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Edward Odin Strandberg
Lifelong Alaska resident Edward Odin Strandberg died of cancer Oct. 29, 2002, at Valley Assisted Living in Palmer. He was 87.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday at the Best Western Lake Lucille Inn in Wasilla. No funeral services will be held. His ashes will be scattered on the Upgrade Claim at Flat, on Candle Creek, and at Folger in the Cripple Creek Mountains, all in Interior Alaska.
Mr. Strandberg was born May 16, 1915, in Flat, in the Iditarod Mining District. He was the fifth of six children of David and Jenny Johanson Strandberg.
He attended grade school in Flat, walking 4 miles a day to and from the family camp on the Wildcat Association on Flat Creek. He graduated from Anchorage High School in 1932 after traveling by bush plane between Anchorage and Flat, Candle Creek and Folger to work in the family mining operations. While attending the University of Washington, he met Marie Dorothy Nordstrand. The two were married Aug. 16, 1939, in Anchor-age.
After gold mining was suspended by President Roosevelt's War Department following the 1942 mining season, Mr. Strandberg worked in the chromite strategic metal mine at Seldovia and later at Nenana for the U.S. Army, operating cranes moving military cargo across the Army docks.
He and his family restarted mining in 1946.
Mr. Strandberg was elected to the school board of the Anchorage Independent School District in 1954 and served as board treasurer.
With gold mining becoming economically difficult at the end of the 1950s, Mr. Strandberg completed his mining engineering degree at the University of Alaska in May 1959. After a final mining season in 1960, he initiated an engineering consulting business. He was instrumental in establishing an electric power generation facility on the Kenai Peninsula in the early 1960s, which produced electrical energy for the city of Kenai in the 1960s and early '70s.
Mr. Strandberg was employed as engineer for the city of Soldotna and subsequently appointed by Mayor George Sullivan as the building official of the Municipality of Anchorage. He retired in 1980.
After retirement, he obtained his U.S. Coast Guard masters vessel license. He purchased the 44-foot Blue Seas in Ilwaco, Wash., and, together with wife, brought the vessel up the Inside Passage and across the Gulf of Alaska to Whittier in Prince William Sound. After chartering, Odin operated a vessel in the Valdez oil spill response effort, then re-retired to the family residence in Wasilla.
Mr. Strandberg lived in Flat for eight years, Seldovia for one year, Anchorage for 46 years, Soldotna for eight years, Whittier for five years, Wasilla for 15 years, Fairbanks for two years and Nenana for two years.
He was a past member of the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering and a member of Pioneers of Alaska. He served on the Board of Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyor Examiners.
"Odin was a person who devoted his life's energy to a wide array of fields -- mining, mining engineering and
mining consulting, electrical power generation, surveying, commercial charter vessel operation, " his family said.
He was preceded in death by his son, Edward Odin Strandberg Jr.; brothers, William John Strandberg, Theodore Roosevelt Strandberg and Harold David Strandberg; sister, Olga Virginia Doheny; and his parents, David Strandberg and Jenny Johanson Strandberg.
Mr. Strandberg is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marie Dorothy Strandberg of Wasilla; sons and daughters-in-law, Sigvald John and Arlene Strandberg and daughter-in-law Karon Strandberg of Fairbanks, James Stephen and Emiko Strandberg of Anchorage and Baerent Rudolph and Yekaterina Strandberg of Anchorage; sister, Missy (Linnea Genevieve) Crawford of San Anselmo, Calif.; grandchildren, Edward Odin Strandberg III of Delta Junction, Heather Avaleen Hartman of Fairbanks, Sigvald John Strandberg Jr. and Neil Morgan Strandberg of Nome, Roy Takeo Strandberg of Fairbanks, Erica Sakura Strandberg of Corvallis, Ore., and Marcus Allen David Strandberg of Anchorage; great-grandchildren, Edward Odin Strandberg IV of Delta Junction, Sarah Hartman of Fairbanks, Robert Hartman of Fairbanks and Naomi Hartman of Fairbanks; sisters-in-law, Barbara Strandberg of Arizona and Margaret Strandberg of Mercer Island, Wash.; and nieces and nephews, Douglas Strandberg of Friday Harbor, Wash., Steven Strandberg of San Francisco, David Strandberg of Fallbrook, Calif., Gail Strandberg of Kirkland, Wash., Jenny Johanson of Palmer and Kathleen Hennessey of Dallas.
Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home.
Wesley Bridger Mitchell Thomas
Kenai resident Wesley Bridger Mitchell Thomas died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002, in his mother's arms at Providence Hospital after cardiopulmonary arrest. He was 5 1/2 weeks old.
His ashes will be scattered in private ceremonies at the family's home in Kenai and at the Mitchell homestead near Point Reyes, Calif., the place his parents, Kristin Mitchell and David Thomas, met while backpacking and where they later married.
He was born at Central Peninsula General Hospital in Soldotna on Sept. 21, 2002, under a full moon.
"Wesley was a deeply contented baby, as long as he was nursing or being held by someone who loved him. He had just learned to smile. Mere words cannot begin to express our grief, nor can words convey how grateful we are to have known Wesley, though the time was too, too brief. We treasure the gifts he gave us, today and every day, " his family said.
Wesley was preceded in death by his "Granny, " Patricia Thomas of California.
He is survived by his parents, Kristin Mitchell and David Thomas; brother, Drake; grandparents, Katherine and Bridger Mitchell and Donald Thomas, all of California; aunt, Claire Thomas Stover; uncles, John Stover, Owen Thomas, Morgan Mitchell and Jed Mitchell; cousin, Lucy Stover; and au pair, Martina Pilatova.
Please send any messages through Dr. Kristin Mitchell's office.
Contributions to the Kenai Community Library Children's Book Fund can be made in memory of Wesley Bridger Mitchell Thomas.
Donald Edison Hallstead
Kasilof resident Donald Edison Hallstead died suddenly Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2002, in the arms of his son. He was 68.
There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. Thursday at the New Life Assembly of God Church in Kenai.
Mr. Hallstead came to Alaska in 1938 and lived in the tent city of Anchorage until moving to Seldovia, where his family founded Hallstead Packing Company. He was proud of his roots in Alaska and had many stories to share of his adventures, including his pet seal.
He graduated from high school and served his country during World War II in the U.S. Marine Corps. Commercial fishing occupied many of his years. He loved boats and being on the open sea. He fished on a number of boats, including the Lucky Dove out of Prince William Sound and Cook Inlet, with Patricia Mann and his son, Don.
"If a man's wealth were measured by the number of his friends, 'Toot' would be a rich man. Spending time with family and friends was what he enjoyed most. He always had a wink and helpful advice for people. It was with a wink and a thumbs up sign that Toot said goodbye last week, " his family said.
He was a member of the New Life Assembly of God Church in Kenai.
Mr. Hallstead was preceded in death by his parents, Opal and Earl Hallstead, and his brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his son, Donald Harry Hallstead of Kasilof; daughters, Patience Rutledge of Anchorage, and Billie Lee Gober of Arkansas; and many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and -nieces and grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations to help with funeral expenses can be sent to Kenai New Life Assembly of God Church, 209 Princess St., Kenai, AK 99611.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
Ray Edward Gates
Soldotna resident Ray Edward Gates died Saturday, Nov. 16, 2002, at Central Peninsula General Hospital in Soldotna. He was 46.
A wake will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Tide's Inn in Soldotna.
Mr. Gates was born Sept. 22, 1956, in Germany. He graduated from high school and furthered his education with two years of college.
He moved to Alaska in 1981. He resided in Point Hope and Barrow, both for a year, and lived in Anchorage for two years before moving to Soldotna. He worked for the state of Alaska Housing, state of Alaska, C & C Glass and Good Time Charlie's.
Mr. Gates was the youngest certified scuba diver in the United States. He also received Presidential Physical Fitness awards and worked with disabled children.
He enjoyed motorcycles, guitars, music, camping, fishing, hunting, fellowship and spending time with his grandchildren.
"He was a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend. He knew everyone and anyone that knew him loved and respected him, " his family said.
Mr. Gates is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Raelynn and Ronnie Sackett; granddaughter, Nicole Sackett; grandsons, Cory and Ricci Sackett; sister, Ellen Lloyd; brothers, Mike, Kevin and Jerry Gates; Dale Arnold and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in his name to ABATE of Alaska, 53725 Jasper Lane, Kenai, AK 99611.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
Bruce A. Nevitt
Former Kenai resident Bruce A. Nevitt died Thursday, Nov. 14, 2002, in his home in Bellingham, Wash., after battling leukemia. He was 69.
A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements were made.
