Alaska

Maples, Marlon Howard – Obituary

Marlon Howard Maples, 50, of Union, Oregon, passed away on July 27 in Valdez, Alaska. His private family services took place on July 31, followed by memorial services on September 7. Born on October 19, 1958, he served in the U.S. Army and held degrees in arts and criminal justice. Marlon spent most of his life in La Grande and Union before moving to Alaska in 2001, where he worked in various roles. He is remembered for his dedication to family, faith, and community service.

Cooke, Jay Stewart – Obituary

Jay S. Cooke, 70, of Wenatchee, passed away following an extended illness. Born on January 25, 1896, in Ellensburg, he moved to the Colockum area as a child and graduated from Wenatchee High School. A World War I veteran, he married Hazel Lundell, who died in 1923. Cooke later moved to Alaska, where he worked in civil service and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He married Fannie Ashepak in 1947. He returned to Wenatchee in 1963 due to health issues. He is survived by his wife and relatives.

Adamson, Paul Thomas – Obituary

Paul Thomas Adamson, a 91-year-old Anchorage resident, passed away on November 25, 2005. Born on February 27, 1914, in Scranton, Iowa, he moved to Anchorage in 1972 and retired in 1978. He was an active Teamster and enjoyed various activities, including reading and fishing. Adamson is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings. A memorial service is scheduled for December 1 at Kehl’s Forest Lawn Chapel, with arrangements handled by Kehl’s Forest Lawn Mortuary.

Stull, Mary Lorane Spivey Mrs. – Obituary

Mary Lorane Stull, 80, of The Dalles, passed away on April 30, 2005, at her home. Born on May 17, 1924, in Baker City, she married Ross G. Stull in 1947 and lived in several states before settling in Fairbanks, Alaska. An active community member, she held office in various organizations and operated a bingo supply business. She enjoyed gardening, playing bingo and pinochle, and family trips to Reno. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.

Young, Steven Eugene – Obituary

Steven Eugene Young, 55, passed away on May 2, 2005, in Ontario, following a long illness. Born on August 5, 1949, in Longview, Washington, he grew up in Sweet Home, Oregon, where he excelled in sports. He married Millie Cox in 1968 and had three children, maintaining a lasting affection for her despite their divorce. A skilled welder and mechanic, he spent much of his life in Alaska, where he cherished hunting in the wilderness. He returned to Oregon in 1999 to be close to family.

Miles, Elizabeth E. “Betty” Mrs. – Obituary

Elizabeth E. “Betty” Miles, 70, passed away on December 29, 2004, after a prolonged battle with lung disease. Born on October 26, 1934, in Lopus Island, Washington, she was a strong-willed individual who faced life’s challenges with resilience. Married to James L. Miles in 1956, they had two daughters while living abroad due to his military service. After settling in Oregon, Betty continued living an active life despite her health issues. She is survived by her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, with no memorial service at her request.

Moody, Terence Keith “T.K.” – Obituary

Terence Keith “T.K.” Moody passed away on January 17, 2005, at his home surrounded by family. Born on March 28, 1933, in Baker City, he is survived by his daughters, Sherry and Dana, and grandson, Max. A 20-year resident of Alaska, Moody was an avid hunter and fisherman, known for establishing telecommunications in remote villages. Remembered for his adventurous spirit and humor, he leaves behind fond memories for his family and friends. Memorial services are pending.

Laird, William Edward “Bill” – Obituary

William Edward “Bill” Laird, 66, of Baker City, passed away on April 16, 2005, after battling brain cancer. Born in Ketchikan, Alaska, in 1938, he had a diverse life, serving in the army, working in soil science, and traveling extensively. Bill was married twice, with children from both unions, and was deeply involved in community service, including tutoring and volunteering for tax assistance. A dedicated gardener and craftsman, he embraced Buddhism later in life, advocating for compassion and tolerance. A graveside service will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Talich, Sylvia Nelson Mrs. – Obituary

Sylvia Talich, 95, formerly of Baker City, passed away on May 23, 2005, in Phoenix, Arizona. Born Sylvia Nelson on March 15, 1910, in Bristow, Nebraska, she married Paul Talich in 1936. Their family moved frequently due to Paul’s job with the U.S. Forest Service, eventually settling in Baker City. Sylvia was a dedicated teacher and active in various churches. She is survived by three sons, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the Agape Christian Center.

