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David Guy Stone

1957 - 2012

David Guy Stone obituary, 1957-2012

BORN

1957

DIED

2012

David Stone Obituary

David Guy Stone, 55, a longtime resident of Juneau, Alaska, passed away unexpectedly after collapsing at his home on November 20, 2012. He was a devoted family man, scholar, community leader, public and private executive, wonderful raconteur and committed Christian.

Stone was born in Hillsboro, Oregon, on June 26, 1957, to Dale and Donna (Phelps) Stone. The family moved to Juneau when David was in the seventh grade. He graduated from Juneau-Douglas High School in 1975 and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in geology from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 1979. In 1980, he co-authored Hard Rock Gold, a history of the three major mines in Juneau that was published by the Juneau Centennial Committee.
David worked for the Alaska Electric Light and Power Company (AELP) as vice president of Consumer Affairs and for a sister company, AJT Mining Properties, from 1980-1989. By l989, Echo Bay Mines, an international mining company, had come to Juneau to try to re-open the AJ Mine. The company brought David on staff to manage public affairs in Juneau from 1990-1996. During this period, he was asked several times if he would re-publish Hard Rock Gold. His reply, every time, was that he would do so if he could add a new ending. Sadly, the attempt to re-open the AJ was discontinued in mid-1996 and the company moved David to its head office in Denver, Colorado, where he worked through 1997. This job required travel to Canada, Russia, Mexico, and the Philippines.
He met Laurel Anne Hanson when they both worked at Echo Bay in Juneau. Both moved away from Juneau in 1996 following separate paths but they reconnected in California. Their love was instantaneous, absolute, deeply appreciated by themselves and obvious to all. They were married on July 8, 1997, in Arapahoe County, Colorado, wearing shorts and tee shirts so they could immediately set of on a hike in the mountains. The couple moved back to Juneau shortly thereafter where the strength of their relationship was made clear to their family and friends as they confronted both the joys and sorrows of life.
An accomplished public affairs executive and negotiator, David began a consulting service in 1998 which led to a senior position with the McDowell Group. He then went back to work for the AELP/AJT family in an executive position. In many of his jobs, David was active with the Alaska Workforce Investment Board, knowing that mining, or any other industry, depends on trained workers. This interest led to his appointment as Deputy Commissioner of the Alaska State Department of Labor and Workforce Development in 2008 to the present. David served a time as Lieutenant Governor Mead Treadwell's Chief of Staff from late 2010 to mid-2011 after which he returned to his previous position.
Stone was very involved in Juneau and Southeast Alaska communities. He was first elected to the Assembly in 2003 and re-elected twice more, serving as Deputy Mayor during his last term which ended in October 2012. He was active in the Southeast Conference (awarded lifetime membership) and in the Alaska Municipal League, and Rotary International. He was a state and community "treasure," valued for his ability to engage people, to be diplomatic, and to compromise. His brother-in-law Michael Pits said that he "loved to mine the strata of the human condition."
David was a devout Christian and had considered a ministerial career early in life. He was well-schooled in the Bible and applied religious guidance to everyday life and to the challenges he faced. He and Laurel were active in Chapel-by- the-Lake Presbyterian Church and both provided leadership, comfort, skill and love together in church life.
David Stone was a family man. He had children, step-children and several grandchildren as well as other family members that he cared for, led, and loved. He was the leader and manager in confronting deaths, expected and unexpected and other family issues. He managed with grace, dignity, generosity and skill. These characteristics were also evident in his way with others. He loved to tell stories and teach history.
David's passion was mining. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of Alaska mining history, and hoped to write a book on mining engineer Bart Thane, who managed Juneau's Alaska Gastineau and Perseverance mines, the largest gold mines in the world during their heyday. He was a president of the Alaska Miners Association, a trustee of the Alaska Miners Hall of Fame, and chairman 1993-1997 of the Juneau Historic District Advisory Committee. He frequently made presentations on Alaska mining history and was very active in the Treadwell Society, a group dedicated to rescuing the Treadwell Mine complex history on Douglas Island. David approached all of these positions and services without personal agenda and always with the intent of serving those who asked for his help.
Former Mayor Bruce Botelho told the Juneau Empire, "David loved his community, loved his state. His untimely passing is a sad day for all of us." Governor Sean Parnell told the Empire, "David will be remembered as a kind, thoughtful man who always put others frst." Bill Corbus, David's long time mentor and friend said "There is no other person more responsible for bringing mining back to the Juneau area than David Stone. His contribution to that industry and to our community's economic well-being is unmatched."
David is survived by his wife, Laurel, of Juneau; his daughter, Carlin Stone (fiancé Ryan Stidolph) of Juneau, and grandson Indigo Sage; and by his son, US Navy Lieutenant Brandon Stone, (SEAL) (w. Samantha), of Alexandria, Virginia and their children Luke, Mathew, and a baby girl due in February. David is also survived by his father Dale Stone, Sr. (w. Carolyn) of Munro, Oregon; his brother Dale Stone, Jr. (Skip) (w. Barbara) of Juneau as well as his stepchildren, Camille Miller (h. Lee) of Nokomis, Florida, and Cara Lyn Brenton (grandchildren Kyler and Chalice Lyric), of Sitka, several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his mother, Donna M. (Stone) Rowles of Gaston, Oregon, and a brother, Duane Lewis Stone, of Juneau.
A celebration of life will be held at Centennial Hall on December 5th at 2 pm, with Steve Olmstead presiding.
Interment will be at the Shrine of St. Terese. Donations may be made to the "David Stone Memorial Fund," Alaska
Miners Association, PO Box 32025, Juneau, AK 99803
Call 586-1106 for more information.

