.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at Leanne McCartt aged 80 passed away at home on May 2, 2016, surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of Walter and Ruthana Moss (deceased). She is preceded in death by her husband Paul, and her brother John.

Leanne McCarrt

Leanne, or Lee, McCarrt, was an accomplished sculptress and artist. She was best known for her bronze sculptures that have been displayed across the country.
Lee traveled across the United States for her inspiration, including Taos, N.M., where she met the famed Indian Chief Sunhawk. The bronze likeness of this chief was sent to Washington, where it was displayed.
Lee married Paul McCartt in 1990, and moved to Alaska, where she studied Native art that she incorporated into free-form textile sculpture.
Lee was also an accomplished nurse, with a career that spanned more than 30 years. She was an SICU and CCU nurse, eventually moving to work in hospice care.
Lee is survived by her two children, Virginia Wilkins and Jay Jones, as well as 10 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.
In lieu of services or flowers, donations can be made to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. Sign Lee’s online guestbook at www.pecangrovefuneral.com

Van Cleave Price

Van Cleave Price Sept. 12, 1931 — May 13, 2016
Van was born the youngest of 11 children, in Barton N.M., to Mack and June Price.
He grew up on the family farm, plowing with both horse and tractor. He attended Albuquerque High School, and in 1951, he joined the Navy and spent three years seeing the world.
In 1951, he married Florence Miller; they had two daughters. Van worked in Albuquerque as a machinist. In 1965, the family moved to Homer to work at the Alaska Christian School. During that time, they adopted two sons.
Van and Florence’s marriage lasted 22 years. Van worked for Modern Builders, Sunny Service, Homer Police Department, Texaco and Northern Enterprises. He retired in 1997.
In 1983 Van married Jeannette Backstrand. He never met a stranger, and never met anyone he didn’t invite to join him at church. 
Throughout his time in Alaska, he very active in Homer Christian Church. He was always generous with his things, time and talents. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmachining and four-wheeling.
However, he firmly believed that boats are not for sight-seeing — only fishing; because “you can’t eat a sight.” Van especially relished sharing stories from his adventures.
On a day when the sun was shining and the water was like glass Van came to rest in the Lord’s home port. 
 Van is preceded in death by his siblings, his daughter Joy Hockley, and his sons Stanley and Adam Price. He is survived by his wife Jeannette Price, daughter Gay(David) Fraker of Homer; son-in-law Rick Hockley of Rapid City S.D.; granddaughter Amy (Brad) Dunmire of Scottsbluff Neb.; Angie Fraker of Anchorage; Chris (Lori) Fraker of Homer; Nathaniel (Courtney) Hockley of Rapid City, S.D.; Matthew Hockley of Rapid City, S.D.; great-grandchildren, Peter, Naomi, Ethan, Katie, Harmony, Annika and Emily. Also many friends he made on his life’s journey to whom he was “Uncle Van.” 
A memorial service will be held at Community Christian Church on Saturday, May 21, at 2 p.m. Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 2867 Homer, AK, 99603.

Rick MacBean

HoWL Executive Director Rick MacBean died April 16, 2016. A mentor, role model and friend, Rick was devoted to the HoWL organization and its success.
He will be honored at 5:30 p.m. in a May 25 gathering upstairs at Alice’s Champagne Palace.
Please join us in celebrating his life. His presence will be greatly missed.

