
In memory


Missing Mollie Boyer: A passion for stewardship of our environment
Through a guest post by Sen. Shelley Hughes, we remember a wonderful nonprofit partner, Mollie Boyer: "Our hearts are saddened but as Mollie would want, we will carry on with great joy the art of recycling."
Remembering our friend, Jake Adams
Diane Kaplan remembers her many visits in Utqiaġvik with Jake Adams, whose care for the people of his region materialized in improved quality of life in so many ways.
Remembering Byron Mallott
I can’t remember how many times Byron provided advice, stood up for me, showed up for me, hosted me, fished with me.
She led the way for Army women. Now she’s in the Hall of Fame.
For a woman who stood 5 foot 2, Mary Louise Rasmuson might not have looked like a barrier-busting force to be reckoned with. But that’s exactly who she was.
Remembering a great artist, Ron Senungetuk
We are mourning the loss this week of Iñupiaq carver and metalsmith Ron Senungetuk, who founded the Native Art Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and was the Foundation's 2008 Distinguished Artist.
The secret of Mel
A celebration of life for Mel Sather will be held on Wednesday, Dec.18, 2019, at 4 p.m., at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Those close to Mel or the Foundation are welcome to attend. Instead of flowers, consider supporting the next generations of broadcasters through a fund at The Alaska Community Foundation created in memory of Mel.
Remembering Richard Nelson: author, soundscape artist, cultural anthropologist
Richard Nelson's friends saw him as a rare soul, wise and joyful, full of light and as connected to the earth and sea as anyone could be. He died on Nov. 4, 2019.We stand with Pittsburgh. In anguish, we long for heroes.
There’s a scene in “The Godfather” where Michael Corleone goes to the hospital to see his gravely injured father. He’s shocked to find there are no police guarding the hospital and quickly engages Enzo, the baker, to stand with him on the hospital steps, trying to look tough, to deter bad guys from entering to finish the Don off.

Remembering Bill Tsurnos: ‘Builder of men’ committed to powerful and meaningful change
Note: Bill Tsurnos came to Alaska in 2007 to help Cook Inlet Tribal Council start Chanlyut Enterprises Inc., a recovery and prison reentry program that offers men a new beginning away from self-destructive behavior. He ran the program until his death on Oct.
Media Mentions
- Alaska Journal | Movers and Shakers for Feb. 28 February 25
- People in the News (02/21/2021): appointments, promotions, obituaries | News | PND February 23
- Finding activism through art: A Q&A with Tlingit illustrator Michaela Goade February 23
- Apartment giant Weidner teams with Rasmuson Foundation to buy properties adjacent to Brother Francis Shelter for new ‘resource hub’ - Anchorage Daily News February 23