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Lynne Margie (Johnson) Ruff
1951-2002
Lynne Margie (Johnson) Ruff of Skagway passed away Dec. 7 in Mesa, Ariz. She was 51.
Born Jan. 24, 1951, in Wayne, Neb., she attended public schools in Nebraska and Bellingham, Wash. Lynne graduated from Sehome High School in Bellingham in 1970, and received her bachelors degree from Western Washington University in 1975. She also took graduate courses at the University of Alaska.
Lynne married Jeff Ruff of Ferndale, Wash., on Aug. 16, 1974. They moved to Skagway in 1976. She taught in the Skagway School from 1976 until 1997, dedicating her skills and enthusiasm to the education of her students.
Since her retirement, Lynne and Jeff have traveled extensively and established a second residence in Apache Junction, Ariz. Lynne was particularly proud of the accomplishments of their daughter, Elizbeth, who was born in Skagway in 1977. Lynne was an outstanding gardener, who had her own greenhouse and won prizes for her flowers and vegetables. She also worked part-time at Miss Kitty’s ButtonHole during the summer months.
Survivors include her husband, Jeff, of Skagway, who is grateful to Lynne for having shared her life with him; daughter Elizabeth Ruff of Skagway; parents Rex and Marjorie Johnson of Bellingham; sister Pat and her husband Dennis McGuire of Port Townsend, Wash.; brother Steve Johnson of Bellingham; nieces Christine Johnson of Lynnwood, Wash. and Catherine Roosma of Bellingham; and one great nephew and two great nieces.
Her uncle, John Jacobs, played a large role in her life while Lynne and Jeff were in Arizona during the winter months. She also had developed a close bond with her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Pete and Lorraine Ruff of Ferndale, Wash.
Lynne will be missed by family, friends, and former students whom she taught in Skagway.
A memorial service is planned for May in Skagway.
Lynne Ruff memorials may be made to the Skagway School Employees Associaton Scholarship Fund, , Attn: Jo Trozzo, PO Box 497 Skagway, AK 99840.
John Wayne Carlson
1942-2002
Former Skagway resident John Wayne Carlson died of natural causes Nov. 19. He was 59. Born Dec. 1, 1942 in Seattle, Wash., to John W. and Ethel (Edholm) Carlson, he was raised Lutheran, and grew up in the Ballard area of north Seattle.
In 1960, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served until May 1964. He came to Skagway in 1965, and on July 29, 1966, he married Lizzie Bertilsson. They made their home in Skagway, and John worked for the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad for 20 years. The couple later divorced, but remained friends.
Eight years ago, after completing professional courses and obtaining certification as a residential real estate appraiser, John moved to Long Beach, Wash. where he opened Carlson Appraisal Group.
He was a member of the International Right of Way Association and an associate member of the Appraisal Institute.
Survivors include his three children, daughters Birgitta Carlson of Anchorage, son Leif Carlson of Sterling, and daughter Kristina Carlson of Montpelier, Vt.; brother Clyde Carlson of Seattle; sister Janet Carlson of Mulkiteo, Wash.; grandchildren Taylor and Reyanne Carlson of Sterling; and his beloved friend and canine companion JayCee.
A memorial service was held Dec. 2 in Long Beach, and burial was at the Evergreen-Washell Cemetery in Seattle. Memorial donations may be sent to the South Pacific Animal Shelter, 330 NE Second Street, Long Beach, WA, 98631.
Emitt LeRoy Soldin
1924-2002
Former Skagway resident and reknowned Alaska aviator Emitt L. Soldin died Nov. 11 at the Providence Extended Care Facility in Anchorage after a lengthy illness. He was 78.
A memorial service will be held on Nov. 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum in Anchorage.
Soldin was born in Skagway Oct. 14, 1924 to pioneer residents Hans and Mavis Soldin. He attended and graduated from Skagway High School in May of 1942. He also attended the University of Washington in 1942-43. In 1943-44 he worked for Ellis Airlines as a mechanic helper on single engine seaplanes in Ketchikan until he was called to duty in the U.S. Army Air Force. Soldin served as an Airframe and Power mechanic in Merced, CA. for the 482nd Army Air Forces until when Soldin was honorably discharged.