Kendall Gordon Branch

Homer, Alaska resident Kendall Gordon Branch departed this life for his next big adventure on Dec. 10, 2015.
Kendall was born in Cordova, Alaska in 1932 to Gordon Thomas and Eva Davis Branch of Chitina. Kendall’s grandparents were Harry Kendall (H.K.) and Mamie Davis, also of Alaska.  
In Kendall’s early years, the family moved around Alaska, living a subsistence lifestyle in the pre-statehood days and doing various things to bring in cash: farming, mining, running a roadhouse, playing music, trapping, building, running a feed store, fishing. They eventually settled in Homer in the early 1940s.
Kendall helped out his grandparents — H.K. and Mamie Davis — at their home and large garden on Kachemak Drive, (where Second Star is now) and at their feed store on what is now East End Road. That building still stands, and is now Dr. Huffman’s office.  
When Kendall’s mother Eva married Stanley Nielsen of Miller’s Landing area, Kendall gained a lifelong friend and mentor, as well as a step-father. They had many adventures together, and loved to go on skiing expeditions to cabins they built, build boats, fish in lakes, rivers and streams and in Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet, snowshoe, trap and hunt.
Kendall helped Stanley and Eva build their home in what is now Kachemak City, and later built several buildings around Homer, including the Sourdough Express building and his beautiful home and shops in Bear Canyon, out East End Road. He liked to use local materials where possible, and used river rock to build his large shop and small office building. He also built several recreational cabins in the area, and a home in Camp Verde, Ariz. 
Kendall graduated from Homer High School and joined the Army, where he learned his trade: surveying. After a stint in Hawaii building roads on the Big Island with the Corp of Engineers, he returned to Alaska.
His long and distinguished career surveying all over what was to become the 49th state started in the early 1950s with the Alaska Road Commission in their road construction effort. Kendall’s survey work is well known by his peers to be reliable, precise and meticulous.
As one of his surveying peers Jerry Anderson said, “Ken had only one surveying standard, and that was perfection. He came closer to achieving that goal than most.”
Kendall was known for his love of fun, the outdoors, animals, and his ability to accomplish so much. He could often be found working on his house or shop, or on one of several boats he built, preparing to go out sport and subsistence fishing on Kachemak Bay.
Ken was fun to be around, with his positive attitude, playful nature and can-do spirit. He was always a true gentleman, usually with a smile on his face and a funny story.  
Kendall is survived by children Elizabeth McBride (daughter Angela Pellegrino) of Anchorage; Art Branch of Tacoma; Mike Branch of Fort Worth; Mimi Tolva (sons Kyle and Ian Tolva) of Homer; Becky Horton (sons Michael and Bryce Horton) of Soldotna; Christopher Branch (daughter Erika Galloway) of Homer; Melinda Patterson of Washington, Heidi Johnsrud (husband Craig and children Ashleigh and Gracie Johnsrud and Stephen Wortman) of Kenai, and cousin Suzi Nielsen Luzadder of Homer. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, step-son Stephen Kohout, son-in-law Mike Tolva, and wife Nancy Branch.  
Services will be held at Homer United Methodist Church at 770 East End Road in Homer, on June 4, 2016 at 2 p.m. Refreshments will be served immediately following the service. Kendall will be laid to rest at the family cemetery on East End Road.  
If you would like to share a story or memory of Kendall, please send it to Mimi Tolva at Box 2117  Homer, AK 99603.

Alberta June Warren

Homer resident Alberta June “Abby” Warren died at her home Wednesday, May 18, 2016 with family present. She was 87 years old.
Abby was born in Erie, Colo. July 28, 1929. She was the oldest of six children to David Goodard and Ruth Sappington Goodard. She and her brothers and sisters grew up in small mountain towns near Boulder, Colo.
Abby moved to Homer in 1969, and worked for years as a cook in various restaurants in Homer and Anchor Point. She was well known for her seafood, clam chowder, tartar sauce and other delicious recipes. She also did a great amount of volunteer work over the years at the Pratt Museum in Homer, Helping Hands, Senior Center, Chamber of Commerce in Anchor Point to name a few.
For the past few years, Abby lived at South Peninsula Hospital’s Long-Term Care. Although a tough move for her at first, she grew to think of it as her home and grew to love the dedicated men and women who cared for her on a daily basis. We cannot thank them enough.
Abby is a very important, strong and loving force in the lives of those who call her sister, cousin, aunt, mother, grandmother or friend. She will be missed more than words can say.
She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Inez and Star, and brother Ralph. She is survived by children: Barbara, George and wife Sandy, David and wife Laura; grandchildren: Adam, Shonna, Tracy, Liz, Katie, Ben and Amelia; great-grandchildren: Alex, Maggie, Cody, Jessica, Erica, Jacob, Eviana and Carmen, great-granddaughter Faithlyn and her best friend Betty George, as well as various relatives.
Services will be held at South Peninsula Hospital’s Long-Term Care facility at 4300 Bartlett Street at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 3. No flowers please due to allergies.

