PETE BOBBY

Alaska Native elder Pete Bobby (Fitka), 95, passed away early in the morning June 24, 2008.

Bobby and family were thankful the Lord had given him such a full life. He lost his wife 62 years ago and never remarried.

With his wife, Annie, Bobby had a daughter, Helen Dick, and was blessed with five grandchildren: Anna Boyers, Elizabeth Solie, William Dick, Rachel Cooper and Wayne Dick. His grandchildren gave him 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-granddaughters, all of whom he has enjoyed greatly.

At the time of his death, Bobby’s family believe he may have been the oldest Dena’Ina Athabaskan in Alaska.

He was born in Lime Village on the headwaters of the Stony River when subsistence and survival were synonymous. While he wrestled with social issues like anyone else, he became a true legend in his time. He provided meat when others were not able. He built boats, sleds and cabins. He trained his nephews to swim, survive, hunt, trap and fish. He traveled distances by dog team and snowshoes that only airplanes travel today.

Bobby was also a World War II veteran, serving in the Aleutian Islands with the U.S. Army. He was the “Encyclopedia Britannica” for Dena’Ina place names, cultural insight and technology. For decades he has been referenced by linguists like Dr. James Kari.

With Bobby’s passing comes the end of an age for his family. He is survived by his younger brother, Nick Bobby, and sisters, Emma Alexie and Aggie Hobson. He was preceded in death by 11 brothers and sisters.

Bobby related to the Lord through the Russian Orthodox faith and kept him close, especially in the last 10 years. A short Russian Orthodox service will be held at 7:30 June 27 at Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel in Wasilla, followed by an open service for anyone who wishes to honor him. His funeral and burial will be in Lime Village, 170 miles west of Anchorage, on June 30, if mountain pass conditions permit transport.

In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make a contribution to a favorite charity in his name.