Search by Name

Search by Name

Lester Charles Erhart Sr.

1934 - 2018

Lester Charles Erhart Sr. obituary, 1934-2018, Fairbanks, AK

BORN

1934

DIED

2018

Lester Erhart Obituary

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.

Published by Daily News-Miner on Sep. 20, 2018.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Lester Erhart

Not sure what to say?





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

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Make a Donation
in Lester Erhart's name

Memorial Events
for Lester Erhart

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Lester's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Lester Erhart's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more