Articles in Obituary
The Geraldine Ferraro I got to know
A. Caleb Pritt remembers meeting Geraldine Ferraro at the 1996 Democratic National Convention. Ferraro died on March 26, 2011 of complications of multiple myeloma.
For our sisters: Suicide is more than a gay men’s issue
by Rev. Johnathan Jones
The soldiers arrived at 6:30 am. Seeing two soldiers at your door when you have a family member on active duty typically means one thing. So as we sat there and were informed of her “self inflicted wound” we were not surprised. Shocked, but not surprised.
Last night, my foster sister, raised in Alaska, an active duty soldier and a very closeted lesbian shot herself.
Living in Alaska there are many of us who have been touched by suicide. As a pastor and youth worker within the LGBT community I am no stranger to suicide. The thing that strikes me though is this is only the second lesbian suicide I have had to face.
We don’t often hear of lesbians killing themselves. The media and our community have been very focused on the young gay teens who have taken their own lives due to homophobia and bullying. But what about our sisters? How many of our sisters have taken their own lives due to issues regarding their sexual identity?
My foster sister came out early in life, however, after a short period of time she went back in the closet, claiming she wasn’t lesbian at all. She later found a girlfriend, came out again, but when that ended, she went back in the closet. Hating herself for not being able to find a same-sex partner she determined she must be straight. After entering the military she married a man- that marriage lasted just weeks. Just recently, when she came home for recreation, she would meet her “friend”. Her “friend” was female and they spent almost every day together when she was home. Her internalized homophobia was so strong that she would not tell us the truth about the relationship- even though there are several members in our family who are openly gay and lesbian.
In trying to honor her I am asking myself: “what is it her short life can leave us”? We need to use this time to bring to light that it is not just young gay men who are taking their own lives: but also our lesbian sisters, and let me not forget our transgender brethren.
Suicide is a huge thing here in Alaska and the United States. While we have had great campaigns like “It Gets Better”, the truth is that for some of us it isn’t getting better, or simply saying “It Gets Better” isn’t reaching everyone. Maybe the reason is that we are just targeting young gay teens. Maybe we need to spread our nets further.
What I’m learning is that I need to be more aware of my lesbian, transgender and bisexual brethren who are just as vulnerable as our young gay men. I also need to remember that it is not just the young, but all ages. The first time I was touched by suicide, the man who killed himself was in his forties.
I don’t have any answers, just some thoughts that I need to share so that a life need not be totally wasted.
As a person of faith I believe she is in a better place, I just wish it didn’t take a gun for her to get there.
Terry Dean 1950–2011
The Juneau LGBTA community joins other friends and family members in mourning the loss of our friend and ally, Terry Dean, who died on February 27 surrounded by her loved ones and friends. Terry was a founding member of Juneau PFLAG.
Terry and Ken Dean attended the very first PFLAG meeting in 1995 that was called to see if there was interest in forming a Juneau PFLAG chapter. A resounding YES was stated by meeting participants. Terry and Ken, along with Mildred and Mark Boesser, Dixie Hood, Marsha Buck, Willie Anderson, and Pat Dobbins became the core of PFLAG Juneau in the late 1990s and the years that followed, assuming leadership roles and providing support for many parents and family members in the Juneau community. Terry’s design work on the PFLAG Juneau banner and her logo suggestion for our chapter — Love has no boundaries will remain with us as a beautiful legacy.
Mildred notes, “I will always remember Terry as an example of kindness and compassion and steadfastness of spirit. It always rejoiced my heart to see Terry and Ken come to PFLAG meetings. We could not have continued to exist without their steady hand.”
Terry’s life will be celebrated Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 7:00 PM at the Tlingit & Haida Community Center in Juneau.
Please keep Terry and Ken in your thoughts and prayers — whatever they may be.
Her family has prepared this obituary:
Teresa ‘Terry’ Kathleen Hamilton Dean
Teresa (Terry) Kathleen Hamilton Dean passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on February 27, 2011. She was born June 22, 1950 in Ketchikan, Alaska to Willis and Violet (Skulka) Hamilton Sr.
Terry grew up in Ketchikan where she attended elementary school at the old Main School. She graduated in 1969 from Ketchikan High School.
Terry married her soul mate, Kenneth M. Dean on June 14, 1969 at the Presbyterian Church in Ketchikan. They made their home in Juneau and were happily married for 41 years.