Carmen Field April 14, 1963 -May 31, 2016
On May 31, 2016, Carmen Field died peacefully at home with family and friends nearby. A memorial celebration will be held in September.
A full obituary will follow in the future.

Tsuyako Peterson

Longtime Homer resident Tsuyako “Suzy” Peterson, 81, passed away Thursday, May 26, 2016 at South Peninsula Hospital in Homer.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 10, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Burial will follow at 1 p.m. at the Anchor Point Cemetery. 
Suzy was born Nov. 3, 1934, on Okinawa, Japan.  She lived in Sunnyvale, Calif., before moving to Homer in June, 1970. She worked as a seafood processor for different companies in the area, and then worked for the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District as a custodian. She retired after 25 years.
Suzy was a member of the Catholic faith and loved to cook, garden, fish and go boating.
“She was a very devoted wife, centering her life around her husband. She also taught Japanese at the high school, even though she spoke broken English; she was an amazing teacher. She may have been short with small arms, but her arms reach around the world,”  her husband said.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Gary Peterson of Homer; daughter, Akie Hosoda of Osaka, Japan; and sisters Sakie Oyadomari and Keiku Yamauchi of Okinawa, Japan,
Suzy was preceded in death by her father, Comodor Yamauchi, her mother, Nabe Yasuda and sisters Tsuruko Yamauchi and Yoshiko Yamauchi.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.

Sydney Allan Huffnagle

Longtime Alaskan and Anchor Point resident, Sydney Allan Huffnagle, 88, passed away Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at home.
The family will have an informal gathering to share stories of Syd at 3 p.m., Monday, June 13, at the Elks Lodge in Homer. His cremated remains will be buried next to his wife in Ridgway, Colo. at a later date.
Sydney was born Feb. 17, 1928 in Ridgway, Colo. He graduated from Ridgway High School in 1946, and worked for Idarodo and Bachelor Mines in Colorado. He moved to Alaska in 1962, residing in Eagle River and Anchorage before moving to Homer — and eventually Anchor Point.  Sydney worked for V&R General Contractors and Essay Construction, retiring from construction in 1992. He also took writing classes at the University of Alaska-Anchorage, was a member of the Homer United Methodist Church, the N.R.A. and Great Land Worship Center in Anchor Point.
He enjoyed writing stories, gardening and hunting. 
“Uncle Syd loved to write and tell stories, even publishing a book of short stories. He enjoyed family history, collecting rocks and Native art, as well as fishing and hunting,” wrote his great-niece, Shanna Roderick. “He built several beautiful homes in the Eagle River and Homer areas. I will miss our Wednesday lunch dates and his stories on the holidays, but the knowledge he is reunited with his beautiful, loving wife, Aunt Devon bring comfort to our hearts.”
Sydney was preceded in death by his parents, Grover C.and Mary Genevieve (Cooper) Huffnagle; brother, Grover F. Huffnagle; his wife of 63 years, Devon D. (Johnson) Huffnagle; his step-mother, Doris Gertrude (Ward) Huffnagle; and a grandson, Sean Walters.
He is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Greg Fisher of Kenai; Sue and Bill Nesheim of Eagle River; Sandy and Roger Groth of Henderson, Nev.; and sister-in-law, Jeanette Huffnagle of Homer. 
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.

Jennie Carlough

Homer resident, Mrs. Jennie Carlough, 84, died Saturday, June 4, 2016 at South Peninsula Hospital in Homer.
Funeral services will be held later in the week at St. Herman’s Russian Orthodox Church in Port Graham. Following services, she will be laid to rest at the Port Graham Cemetery.
Mrs. Carlough was born Nov. 18, 1931 in Port Graham, Alaska, and lived in there, as well as Seldovia, Kodiak, Bellingham, Washington and then Homer. She was a member of the St. Herman’s Russian Orthodox Church. 
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary (Moonin) and Gabriel Kanaback; sister, Tania Anahonak; brother, Andrew Kanaback; and stepfather, Pete Moonin.
She is survived by her husband, Victor Carlough of Homer; stepdaughters Heather, Holly, Spruce and Willow; stepsons, Mike, Matt and Mark; nieces, Nancy Pulliam of Ninilchik and Fenia Anahonak of Port Graham; nephews, Ephim Anahonak of Port Graham, Elmer Anahonak of Port Graham and Leo Anahonak of Nanwalek.
Arrangements were made by Homer Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Please sign her online guestbook at AlaskanFuneral.com

Anchor Point resident, Mrs. Carmen Valentine-Garcia, 52, died Thursday, June 2, 2016 at her home in Anchor Point, Alaska.

Memorial services will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 2016 at The Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall in Homer, Alaska.

Carmen was born October 30, 1963 in Hessen, Germany. She moved to Alaska in 2008 where she has lived in Anchor Point most of her time in Alaska. Carmen was a farmer for a long time before moving to Alaska. She volunteered at the Homer Animal Shelter. Carmen loved animals, anything fury or with feathers. She enjoyed the outdoors and nature.

The family wrote, “She was a compassionate caring wife, daughter, and sister. She was a very good friend to all.”

She is survived by her husband, Jerry S. Garcia of Anchor Point, Alaska; mother, Christel Goetz of Weilburg, Germany and brother, Peter Goetz of Weilburg, Germany.

Arrangements made by Homer Funeral Home & Cremation services. Please sign her online guestbook at AlaskanFuneral.com.

David “Dave” Earl Hanrahan, age 79, passed away in his sleep of natural causes on Tuesday, May 31, 2016. He was born in 1937 in Dover, Delaware to George and Mildred Hanrahan. His family later moved to Oak Lawn, Illinois, near Chicago where his parents had grown up. After graduating from high school, Dave enlisted in the Navy, served on the submarine USS Raton from 1955-1957, and completed five years in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Dave received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University, and was employed at atomic reactors at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois and Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. After receiving his Master’s in Industrial Education from Iowa State University, Dave taught welding at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
In 1970 Dave, his wife and two young sons moved to Alaska. The family lived on the Kenai Peninsula while Dave taught industrial arts at Ninilchik School and welding at Kenai Central High School. They then moved to Anchorage where Dave taught welding for two years at Anchorage Community College. The family moved back to the Kenai Peninsula in 1976, as Dave was hired at Kenai Peninsula Community College to plan and oversee the development of the welding and mechanical technology programs. He taught welding, mechanical technology and petroleum technology courses at KPCC/KPC until he retired in 1990. During the summers from 1978-1983, Dave also fished commercial halibut in Cook Inlet with his son Andrew. In retirement, Dave and his second wife, “Dee” split their time between Homer, Alaska and Tucson, Arizona.
Dave enjoyed canoeing and hunting in Illinois, Iowa and Alaska for pheasant, moose and other big game. He developed passions for bow hunting, fishing and boating in Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay, and learning about indigenous cultures and crafts of Alaska and Arizona. Dave also supported wildlife and land conservation, and believed strongly in honoring the dignity of all people. He was active in the Homer United Methodist Church, and was a 32nd degree Mason. As a father he loved his sons and daughter, and his son’s families very much. Dave was devoted to his cocker spaniels, and his dog, “Buddy” was his constant companion.
Dave is survived by his son Andrew Hanrahan (Krista Timlin), son Michael Hanrahan (Sonia Larssen), grandson Ethan Larssen-Hanrahan, step-son Michael Indicavitch and family, first wife Janet (Bergan) Hanrahan, and dog Buddy.
David was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Heather Jane Hanrahan, and second wife Delores (Orr) Hanrahan.
A memorial will be held on July 2, 2016, at 4:00 p.m., at the Homer United Methodist Church, 770 East End Road.