In 1947-48 Soldin worked for Aero Repair Aircraft in Chico Ca. where he supervised aircraft maintenance and overhaul mechanics. 1949-52 he was a pilot and A&P mechanic for Alaska Coastal Airlines in Juneau, where he maintained floatplanes, conducted charter flights and instructed students in seaplane flight programs. 1953-1960 Soldin worked as a pilot mechanic for the U.S.D.I. (Department of Fish and Wildlife Service) in Juneau where he flew a Grumman Goose on stream surveys, enforcement patrols, freight and equipment hauling, transportation of personnel and search missions.
In 1960-62 Soldin flew for the Bureau of Land Management piloting float, wheel and amphibious aircraft hauling crews for firefighting efforts. He also specialized in piloting and maintaining the Grumman Goose aircraft use. In 1962-64 Soldin worked for Shaw Flight Service where he flew and maintained flight operations for an oilfield contract at King Salmon.
After the family lost their home in the 1964 earthquake, Soldin worked for Sky Van Airways, of Seattle Washington in 1965 as a co-pilot in a C-46 making flights to Alaska and Canada.
He returned to Alaska in June of 1965 where he worked for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game where he flew transplanted wildlife in rural areas.
Soldin later went to work for the Federal Aviation Administration as a flight inspection pilot. He later became an airspace flight inspection pilot using DC-3, C-123 aircraft, and retired from the FAA 1978.
Soldin later volunteered as a search pilot and coordinator for the Civil Air Patrol until 1991.
Soldin was a member of Igloo 15 Pioneers of Alaska, Historian member OX5 Aviation Pioneers, the Alaska Airmen’s Association, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Soldin is survived by his three children; Lori Mitchell and Kenneth Soldin of Anchorage, and Rick Soldin of Kingsport, Tenn; sisters Irene Henricksen and Inez Knorr of Skagway, and Tooky Harlow of Gig Harbor, Wash.; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
The family stated: “Emitt was a pioneer aviator in Alaska who befriended anyone with an interest in flying or aircraft. As a family we grew up examining Alaska from the air, learning every cove, river, lake and stream from an airplane. It was not uncommon on flights to look for game, follow birds or even examine the clouds.
“Our home was always open to new and old friends who would fly in from far away places, always welcomed by Emitt, whose list of friends and experiences offered us a rich and full life.”
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be sent to the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, 4721 Aircraft Drive, Anchorage Alaska, 99502.
Brig. Gen. John V. Hoyt, 68
Lifelong Alaskan retired Brig. Gen. John V. Hoyt, 68, died July 18, 2002, at his Anchorage home. At Mr. Hoyt’s request no service was held.
Mr. Hoyt was born Nov. 23, 1933 in Skagway. His father was railroad superintendent and he received all 12 years of his schooling in Skagway, graduating from high school in 1951. He then served in the U.S. Army and the National Guard, retiring with the rank of Brigadier General.
He is survived by his wife, Marie Ann Ritchie Hoyt; brother, Alan Hoyt; children, Lesley Wampole, Stephanie Hoyt, John C. Hoyt; and five grandchildren.
Arrangements were made with Evergreen Memorial Chapel in Anchorage.
Stewart A. Larson
1908-2002
Stewart Arthur David Larson, born Dec. 13, 1908, during an Alaskan blizzard, passed away peacefully in his sleep in Warm Beach Care Center, Wash., Monday June 24, 2002 at the age of 93. His cremated remains will be scattered in Puget Sound where he can rejoin his wife Helene Marie Fields.
Many people who loved him survive the only son of Edith Feero and Karl Larson, and brother to Ellen, Rainee and Velma. Sister Ellen Matchett, his son James (Jo-Ann) Larson, his long time friend Myrna Yearkle as well as grand children, great grandchildren nieces, nephews and friends. Stewart walked across the paths of many people throughout his life and for each life he touched he had a great story to tell.