Terry was a Haida Eagle, Frog (Hlk’ya’an K’ust’a’n) and Sculpin. She was so very proud of her Haida lineage and was active in promotion of the Haida language and culture. She was a charter member of the Xaadas Gitalang dancers of Juneau; helping to form the dance group in 1984. She was a talented weaver of Haida basketry and ravenstail. She was also a member of the Ravenstail Weaver’s Guild. Terry was a very talented artist, making regalia for herself and other family members.
Both Terry and Ken were active in the community and touched many lives. They organized and attended the very first PFLAG meeting in 1995, which was called to see if there was interest in forming a Juneau chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Terry and Ken were founders and became the core of PFLAG Juneau in the late 1990s and the years that followed. Terry assumed leadership roles and provided support for many parents and family members in the Juneau community. Terry’s legacy will be her design work on the PFLAG Juneau banner and her logo suggestion for their chapter – “Love has no boundary”. Terry and Ken also founded the local MS Society Support Group, organizing the 1st MS walk with Senator Egan as Master of Ceremonies. Terry and Ken both served the Douglas Lion’s Club for over 20 years and Terry was a member of the Juneau Lioness Club. She managed the Loan Closet which loaned medical equipment and gave encouragement to the disabled community in Juneau and was sponsored by the Douglas Lion’s Club. Terry and Ken were instrumental in creating the 1st handicapped accessible trail in Juneau, which runs along the Mendenhall River.
Terry worked for the State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game until 1983, when she joined the University of Alaska Chancellor’s Office. She continued to serve on the administrative staff of the Provost Office until February of this year. Terry has the distinction of being the longest serving staff member of the office.
She is preceded in death by her parents Willis and Violet Hamilton; father-in law Gilbert Lynn Dean; her brothers Gideon Duncan Jr., Leonard Alex Hamilton, and Owen Earl Hamilton; sisters Joy Ann Hamilton Cutshall, and Margaret Hamilton (who died at birth); and sister-in law Carla M. Timpone.
She is survived by her husband Kenneth M. Dean, her son Aaron Lynn Dean and wife Audrey of Fairbanks, grandchildren; Jacqueline Michelle Dean and Victoria Lynn Dean; her sisters Lavina M. Hamilton of Anchorage, and Bert G. Hamilton and Raymond Guthrie Sr. of Ketchikan; her brothers Willis H. Hamilton Jr., Gary Hamilton and Dana Craig Hamilton of Ketchikan; mother-in law LaRaine Dean; sisters-in law Linda L. Lappin and Shirley R. Dean, many nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Xaadas Gitalang c/o Vicki Soboleff, 2924 Simpson Avenue, Juneau, Alaska 99801, or the PFLAG Juneau Chapter, c/o Jonathan Anderson, 9162 Jerry Drive, Juneau, Alaska 99801.
A Celebration of Terry’s Life will take place Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at Tlingit & Haida Community Center, 3235 Hospital Drive, Juneau, AK. A second Celebration of Terry’s Life will take place on March 8, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at 429 Deermount St., Ketchikan, AK, followed by interment at the Bayview Cemetery next to her Mom and Dad. Fellowship will follow immediately after at 429 Deermount.
We at Bent Alaska express our sincere condolences for all of Terry’s family and friends.
Chuck O’Connell 1942–2011
The Anchorage LGBT community joins other friends and family members in mourning the loss of our friend and ally Chuck O’Connell, who died unexpectedly early last Thursday morning.
Dennis Goff (1951-2010)
Dennis Goff, formerly of Anchorage, died unexpectedly at the age of 59 on Nov. 3, 2010, in Hawaii. Sorry for the late posting, I didn’t know until recently. His legacy book is still open, and friends are encouraged to add a message. Condolences to his partner Sheldon, his many friends and students, and all who were touched by his life and his music.
A local gathering was held in the UAA recital hall. His ashes were divided among his favorite Hawaiian beach, the Chugach Mountains in Alaska and his family’s hometown in Ohio.
Born Aug. 19, 1951, in Toledo, Ohio, he graduated from East Anchorage High School in 1969, and taught voice and English in the Anchorage School District until his retirement in 1994.
After retirement, Dennis continued to tutor students in his home and advocated for their success in the music profession. His was a familiar face at many musical venues throughout the city.
He was a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Anchorage Community Chorus, Alaska Chamber Singers, Anchorage Festival of Music, Trattoria Singers, Anchorage Opera, Camarato Otto and Waikoloa Outdoor Circle.
One of Dennis’s favorite excursions was sharing with friends the beauty of Denali National Park. Another special recreation spot was the Chugach Mountains. It was his desire to move to a sunny climate. That goal was met when he recently relocated to the Big Island of Hawaii.
Warm and good-natured, Dennis was a reliable friend whose sunny smile and quirky humor endeared him to those of us who knew him best. Though he is gone too quickly, he enjoyed every day, especially the last few months in his Hawaiian paradise. The space he left cannot be filled. He cared deeply about us, and has a permanent place in our hearts, where he will always make music.
He was predeceased by his parents, Harvey and Violet (Lemon) Goff, who lived in Port Clinton, Ohio.
Surviving family members include his life partner, Sheldon Meier of Waikoloa Village, Hawaii; his sister, Marsha (James) Elsen and niece Becky Elsen of Croton, Ohio; nephews, Jimmy Elsen of Anderson, Ind., and Scott Elsen of Bay City, Mich.; and many close friends in Anchorage.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Dennis’ memory may be sent to the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Alaska Chapter Student Scholarship fund, 9050 Basher Drive, Anchorage 99507 or to a charity of the donor’s choosing.
The obituary above was in the ADN. He was also remembered in West Hawaii Today, which covers his home in Waikoloa Village.
Rest in Peace, Dennis.
Memorial today for Richard Welch
Community member Richard Welch of Fairbanks passed away last week. He is survived by his partner, their children and their extended family. His friends are invited to a memorial and celebration of his life on Monday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. at Chapel of Chimes followed by lunch at Pike’s.
“I had the pleasure of working with Richard for many years at The Palace Saloon and Club G,” wrote Anna Kegley. “We became very close friends & kindred spirits working together for the GLBT community on countless functions to raise funds for charities that serve the community.
“He is/was one of my dearest friends, I love and miss him with all my heart. His partner Misha and he have been together for 18 years. My heart is heavy for him and wish him peace going on without his Richard.”
Richard Daniel Welch (1959-2010)
The family of Richard Daniel Welch invites his friends to celebrate his life Monday, Sept. 13, at Chapel of Chimes on Illinois Street. We will gather at 2 p.m. for an informal memorial before engaging in one of Richard’s favorite pastimes, a nice, leisurely lunch at a local restaurant. Please bring your love, memories and appetites.
Richard passed away Sept. 7, 2010, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born Sept. 20, 1959, in Bradenton, Fla., to Jack Welch and Adriana (Mickie) Nyberg.
Richard spent his early life in and around Tampa Bay. His family came to Alaska during the construction of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline. He attended Main School and graduated from North Pole High School.
He resided in Florida until 1991 when he returned to Fairbanks. He made many friends while working as a bartender for the Palace Saloon and Club G and volunteering for the Interior AIDS Association. Richard later returned to college and received a degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Richard was preceded in death by his father, Jack Welch.
He is survived by his mother, Mickie Nyberg of Steinhatchee, Fla.; his sisters, Jackie Welch and Theresa Morin of Fairbanks; his brother, John of Tampa, Fla.; his partner, Michael Streiffert and their children, Nick Streiffert and Adriana Welch of Fairbanks.
Richard brought joy to us all and will be sorely missed.
The family would like to thank the kind people at Denali Center who took such good care of him this last year and to the staff and volunteers of the Hospice of the Tanana Valley who helped all of us through this difficult time.
Arrangements were entrusted to Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.
Sign Richard’s Guest Book
Memorial & Open House for FKen – Aug 5th
Some people did not hear about the initial memorial service for FKen Freedman held soon after his passing, so we’re having a second memorial celebration of his life to coincide with the sale of his home and belongings. Friends and community members are invited to an Open House Remembrance Ceremony and Private Estate Sale on August 5, beginning at 5 p.m.
5-6 PM Hors d’ oevres: Hearty hors d’ oeuvres & open house. Catered by his favorite restaurant – Thai House!
6-7 PM Remembrance Ceremony: FKen’s Celebration of Life was at the U/U Fellowship Hall on May 6th and was hurriedly organized to accommodate FKen’s family from out of state. This is an opportunity for those who were not able to make the original service to collectively gather and share their memories. Those who were at the first service are again invited to this more informal event.
This will be a time to share stories and memories of a remarkable man who is a long-time friend and community organizer. His home, where this event is taking place, is the birthplace of the NorthView and the Identity Helpline. We hope you will join us for an evening with our community, as FKen liked to say, “our tribe” in this very special place.
7-8 PM Private Estate Sale for friends and community members: FKen’s house will be on the market for sale in the next two weeks. Most of FKen’s belongings are in place. This is an opportunity to purchase items from the estate sale before they are offered to the public on Friday and Saturday August 6 & 7th. The proceeds will go to continue FKen’s support of his mother.
Please RSVP for the location and directions.
Celebration of Life for Dan Carter-Incontro, June 19
Please join the Alaska friends and family of Dan Carter-Incontro, a civil rights champion and good friend to many, for a Celebration of his Life & Legacy during Alaska Pride Week, on Saturday, June 19, from 3-5 p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Anchorage.
Dan died on April 18 in Clermont, Florida, at the age of 62. He is survived by his husband and partner of 42 years, Al Carter-Incontro, and his sister Sarah. Memorial services were held in Florida and Anchorage, but the local Celebration of Life was delayed until Al could join us.
Dan lived in Anchorage for about 30 years, worked for the Transit Department, and was a supporter of the Anchorage Gay and Lesbian Community Center, Identity, the Metropolitan Community Church, and other LGBT groups. He was also active in the Alaska Democratic Party and served as Alaska’s first openly gay democratic delegate. The new LGBT Democratic Caucus has been named after him, as the conference room in the Community Center was named after Dan and Al several years ago.
Celebrate the Life & Legacy of Dan Carter-Incontro: Saturday, June 19, from 3-5 p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, on the corner of Lake Otis & Tudor in Anchorage.
Memorial Tonight for FKen Freedman
A Celebration of Life for FKen Freedman will be held tonight, May 6, at 7 p.m. at the Anchorage Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 3201 Turnagain Street. Freedman’s obituary appeared in the Anchorage Daily News today (posted below), along with a new legacy book with the correct spelling of his last name. Personal memories of Freedman can also be read in and below Bent’s first announcement of his passing.
FKen Freedman died of natural causes at his home in Anchorage on April 30, 2010. He was 68.
He was born July 12, 1941, in Newport News, Va., and grew up in California.
He was deeply spiritual and connected with his Jewish culture through the richness of ritual and the way he lived his life — as a man of action. He connected with his Gay culture through action as one of the pillars of the GLBTA movement.
FKen was an activist in every community he was a part of. His passions were GLBTA equality, photography, theater and psychotherapy. He was a grassroots community organizer, starting and implementing the first Gay and Lesbian Helpline and The NorthView out of his home.
He loved the simplicity of life, to be in nature, and to create positive changes in his circle of influence and spend time with his friends and family. He loved plain doughnuts and he never passed up the chance to eat rainbow sprinkles on his ice cream.
FKen was in private practice, specializing in individual and couples counseling. He had a Master of Fine Arts degree from Yale University, School of Drama (1967) and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, from Prescott College, Arizona (1998). He was a member of the Alaska Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association. Clients may call 229-9205 for referral information.
He was preceded in death by his husband, John Paul; his loving sister, Joan Carol; and his father, Donald Kenneth.
He is survived by his family of origin and family of choice. It would soothe his soul to know his friends shared their stories with his brother, adopted sons and extended family who were never able to experience the richness of his life in Anchorage while he was alive.
A celebration of life will be held at 7 p.m. today [Thursday, May 6] at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 3201 Turnagain St. A community potluck will follow.
Donations in his honor can be made to Identity Inc. at www.identityinc.org or P.O. Box 200070, Anchorage, 99520.
F. Ken Freedman (1942-2010)
UPDATE: A Celebration of Life will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday May 6 at the Anchorage UU Church, 3201 Turnagain St. Read and sign the ADN legacy book HERE.
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F. Ken Freedman, a long-time member of the Anchorage LGBT community, passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2010.
“It is with great sadness that I let the community know about the passing yesterday of my good friend, F. Ken Freedman,” wrote Alaska Mike on Bent’s Facebook wall.
“F. Ken worked for a number of years in the psychotherapy field, specializing in folks dealing with coming out and other LGBT related issues.”
“We just had lunch on campus in late February, it’s hard to believe he is gone! He will be greatly missed by me, as well as many others who were lucky enough to know him and consider him a friend.”
Several friends left comments about Freedman’s kind and gentle manner, that he was an inspiration and a mentor, and that he was one of the first gay men they met when moving to Anchorage years ago.
“fKen started the GLBT Helpline,” wrote Phyllis of Identity, Inc. “It was answered by volunteers from his home. His legacy will live on in so many, many ways and lives.”
Others remembered Freedman’s stories of being present at the 1969 Stonewall Riots in NYC, which mark the beginning of the modern LGBT rights movement.
His full name was Fredrick Kenneth Freedman, but he never used his first name, preferring F. Ken or fKen.
A service is being planned for this Thursday afternoon/evening. More details to come as they are available. Anyone with photos of Freedman are asked to share them for his Celebration of Life. Please email the photos to Victoria.
Condolences to his family and friends.