Dehlin, Nola Brummett Mrs.

Nola Aileen Dehlin, 75, passed away on October 25, 2004, in Richland, Oregon. Born on December 5, 1928, in Morgan County, Illinois, she married Richard Dehlin in 1958 and the couple was sealed in the Oakland Temple. Nola was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, enjoying teaching Sunday school and serving in the Relief Society. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and siblings. Her funeral will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Jacksonville, Illinois.

Robertson, Anna Dorothy Annie Stevens Mrs.

Anna Dorothy Annie Robertson, 66, a resident of Halfway, Oregon, passed away on December 10, 2004. Born on December 15, 1937, in Russian Mission, Alaska, she was a devoted mother to Alan and Stella and married Jack Robertson in 1975. Annie worked as a nurse’s aide and waitress, and was known for her love of storytelling, socializing, and her vibrant personality. She is survived by her children, granddaughter Christine Plunkett, and stepsister Mary Edwards. Her community will remember her fondly.

Grissom, Eula I. Hoffman Mrs. – Obituary

Eula I. Grissom, 82, passed away on July 26, 2004, at her home in Baker City, Oregon. Born on November 5, 1921, in Council, Idaho, she spent her childhood in Eagle Valley and later lived in Alaska, where she and her first husband operated flying services. Eula returned to Baker City in 1959, marrying Roy Grissom in 1964. She was known for her generosity, love for family, gardening, and hosting gatherings. Eula is survived by her five children, numerous grandchildren, and friends.

Robinson, Roy Rodney – Obituary

Roy Rodney Robinson, 62, a former resident of Baker City, Oregon, passed away on May 29, 2004, in Richardson, Texas. Born on February 26, 1942, in Pryor, Oklahoma, he had a career in construction, notably working on significant projects like the Washington Tunnel and the Alaskan Pipeline, before transitioning to electronics and computer technology. He is survived by his wife, mother, siblings, and two sons. A memorial service will be held on Saturday at Coles Funeral Home in Baker City.

Pattison, Hurchell Franklin “Pat” – Obituary

Hurchell Franklin “Pat” Pattison, 81, of Baker City, passed away on January 20, 2003. A memorial service will take place on February 1 at Baker City Christian Church. Born on December 17, 1921, in Gowen, Oklahoma, he served in the Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1946. He worked for 23 years at Ketchikan Pulp Mill and later dedicated 14 years to church building and remodeling. He is survived by his wife, Lucille, children, siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to local charities.

Curry, Della Viola Morris Mrs. – Obituary

Della Viola Morris Curry, 88, passed away on January 3, 2003, in Halfway, Oregon. Born on September 28, 1914, she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, known for her humor and love of reading. A professional cook and an educator, she worked in various capacities during her life, including in Alaska and at the Hermiston Ordinance Depot during WWII. An active member of the LDS Church and an accomplished poet, she is survived by her children and extended family. Her funeral is set for 1 p.m. Tuesday at the LDS Church in Halfway.

Vandenbos, Arlo Ledell “Van” – Obituary

Arlo Ledell Van Vandenbos, 70, formerly of Baker City, passed away on January 1, 2003. Born June 8, 1932, on the Rose Bud Sioux Indian Reservation, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and later earned a degree in civil engineering. He enjoyed a 30-year career with the Soil Conservation Service, raising five children with his wife, Ruth Ann. An avid outdoorsman and Nebraska Cornhuskers fan, he was respected for his craftsmanship. He is survived by his family and numerous grandchildren.

Alaska Frontier Forts Prior to 1902

Prior to 1902, Alaska was home to numerous military and trading forts strategically located along key waterways and coastal areas. Notable examples include Fort Adams and Fort Andreavsky on the Yukon River, Fort Alexander on Bristol Bay, and Fort Kodiak on Kodiak Island. Many forts, such as Kenay Fort, were established on historical sites like Fort St. Nicholas. These installations played crucial roles in supporting exploration, trade, and military presence in the region, reflecting the early strategic importance of Alaska.