Carmen Marina Loughlin Field
April 14, 1963 – May 31, 2016
Beloved Alaska naturalist and educator Carmen Field died May 31, 2016, peacefully at home in the arms of her husband, Conrad. She was 53. Her passion for the outdoors and the wild world around her could only be matched by her deep love for her husband, daughter Eryn, family, and friends. She inspired countless children and adults to go into the woods, out to the tide pools, and onto the ice, and those who knew her will always feel her sunny, smiling presence brightest there.
Carmen was born on April 14, 1963 to Charles and Janet Loughlin in Illinois; she was the first of three girls. A world traveler from the start, she took her first steps in Turkey, where her parents were stationed at the time. She must have taken off sprinting; she went on to run track and cross-country in high school and college. Over the next five decades, she continued to enjoy running, biking, and Nordic skiing, meeting many friends that way and competing in triathlons like the

Golden Nugget and the Sea-to-Ski.
Fast though she was, she had the gift of slowing down and observing minute details of the natural world. This came from childhood days exploring the rural surroundings of Palos Park, Illinois, and from summers spent swimming, sailing, and catching frogs at her family’s cottage on Lake Michigan in Grand Haven. Determined to spend as much time as she could discovering nature, she earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and wildlife management from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1985. It was there she met the love of her life, Conrad Field, in a forestry class; their first date was spent learning to identify winter trees on campus for a test.
After graduation their paths alternately diverged and joined as they pursued the lives of nomadic biologist-educators; Carmen worked as a zoo interpreter in Anchorage, taught marine ecology in Georgia, and studied seabirds on a remote island in Maine. By 1990 they were married and had settled in Homer, where Carmen became renowned as a fixture of local natural history knowledge. Her immense curiosity was rewarded while working as a naturalist for Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge, the Center for Alaska Coastal Studies, and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge aboard the state ferry. She taught students at Kenai Peninsula College and summer campers in the Pribilofs, proving to be as thoughtful a listener as a lecturer.
For the past 16 years, Carmen served as the marine science educator at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s Kachemak Bay Research Reserve. She brought the wonders and workings of the estuary and ocean ecosystems to thousands of people of all ages. She created engaging Discovery Labs in the classroom, but she was at her best leading people outdoors. Nothing could compare to the sparkle in her eyes as she plunged her arm elbow deep in the muck of Beluga Slough, to be copied by a dozen entranced nine-year-olds. She encouraged others to fully experience the habitat around them, and in that way helped them understand its value. She was an unforgettable teacher, whether at a BioBlitz chasing unusual insects or out on a frozen lake sharing ice fishing tips with families, because her joy in learning was palpable and infectious.
Her talents as a naturalist and storyteller led her to travel the world for 27 years with adventure travel expeditions, revealing the mysteries of the Arctic, Africa, and the Amazon to others. She was in her element in Antarctica, which she visited 78 times. She was capable of maneuvering a Zodiac in the roughest seas, her demeanor serene even as her face met with wind, ocean spray, and an occasional penguin. Carmen achieved the rare distinction of having played hacky sack on all seven continents. Two of her trips in Alaska were documented by PBS: one was an expedition retracing the 1899 voyage of Harriman, and the other was a historic initiative in which she led a group of scientists and evangelical leaders in observing the effects of climate change.
She co-founded the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival and was a perennial part of the planning committee for what has become Alaska’s largest wildlife festival; she also served as past president of the Board for the Pratt Museum. Carmen was generous with her time and expertise, whether opening up her garden to the Homer Garden Club’s annual tour or capturing aquatic invertebrates to celebrate the Anchor River for Kachemak Heritage Land Trust. Notably, she was a founder of the Kachemak Bay Environmental Education Alliance; her experience with so many agencies and non-profits made her the perfect catalyst for collaboration. She was named the 2012 recipient of the Lifelong Learning award by the Friends of the Homer Public Library and the 2016 Woman of Distinction by Haven House. A few days before her death, she and Conrad learned that the Alaska State Legislature had honored them in an official citation for their over twenty years of environmental service.
