Paul Joseph John

1929 - 2015

Kangrilnguq Paul John of Toksook Bay, Alaska, 85, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2015, at the Alaska Native Medical Center. Paul, also known as Aaquqsaq "Aaqaaq" to immediate family, was born in old Cevv'arneq and moved to Nightmute to wed his bride of 62 years. They relocated to Nunakauyaq/Toksook Bay in 1964, when it was established. Paul was a distinguished leader in the region, widely respected as a dean of Yup'ik elders and recognized for his tireless advocacy of Yup'ik language and traditions. His commitment to the culture brought him to national and international museums. He was an eloquent orator, a skill he learned having been raised in a Qasgiq. Mr. John composed Yuarutet, Yup'ik dance songs, to which he combined with animated motion dances. Through his wisdom and fascinating recollection of history, Kangrilnguq contributed to several books published about the Yup'ik culture, traditions, masks and stories. He remained very active as a leading member of the Toksook Bay dance group and composed new music text with contemporary cultural storylines. He tirelessly served as the traditional chief of the Nunakauyarmiut Tribe, the first traditional chief and executive board member of AVCP, Inc., an Inuit of Circumpolar Conference Elder and was a lifetime honorary board member of YKHC. He held an honorary doctorate from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Kangrilnguq leaves behind his wife, Martina Anguyaluk; his children and their spouses/partners, Mark Miisaq (Sharon) John, Theresa Arevgaq John (Mick Leach), Simeon Nurauq (Cathy) John, Ralph Cimigaq (Anna) John, Freddie John, Willie Qungurkaq John (Agnes Gregory), Aggie Mancuaq John, Agatha Panigkaq (Samuel) John-Shields and Jolene Arnaqulluk John (Chet Murphy); 35 grandchildren; nearly 30 great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Mary Taagaaq Felix and Larry Cakiculi John. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Qungurkaq and Anna Angayiq; his daughter, Nora Anna Angayiq; and his siblings, Qayukeggliq and Kangrilnguq. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, with a viewing beginning at 1 p.m., a Service at 3 p.m. and a feast and native dancing in the parish hall after. He will be laid to rest in Toksook Bay on Saturday, March 14, 2015. Arrangements are with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel.