Some people just make it look so easy.
Their poise when things aren’t going as planned. Strength when it’s time to be firm. Compassion and understanding when it’s time to listen.
Arliss Sturgulewski was one of those people. The longtime Anchorage Assembly member, state senator, community stalwart — and my friend — died Thursday at the age of 94.
I first met Arliss when I began lobbying for public radio in Juneau as head of the Alaska Public Radio Network. I had no idea what I was doing. She was accessible, kind and wise. I learned so much watching her and listening to her. She loved public radio and her vocal support lasted long beyond her days in the Legislature, until the end of her days. I called her when I needed counsel. She was always available and I felt honored to know her. She stepped up immediately, with Ed Rasmuson and others, when we put a leadership group together to explore an endowment campaign.
Diane Kaplan and Arliss Sturgulewski
Arliss told me how her father didn’t believe it was important for girls to go to college so she had to make it happen on her own. How she was treated by some members of the Legislature. About the tough things that happened when she ran for governor — in large part because she was a woman.
Arliss broke trail for women in politics and raised the bar for public service. She once said, “I believed in myself. I knew where I wanted to go, and I knew it was up to me. Nobody was going to make it easy. There wasn’t a case of retreating, or failing, or saying, ‘I’m sorry, that’s too hard.’ I just did it. I was always a goal setter, and I guess I still am in my advanced age.”
I’ll say.
Some years ago, Rasmuson Foundation hosted its first women’s leadership retreat in a remote area of Alaska. Arliss was already inching toward her 90s but made the trip and was a trooper. She rode a four wheeler down the beach, enjoyed the fishing at the creek, and entertained us with stories into the evening. In true Arliss spirit, she decided one in our group was perfect to be the next mayor of Anchorage and tried to whip up support to start a campaign.
Just a few years ago, Arliss headed down to Juneau to lobby for one of her causes. I was sitting near her and offered to help her with her bag but she bluntly refused and did it herself. We returned to Anchorage on the same flight and she again rebuffed my effort to help her get her bag down, insisting she was perfectly capable to do it herself. As we walked into the parking garage, we said our goodbyes. I waited at the exit to make sure she was fine. No Arliss. I drove back around. At Arliss’s car, all I could see were her legs sticking out of the car door. I got out to see if I could help. Her credit card had slipped down between the seats, and she was trying to nudge it out. By this time, her irritation was palpable. Clearly, she didn’t need anyone’s help.
Arliss was among the first individuals featured in the documentary series “Magnetic North: The Alaskan Character” sponsored by Rasmuson Foundation in partnership with Alaska Humanities Forum. The films, written and directed by Marla Williams, tell stories of individuals who helped shape Alaska into the place it is today.
Arliss exemplified the Alaska character. We will miss her.
Watch the Magnetic North documentary:
6 Comments
Posted by David Policansky
Arliss was amazing. I was her colleague on the Advisory Council for the University of Alaska School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences for many years, and Arliss taught me so many lessons in politics, policy, kindness, thoughtfulness, fair-mindedness, sense of humor, bravery, and other matters over the years. I treasured her wisdom and friendship. I had not been in touch with her the past two or three years, and I miss her greatly. Thanks for your nice memory of her.
Posted by Carla Beam
Laughing out loud at your story of trying to help with her luggage. I made that mistake once, and only once, on a UA Foundation trip…and I compounded the insult by also trying to help Grace Schaible with her bag. They are two women I will forever hold in my heart and in my memories. Gracious, compassionate, and generous, but tough when needed.
Posted by Justina Wilhelm
Thoughtful article, thank you for sharing. Sending thoughts and prayers to the Sturgulewski family and friends.
Posted by Rodger Painter
I first met Arliss when she was a member of the New Capital Planning Commission. I was helping put together the commission’s final report. We later worked together on fisheries related legislation.
She was very open to new ideas, and I admired her greatly. The old boys club sunk her gubernatorial campaign.
Posted by PercyBallot
That’s her..net her few times..
Posted by Clare Ross
Such a touching tribute. Thanks for these great stories. I’m laughing and crying at the same time thinking about you finding her with her legs sticking out of the car. She was so approachable and a friend to many. I will miss her dearly.