Carmen also shared her keen naturalist’s eye with her photography; her striking images of sea ice were featured in a 2003 exhibit at the Pratt Museum. She was an avid reader and writer; besides the stories she’d write for fun and the outreach pieces she did for KBRR, she published a field guide on marine invertebrates with Conrad. She enjoyed gathering with friends for potlucks and once won a Kraft Alaska Seafood contest with the impromptu addition of Velveeta to her chowder recipe. She was also renowned as the co-founder and organizer of IBBLA, the highly exclusive international association that one can only join by “discovering” a new species of bird on a beer label.
All these accomplishments were nothing compared to Carmen’s vocation to motherhood. Her daughter was the moon to her tides, from the early months spent singing Eryn to sleep with inappropriate sea chanteys to family trips fossil hunting in Montana, skiing to Engineer Lake Cabin, ice skating to the face of Grewingk glacier, and even going on three polar expeditions together. Carmen was the ringleader for many multi-family camping trips, maintaining her characteristic cheer through pouring rain and keeping kids laughing with her vast knowledge of party games. Carmen extended this invitation to fun through her coalition, Nature Rocks Homer, which connected local families to their own outdoor adventures, including Family Farm Day and the infamous Mud Wallows.
In parenthood, in projects, and in so many aspects of Carmen’s life, Conrad was her inseparable collaborator and supporter. They worked and played together as such a unified force that their names tangle on the tongues of their friends. But they seldom tangled with each other, exemplifying the best of a synergetic married relationship. The one exception might have been when new plants followed Carmen home, like an unending parade of stray puppies, for Conrad to find room in the garden. For all her Midwestern modesty and gentle graciousness, she nevertheless knew how to make her vision happen.
When Carmen was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, she approached it with her usual determination, adopting a strict diet and exercising through her treatments. She became Sir Ernest Shackleton in our midst: combatting adversity with hard work, adapting quickly to changes beyond her control, and enforcing a positive outlook in her crew through uplifting messages on the website CaringBridge. When she and Conrad learned of the cancer’s inexorable progress, she turned to him and declared “No regrets.”
Carmen is survived by her husband of 26 years, Conrad; her daughter, Eryn; her parents, Charles “Buzz” and Janet Loughlin, of Palmer; her sister Alysia Loughlin-Bushey, brother-in-law, Rick, and nieces, Taylor and Lydia, of Wasilla; and her sister Chantal Loughlin of Anchor Point. She will also be fiercely missed by a large tribe of friends and admirers around the world, legions of former students, and her faithful black lab Baily.
A memorial celebration is being planned for October 1, and a project to honor Carmen’s legacy of learning from nature is being developed. A college education fund has been set up for her daughter, Eryn; details on how to contribute may be found at the Homer Bookstore (907-235-7496) and on Carmen’s page on CaringBridge.org.
Carmen knew there was a time for everything: when to pick elderberry flowers to put in pancakes, when to head out early for perfect crust skiing, when to seek out nesting terns, and when to finish off a hapless opponent playing caroms. She showed us that the best things can be found when we venture off the path a little and when we slow down to look and wonder.
On her CaringBridge site Carmen wrote, “What I do think about are all the great things in my life: my family, this community and all it provides our family, friends who continue to support and buoy me, healthy and local foods, opportunities to travel and explore, a cozy house in the woods, spectacular sunrises over the mountains and glaciers across the bay, a job I love, and so much more. I feel very, very lucky.” From her vantage point in the universe she would probably add: enough reading everybody—now head outside!