Mr. Nevitt was born May 6, 1933, in Winfield, Kan., to Oak and Helene (Morill) Nevitt.
He was a 1951 graduate of Burlington-Edison High School in Washington. He continued his education at Washington State University, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and the football team. He was a proud alumni. He continued his football career with the Los Angeles Rams.
Mr. Nevitt kept his trade as a ironworker in Alaska's Local No. 751 and Seattle's Local No. 86.
On Dec. 21, 1970, he married Rochelle Lersten in Vancouver, Wash.
Alaska held a special place in his heart, as he raised his family, worked and enjoyed the finer things Alaska had to offer for 25 years. In 1992, he moved to Bellingham, Wash.
His memberships included the Elks and Eagles clubs.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bill, Don, Neil and Robert; and his sister, Helen.
Mr. Nevitt is survived by his wife, Rochelle; sons and daughters-in-law, Brian and Tracy of Whidbey Island, Wash., Robert and Debbie of Bellingham, and Daniel and Ariel of Dallas; daughters and sons-in-law, Tamara and Richard of Maui, Hawaii, Pamela and Rob of Sidney, Australia; stepdaughters and husbands, Renee and Gene of Tampa Bay, Fla., and Michelle and Steve of Dallas; 10 grandchildren; and sisters, Gayle Nordlund of Poulsbo, Wash., and Ann Rankin of Darrington, Wash.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances are suggested to Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 600 E. Birchwood Ave., Suite 200, Bellingham, WA 98226, or the National Leukemia Association, P.O. Box 900, Elmira, NY 14902.
Arrangements were made by Hulbush Funeral Home in Burlington, Wash.
Omer Ray Floyd
Anchor Point resident Omer Ray Floyd died Saturday, Nov. 9, 2002, at his home. He was 62.
A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Homer Christian Church. Pastor Pat McDonnell will officiate.
Mr. Floyd was born June 22, 1940, in Beggs, Okmulgee County, Okla. He graduated high school in 1958 and was a member of the U.S. Navy. Omer moved to Alaska in 1992 and was a saddle maker and a cobbler in Anchor Point.
He was a member of the Homer Christian Church. He enjoyed photography.
Mr. Floyd is survived by a daughter, Tammy Jean Floyd; brothers, Roy H. Floyd of California, and Robert Lee Floyd of Oklahoma; and sisters, Leola M. Floyd of Virginia, Lorena Fay Bothe of Virginia, Juanita Jean Hess of Louisiana, Margaret Ann Norton of Oklahoma, and Lola May Wood of Virginia.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
Geraldine 'Jerry' (O'Brien) Thomas
Cooper Landing resident Geraldine "Jerry" (O'Brien) Thomas died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002, at Central Peninsula General Hospital in Soldotna. She was 89.
Her family will welcome friends at Mrs. Thomas' home on Lake Shore Lane in Cooper Landing from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Mrs. Thomas was born Nov. 13, 1912, in Woodstock, Ill. She received her registered nurse degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. She came to Alaska in 1941, during World War II, with two small children on the Alaska Steamship. She lived in Juneau, and worked for Pan Am Airlines. In 1944, she moved to Anchorage and worked in personnel for the Civil Service at Fort Richardson. She later worked as a nurse for Dr. James E. O'Malley Sr. in Anchorage. She retired from nursing in 1947 and became a homemaker. She lived in Anchorage, until moving to Cooper Landing in 1982.
Mrs. Thomas also traveled the Alaska Highway many times in a pickup camper with her two small children to visit family in Illinois. She studied biology and plant taxonomy at the Alaska Methodist University in Anchorage. While she was there, she discovered an unidentified lichen that was later sent to Leyden University for identification and named after her. She was also an avid gardener and was a member of the Anchorage Garden Club. In Cooper Landing she developed a breed of poppy that was named after her -- "The Thomas Poppy" -- by Trinity Greenhouse. Mrs. Thomas was also an avid bowler, photographer and reader. Late in life she took up quilting, which became her passion.
Mrs. Thomas was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard, and son Allen.
She is survived by a son, Bruce L. Thomas of Spokane, Wash.; daughters, Elizabeth Sullivan of Wildwood, Fla., and Kay Thomas of Cooper Landing; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Harry O'Brien of Belvidere, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Cooper Landing Volunteer Ambulance, P.O. Box 510, Cooper Landing, AK 99572 or Cooper Landing Library, P.O. Box 517, Cooper Landing, AK 99572.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
