Talphis Thomas English

Talphis Thomas English (Ted) passed away peacefully Aug.8, 2017, in Willow Alaska with his wife Paula by his side.

Ted was born in Barbour County Alabama Dec. 25, 1938, one of six children raised by a single father, losing their mother in 1951. By 1959 Ted had moved to Florida where he met and married his first wife Lois Harter and together had four children.

During the 60s Ted worked as a fireman with the Brevard County Fire Department at that time sharing facilities with volunteer police department. Ted bred and trained German Shepherds many of whom found themselves working alongside fireman and police officers.

In 1970, the couple moved with their four children to Phoenix, Arizona where Ted worked in construction. While living in Phoenix, Ted continued to nurture his love of dog training for obedience and protection and would go on to win several awards from the American Kennel Club with his champion Dobermans. After four years in Phoenix, friends encouraged Ted to come to Alaska and build houses. In the fall of 1974 the family moved to Chugiak, Alaska. Ted and Lois later divorced but through their admiration and support of dog mushing remained lifelong friends.

Ted became interested in dog mushing after meeting Joe Redington at a race in 1975. Ted’s interest in dog mushing evolved into a lifetime of accomplishments and friendships. Ted participated in 12 Iditarod races placing in the top 20 multiple times with one top 10 finish.

Family and friends agree, Ted will be remembered most for his kind, gentle and cheerful nature. Ted will also be fondly remembered for his love and dedication to the sport of dog mushing, serving as race judge for the local Knik dog mushing community, training sled dogs, and hosting dog mushers from around the world.

Ted was preceded in death brother Alphis and grandson Daniel Barnes.

Ted is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years Paula English his five children, Cindy, Cassandra, Michael, Victoria and Rachel; 13 grandchildren: Rebekah, Jillian, Banjo, Echo, Teslynn and Tesha, BoDay, Kiera, Stephanie, Zachary, and Talphus, Kayla and Denali; and 22 great-grandchildren, Tanner, Briannah, Micah, Angel, Gavin, Allyson, Isabelle, Riley, Ethan, Elliott, Peyton, Dalton, Adriel, Kylee, Arihanna, Jayden, Jordan, Kodi and Kahri, Kyler, Mason, Logan, brother George, and sisters Margaret, Vallie Ann, and Othia.

A remembrance will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Sept. 23, 2017, at the Iditarod Headquarters – 2100 S. Knik-Goose Bay Rd in Wasilla, Alaska. Please come and remember good friends, tricky trails, and great dogs. Arrangements cared for by Janssen’s Mat-Su Funeral Home.