Mitchell Joseph Majtyka Jr.

Mitchell Joseph Majtyka Jr. enjoyed life from August 1944 into November 2013, after a battle with cancer was lost.

Mitch was born in Gary, Ind., to Mitchell and Pauline Majtyka. His father’s love of sports and his close proximity to Chicago made him a devoted lifelong fan of the Cubs and “The Bears,” with fond memories of going to baseball games at Wrigley Field.

Mitch was an avid fisherman and one of his greatest pleasures was saltwater fishing, boating and exploring with his lifelong friend, partner and wife of 38 years, Sharon Sinko-Majtyka.

Mitch was a Vietnam veteran and served six years in the Seabees and six years in the Air Force, which introduced him to Alaska and later to Arizona, where he met Sharon. The desire for adventure brought him and Sharon back to Alaska, where they lived for the past 38 years.

Mitch was an ironworker by trade and his adventure continued throughout Alaska as a tower worker installing, erecting and maintaining communication towers where he was happiest at the top of a 400-foot tower swaying in the breeze. The fun continued for even more years while Mitch owned and operated Explore Alaska, a private custom tour company. Mitch and Sharon supported rescue dogs, mainly Chesapeake Bay retrievers, which brought his devoted companion “Curly” into their lives.

Mitch is survived by his wife, Sharon; sister, Paulette Majtyka; daughters, Maggie (Todd) Tomaino and Jennifer Speakman; and granddaughters, Amanda and Taylor Speakman.

Mitch’s in-laws, whom he considered close family, are Ruth Sinko (mom), Linda Jordan (sister) and Don Sinko (brother) and family. Mitch has several cousins throughout the Lower 48, many with the bond of brothers, and close friends in Alaska and Arizona who were also considered family.

Mitch was always there if someone needed help and asked nothing in return but a “thank you.” In honor of Mitch’s life, give support to a vet, rescue a dog or just do something nice for someone in need and ask nothing more in return but a thank you!