His passions in life were Alaska and dancing. Anything about Alaska was reason enough for Stewart to start a story. When interviewed by the BBC about his life in Skagway as a young man, the twinkle in his eye, tells us that there were many stories he has never shared. He loved the poetry of Robert Service and could recite many of them from memory including his favorite, “Bessie’s Boil.” He loved the circus, ice cream, waffles with strawberries and a good game of cards. He loved to play Crib.
Stewart worked for the railroad as a stoker and fireman for the White Pass & Yukon Railroad and retired from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, as an engineer.
He was a member of many service clubs and loved to socialize: lifetime member of Golden Eagle Aerie #1 Seattle, Wash. from 1937 to 2002; a Mason, active member from 1960 to 1990 Lodge 60 Auburn, Wash.; a member of the FiFi Shrine; a member of the Alaska Yukon Pioneers Inc. until 1997.
He enjoyed many a meal at the Skagway Dinner. He was a volunteer car driver for Snohomish County driving the elderly to Doctors appointments and for groceries in Marysville, Wash. for many years until they finally decided he was elderly himself.
At the age of 83 he shared his dreams with Jim and I. He had 3 to complete before he died. Return to Skagway, Alaska, visit Lake Louise, Alberta, and ride the locks of the Panama Canal. Well DAD, two out of three ain’t bad.
His life was filled with exciting times, fun, laughter and he had few regrets. We could all be so lucky.We will all miss him greatly.
Remember; Dance like nobody’s watching.
James Stuart Plummer
1972-2002
Skagway resident James Stuart Plummer died Aug. 9, 2002, at his home in Skagway. He was 29 years old.
He was born Nov. 22, 1972, in Lancaster, Calif., to Sharon S. Plummer and Donald C. Plummer. At age 12 he moved to Juneau, where he attended middle and high school. In 1992 he moved to Skagway, where he worked for Wings of Alaska and Hunz & Hunz Construction. For the past two years he was employed by Alaska Marine Trucking. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Skagway.
His family writes that he was a high-energy, full-of-life, often exuberant person who loved Alaska and was proud to live here. He enjoyed riding anything that had a motor and went fast, and was extremely mechanically talented. He could build or fix just about everything. He was passionate about his dogs and music. He deeply loved his family and was an especially fun and caring uncle, the family said.
He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.
He is survived by his wife, Lian Hulk Plummer and her family of Skagway; mother Sharon Plummer; sisters Melissa Vance and Stacey Kozakar; brothers Ronald and Alan Wise; stepmother Sioux Plummer Douglas; brother Timothy Cunningham; and sister Carrie Pusich.
A celebration of his life was held at the Presbyterian Church in Skagway on Aug. 13, and will be followed at a later time by the scattering of his ashes in Skagway and Juneau.
Memorial contributions may be made to Southeast Alaska Guidance Association, P.O. Box 33037, Juneau, AK 99803.
Bob Rapuzzi dies in Arizona
Long-time Skagway resident Robert “Bob” Rapuzzi died early in the morning of March 8, 2003 at his winter home in Arizona. Rapuzzi had been in declining health for a couple weeks after suffering a heart attack.
Rapuzzi, 82, was born in Skagway, helped build the Alaska Highway as a soldier in World War Two, and then worked many years as a longshoreman on the Skagway waterfront.
His ashes will be brought back to Skagway for burial, as he wished. The family is planning a memorial service in June.
Ivadell Rapuzzi, Bob’s wife of more than 50 years, will be living with their daughter in Fairbanks until she returns to Skagway this summer.
Laura Cecilia “Sasha” Selmer-Hughes
Anchorage resident Laura Cecilia “Sasha” Selmer-Hughes, 71, died Dec. 23, 2002, at Providence Alaska Medical Center.
No services were held. Her ashes will be spread later across the Chilkoot Trail.
Ms. Selmer was born July 13, 1931, in Independence, Miss., to Osborne and Elizabeth Selmer. She came to Alaska shortly after birth and was raised in Skagway. She also lived in Juneau and Sitka.
Ms. Selmer is survived by her brother, Eric Selmer; son and daughter-in-law, David and Jody Knapp; and grandchildren, Taylor and Fischer Knapp.
Arrangements were by Witzleben Family Funeral Homes & Crematory.
