Retiring teacher, coach urges Colony grads to ‘find their 68’
By Jeremiah Bartz Frontiersman.com A football coach using a hockey reference as the centerpiece for his keynote address may
Donald ”Sompy” Elliott, age 88, passed away in Palmer, Alaska on May 2, 2023. He was born in Florence, Arizona. After High School he enlisted in the army in Korea serving from 1953-56 getting certified in welding, construction and heavy equipment . Don met and married Evelyn Pete in Bethel and raised 6 children. He started his own business , Bethel Builders. He served on the city council and became mayor in 1978. He instilled a hard work ethic and retired in 1995, enjoying the snowbird lifestyle with his wife of 62 years. He was most proud of his military service and recently completed an Honor Flight trip to D.C., and was the last living charter member of Robert V. Lindsay VFW Post 10041 in Bethel.
He is preceded in death by his parents Margaret Verrue and Harvey Elliott, sisters Carol ‘Santi’ Moreno and Joy Elliott, brother Howard Elliott, son Scott Elliott and wife Evelyn Elliott. Survived by sisters Joyce Ramos, Nellie Pyeatt and children Glenn Elliott, Sundi Hondl, Rebecca Maloy, Jill Hoffman, Donna Bach and nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A funeral mass will be held on May 13 at 12pm at the Sacred Heart Parish in Wasilla with a potluck to follow at VFW 9365. His burial service will be held July 1st in Bethel .