Beth Ann Mishko

Beth Ann Mishko died of ALS, in the South Peninsula Hospital at Homer, Alaska in the first hour of Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016.
Beth was born Beth Ann Gill on Oct. 18, 1947 in the elevator of Mercy Hospital in Auburn, N.Y. Her family was in dairy farming as tenant farmers in five central New York counties.
Beth moved from Solvay, N.Y. in April, 1990 to join her husband; John Mishko at Kalifornsky Beach, Alaska — near the Kenai River. They developed a second and final home on Old East End Road, outside Homer. Beth continued in her nursing occupation from New York, working at the Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna during the weeks her husband worked on the North Slope.
She is survived by her husband John B. Mishko; son Alex, his wife Lisa, and granddaughter Hannah; son Bryan, his wife Holly and granddaughters Misha and Pippa; daughter Rebeka, her husband Storm Heames, granddaughter Isis Holcombe and grandsons River and Atticus Heames; brother Paul F. Gill Jr. and his wife Eleanor; stepsister Deborah Beckley; stepmother Phyllis Gill; Stepfather Joseph Milano and many more sisters, stepbrothers, nieces and nephews.
Beth was predeceased by her father, Paul Francis Gill Sr., and her mother Marion (Delano) Milano (born Cora Mildred Rosecrans); grandparents John and Mary (Ryan) Gill, and Kearney and Mary (Smith) Rosecrans.
Beth attended West Genesee High, School in Camillus, N.Y., and Mohawk Valley Community College in New York; BOCES Nursing School in Onondaga County, N.Y.; and Kenai Peninsula Community College. She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, Kenai Peninsula Botanical Society, past president of the Kenai Peninsula Retriever Association, Officer in CNY competitive marksmanship programs and Onondaga Historical Society, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.
Her interests and hobbies included mushrooming, native botany, ornamental landscape gardening, raising pheasants and chickens, painting and sculpture — all aspects of art, family genealogy, cooking and baking for friends and larger groups; collecting and writing cookbooks.
Beth’s employment in nursing included surgical post-op at St Joseph’s Hospital, Syracuse, N.Y.; psychiatric and family recovery at Central Peninsula General Hospital in Soldotna and cooking at the Albatross Restaurant on K-Beach.
Beth’s special friends included Pat Komon Vinson, Nick and Jane Varney, Jeanne Sheridan and Ann Halicy. Her husband John added, “Beth engaged in drag racing and road rallies, water skiing, ice skating, cycling, kayaking, and Girl Scouting as a child and as an adult leader. (She) loved canoeing and fishing; both in Central New York lakes and rivers, and in the Swanson and Kenai rivers in Alaska. She surrounded herself with animals from dairy cows to pheasants to Peninsula Retrievers. She could cook big on campfires or indoors for large charity events. She wrote poetry, sculpted, painted and drew. She could shoot, paint a whole house, build a barn and win prizes at the state fair for cooking and canning. She was known to be a knock out in a Paris gown at a formal Military Ball and chew tobacco for a Forester’s College spitting contest on a geology field trip the next morning. She could be an understatement or tell an Irish whopper with the best of them. You can love her for 50 years and still be left wanting more.”
Beth will be buried in a plot near her father in St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Cemetery in Auburn, N.Y. — where more than 70 other of her relatives are buried. A second identical stone monument will be at her Alaska homestead property at Falcon’s Ridge, McNeil Canyon near Homer, Alaska. She specified two other places where a little of her ashes will be spread. Both are places where she spent time with her father Paul Gill, Sr. and with her husband John Mishko.
Those times will be announced later at Chittenango Falls, N.Y., and on the waters of Kachemak Bay, Alaska.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel and Crematory. Please visit or sign Beth’s online guestbook at AlaskanFuneral.com.