SANDRA THELMA GRUNOW
Jan. 7, 1944 – May 5, 2003
It has been said that you cannot truly know a woman until you receive a letter from her. Many of us know Sandy Grunow through her witty ad poems published twice monthly in The Skagway News. Those musings gave us a glimpse of the whimsy, the caring, and the strengths that made up Sandy.
Born in Victoria, Sandy grew up in the Wells/Barkerville/Quesnel area of British Columbia. From 1962 to 1965, she was a member of the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Services, in which she was trained in long range, underwater detection of nuclear submarines. After release from the Navy, she traveled to Saint Lucia, to England, and then back to Canada in the fall of 1968. After working in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, she went North and arrived in the Yukon on Sept. 5, 1969. She never quite left. In subsequent years, Sandy lived and worked at the Iron Creek Lodge, Transport Lodge (both on the Alaska Highway), Watson Lake, and finally, Skagway.
Sandy was an active part of the Skagway community. She was an officer in the Eagles Auxiliary, she put her love of pageantry to work and masterminded such events as the Windfest Gong Show, Gangster Gala Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day Poetry and Champagne. In conjunction with the Skagway Centennial, Sandy organized the Governor’s Ball, even getting the Lieutenant Governor of Alaska to attend. She also served on the board of the Skagway Convention & Visitors Bureau. Sandy, a talented writer, led the Dead Horse Writers Group for many winters at the Eagles, and enjoyed hosting murder mystery nights at the lodge. One could always find her in the mornings at the Sweet Tooth Cafe sitting with the "Word from the Herd" coffee crew, where she was known as one of the “sunshine” girls.
She leaves as her legacy on this earth her son, Flight Officer Clement Skeete of Antigua, West Indies; her brothers Murray Foubister (Kamloops) and Michael Foubister (Watson Lake); her sisters Shelly Cooper (Victoria) and Chanel Zigo (Faro); her lifelong friend, Jennifer Sarovic (Vancouver); nieces, Karin, Wanda, Sandra, Lisa, Elizabeth; nephews, Andrew, Tony, Bobby, Sidney, Scott, Robin, Michael; and her Aunt Tesa and Uncle Arthur (Australia).
And she leaves a host of friends, who miss her very much.
There will be a Memorial Service for Sandy at the Eagles Hall, Saturday, May 31 at 4 p.m. Another service, attended by more than 100 friends, was held May 24 in Whitehorse at the Mt. McCIntyre Center.
Robert Lee Rapuzzi
1920-2003
Robert “Bob” Lee Rapuzzi, passed on March 8 in Green Valley, Ariz., his winter home. He was 82.
A lifelong Skagway resident, Bob was born here on May 14, 1920. He graduated from Skagway High School in 1938 where he enjoyed playing basketball and hockey against Southeast and Canadian teams. He was also a member of the high school band.
In 1942, he was employed as a civilian welder for the U.S. Navy in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The same year, he enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the Signal Corps as a radio operator. His chance to return to Alaska came with the building of the Alcan Highway, where he dispatched messages to and from headquarters and the construction sites. After the war, he returned to civilian life and went to work for the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad as an equipment operator, loading and unloading cargo ships.
His main hobby was his HAM radio set-up. He enjoyed talking with other “HAMs” all over the world. He took great pride in being able to relay messages for others after the 1964 Alaska earthquake.
Bob was a lifetime member of the Skagway Elks Lodge No. 431, a life member of the Masons White Pass Lodge No. 1, and also a member of American Legion Post No. 7.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ivadell Rapuzzi of Skagway; his brother and sister-in-law Charles and Arlein Rapuzzi of Seattle, Wash.; sister and brother-in-law Betty Mae and Gene Johannes of Wasilla; son and daughter-in-law Rick and Laurie Rapuzzi of Eagle River; daughter Dellalee Kalberg of Fairbanks, Alaska; and his six grandchildren Ryan and Monique Rapuzzi of Eugene, Ore., Teresa and Cory Rapuzzi of Eagle River, and Tifiny Kalberg of Auburn, Wash. and John Kalberg of Bellingham, Wash.
Services will be held in Skagway on June 14, 2003 at 1 p.m. at the Skagway Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity.
