1934
2018
Lester Charles Erhart Sr. left us on Sept. 15, 2018 doing what he loved, cutting salmon along the banks of the Yukon River on a beautiful sunny day. Born to Charles and Nettie Erhart on March 21, 1934, Lester and his siblings grew up in a subsistence lifestyle at Eight Mile and fish camp. With a sixth-grade education, he learned how to work hard and to enjoy life. Lester dedicated his life to working for his people and served as the traditional chief of Tanana at the time of his passing.
Lester began his working career as a dozer and grader operator for MK Contractors during the construction of the White Alice station, off and on as a maintenance man at the Tanana hospital, years as a wildland firefighter, 14 years as a Wien Airlines agent and cut many cords of wood for Yutana Bargeline. After raising his family, Lester dedicated much of his time in service to his people. He served over 25 years on the Tanana City Council, many years on Tanana Traditional Council, and as a member of the Tozitna, Ltd. board of directors, chief of Denakkanaaga, as a member of the Alaska Fish and Game subsistence advisory board and a charter member of Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association. Lester enjoyed the subsistence lifestyle of hunting, fishing and trapping.
Growing up a subsistence lifestyle, he used sled dogs for transportation. This was a natural progression to sled dog racing. Lester maintained a competitive sprint racing and breeding kennel for many years. He was the spirit, comfort and great mentor to many up and coming mushers.
Lester's joy for life was often expressed in his love for music. He was inspired at an early age and nurtured his passion through the years as he mastered the fiddle and guitar. At the annual Athabascan Fiddlers Festival, people looked forward to his performance of "My Fort Yukon Baby." He and his son John were members of the Tanana Band.
He married Dorothy Rock in 1951 and together they had one daughter, Adrianna Erhart Parker. In 1955, with 25 cents in his pocket, he married Gladys Woods in spite of his parent warning that he couldn't afford to get married. Through this union, they had ten children and also opened their home to seven additional sons that they traditionally adopted.
He was predeceased by his parents; siblings, Josephine Beaver, Elizabeth Sunnyboy, Violet Nusunginya, Carl Erhart and Adrianna Erhart; his wives, Dorothy and Gladys; sons, Lester, Jr., Tow and Dougie; and his special companion, Elsie Lassiter. He is survived by children: Adrianna, Curtis, Chuckie, Oodie, Ronnie, John (Christine), Carl (Jennifer), Judy (Willie) and his special daughter Shannon, Ronnie Evans, Art (Spunky) Joseph, Stewart Joseph, Ken (Boots) Newman (Denise), Fred Folger, little Jimmy Edwards and James Roberts; grandkids, Gordon, Misty Rose, Samantha, Jordon Pootoogooluk, Carey Rose, Lester, Gareth, Stew, Rebecca, Carl, Craig, Shawn, Charlie, Violet, Patrick, Gregory, Brittany, Gladys, John Damon, Zoey, Dion, Ryan James, Shae-lyn, Corey, Brianna, Emily Elizabeth, Sophia and numerous great grandkids, friends and relatives and special friend Darlene Nicholai.
He will be greatly missed by family and friends for his stories, sense of humor, salmon and music. He was the patriarch of his huge family with relatives throughout the state. He generously shared his wealth of traditional knowledge with anyone who asked.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I remember Lester a good man let me live in the cabin with him and all his family 1981
Jimmie edwards
July 4, 2021
Lester was my good and dear friend he made a big impact on me he and his family took me in and treated like I was one of the family I will always be grateful my prayers are with you all
Rex Davis
Friend
October 10, 2018
Percy Lolnitz
September 26, 2018
May the God of all comfort strengthen the Erhart family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15).
September 24, 2018
So very sorry to see this. My condolences and prayers to all !
Jenny Bell
September 22, 2018
A terrific guy I always enjoyed and respected. I will miss our meetings. Tanana will miss an important person.
JACK BLUME
September 22, 2018
charlie champaine
September 21, 2018
YRDFA Directors, members and staff are deeply saddened by the passing of Lester Erhart of Tanana. Lester's dedication to the subsistence life/culture, his extended family and community was exemplary. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Lester's many family members and community. Like them, we will miss him. God bless the Erhart family and the community of Tanana.
Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association
September 21, 2018
May your tug lines be always tight. May your smile be in our heart always.
Thanks for being such a great person and may we meet again in the great kennel in the sky.
Sandy Hamilton
Sandy Hamilton
September 20, 2018
What a life! Thanks for all the good you created Lester.
Mat Sorum
September 20, 2018
RIP Uncle Lester. You and my dad were like brothers. I will miss you when I go home to visit. I would have loved to be there for the family, but your children are in my prayers. Love you uncle.
Mae GUNDERSON
September 20, 2018
My son Mike and I will really miss Lester's stories, teasing, and laughter. Lester was one of the founders of Dancing with the Spirit, our village music program that has now traveled to 51 villages. Lester was a big supporter--keeping the music going--and bringing joy to kids and communities. The photo is of John Erhart, Mike Mickelson and Lester--after enjoying a Tanana student concert. Much love and many blessings to Lester's family and friends.
Rev. Belle Mickelson
September 20, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of such a wonderful person, Lester. I had nothing but the utmost respect for Lester and through him, his family. Such a great loss. RIP Lester.
Shirley Sam
September 20, 2018
so sorry to hear about Lester Erhart's passing
our thoughts and prayers go out to the family
we will miss his laughter and smiling face and
his fiddle music
Lolita and Uncle Wayno
September 20, 2018
Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences at this time of your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1, 2
RK
September 20, 2018
What a full life he led. I am glad he was able to still be active in doing what he loved: cutting salmon. May he be blessed as he reunites with loved ones on the other side.
Marquita Gregory Greenberg
September 20, 2018
I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. Such a cool guy that touched the lives of many.
Ken Anderson
September 20, 2018
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