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John Taxac
John Taxac, 84, died on May 3, 2003 at the
Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage.
John was born on King Island on March 11, 1919.
John attended school at the Pilgrim Hot Springs Orphanage. After school he had
joined the Alaska Territorial Guard. He later went to work for the old B&R Tug &
Barge Co., when he was relocated to California where several of his kids were
born, and retired from what is now called Crowley Marine Fuel Services. He was
dedicated to the company and his work ethics were outstanding. He often would
say, “That was the best job, I ever had.”
Over his retired years he was a member of the
King Island Native Corporation, named “Elder of the Year” with Bering Straits
Native Corporation and an active member of the King Island Native Community
Elder Advisory Committee and a life long member of the St. Joseph Catholic
Church of Nome.
John was a master storyteller and loved to
share his life memories, and experiences with those who loved to listen. John,
passionately called “Papa” by his grandkids enjoyed camping, spending time with
his family and friends, and especially enjoyed the company of his grandchildren.
John is survived by his former wife, Lucy Koyuk;
his children Mildred “Blue,” Patricia, Gilbert, Theresa, Charles, all of Nome,
and John “Kenny,” active duty USMC; and his grandchildren Christopher, Katherine
in Arkansas, Crystal, and Jacob, and great-granddaughter, Sydney; along with
other grandchildren and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son
Joachim “Joe-Joe.”
John will be greatly missed and always loved by
all who knew him.
Source: Nome Nugget, 23 July 2004 |