Published by Juneau Empire from Dec. 2, 2012 to Jan. 1, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for David Stone

Not sure what to say?





28 Entries

I am sorry we didn't stay in closer contact. I have a few hight school memories of you my friend.

God willing, see you later.

Robert Robbins

Friend

November 11, 2023

I am shattered to just now learn of David's death, 7 yrs later. I met the Stone family in Juneau in the 70s .. we were neighbors and his brother Duane and I were close, dear, loving friends until his death. I am so deeply saddened to hear of David's passing. I last talked to him when Duane died, and David was always the kindest, loving, compassionate (and goofy back when lol) person there was. Bless his soul. He loved people and history, and he is sorely missed.

November 25, 2019

he nice brother

nora kirk

Brother

July 15, 2018

David and I spent many hours together growing up. In 1975 we drove from Anchorage to Nova Scotia and back. We had a great time along the way. Many meaningful conversations and a lot of reflection! He was a great role model for me. While we did not keep in contact after 1978, I have always appreciated the time we spent together. I am very sad to hear of his passing. I wish all the very best for his loved ones!

Steve Dubois

February 15, 2018

I am so very sorry for all your families loss. I had not heard of his passing and it saddens me so much. David did not know me that well or I him , but well enough for him to always be very pleasant, real and friendly, no matter who you were! Not to mention his extremely high intelligence, insight and wisdom way beyond his years it always seemed! Such a huge loss to Juneau, Alaska and our earth. R.I.P. David. Love, Tina Eckles

Tina Eckles

March 16, 2014

David was truly a special man in these times. Genteel, educated, compassionate, reliable, and caring. Working with David was a special pleasure that I will carry with me always. Laurel is an exceptional woman with a beautiful kind spirit, and their children I've met are courageous reflections of their parents. Obviously, he was needed elsewhere, but we are each a better person for knowing him.

Angela Hull

January 6, 2013

I am stunned to see this in the newspaper. Just a couple years ago, I spoke frequently with David during the turbulent time following his son's severe injury in Afghanistan. He was such a good, decent, kind-hearted soul. Deepest condolences to the Stone family.

Kyle Kaker

December 18, 2012

Laurel and family, I am very sorry for your loss. I worked with David at McDowell Group several years ago and enjoyed very much spending time in his office visiting. Brandon and Carlin, I lost my own Father recently so I know there is nothing quite like it. I hope you take comfort in his memories and in his traits that you see in your own children.

Chris McDowell

December 12, 2012

My deepest condolences to Laurel and family, I had the great pleasure of working with David during my tenure at Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development. We shared many happy times and laughs. He enjoyed viewing my arts and crafts and I had the best memeories while employed at DOLWD. Memories eternal Mr. David Stone. with much love to Laurel and Family.

Mary Ebona Miller

December 12, 2012

Truly a pleasant and talented man who made lasting and real contributions to the Juneau community. Met David way back when and through the years noticed his name showing more and more in various undertakings around town. A sad day and the family can take some solace from the fact much of the capitol city mourns his loss.

W. Wiley

December 7, 2012

So sorry for your loss. I wish I had the opportunity to know him well. I am related through my grandmother Birdie Stone Butler. We are storytellers, and it is good to know that David passed that love and tradition on to his children. I look forward to meeting him one day and celebrating fellowship with those who made our lives possible and with our Lord Jesus Christ. May God comfort you and be a strong and steady presence in this and through all your time as you wait to be reunited.

Sharon Liddycoat

December 6, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of David Stone.

Garvin Stone

December 6, 2012

I had the pleasure of working with David on several AEL&P-related projects. He was a consummate professional whom I greatly respected. Laurel, having lost a spouse myself, I know the pain. Just remember that time will help. My best to you and your family.

William Boatman

December 6, 2012

Our heart and prayers are with you during this time of great loss. I will never forget the first time I met David and you Laurel. You two were so kind, and so interested in what everyone else was doing. The honor and love given to David is a testimony of the Truth that he released to all those around him.

Traci Carson

December 6, 2012

For the Stone Family, all my prayers go to you and hope you are doing well and
getting by. Wish could have come up for the funeral but could not. His Dad also would like to have been able to come up but same thing. Our prayeres and love go out to you all!!

William Harris

December 5, 2012

Hello Laurel and family. Our thoughts are with you and we wish we could be there to support you. Ivan Harris

Ivan Harris

December 5, 2012

David was one of the nicest people I've ever met. Classy, professional, calm... definitely a huge asset to our community. He will be dearly missed.

Debbie White

December 5, 2012

David was one of my closest friends for 37 years. His family is as close to me as my own. I will miss him as long as I live.

Weeksie

December 5, 2012

We had the pleasure of knowing David and his family. I am so shocked and saddened. Laurel we love you our prayers are with you. Brandon Bless you and yours!

Burns Family

December 4, 2012

To the family, our thoughts & prayers are with you. God Bless. David was always a pleasure to visit with and a really nice guy. We miss him but cannot & will not forget him.

John Walsh

December 4, 2012

Will never forget your kindness and your smile

mary kirtley - jordan

December 4, 2012

I was very fortunate to know David. He was a wonderful man that did great things for the community. Laurel I love you and I hope you are hanging in there my friend.

toni petrie

December 4, 2012

Although I had only chatted a Few times @ Get Togethers with Long-Time Juneau Folks. I Admired you, God Bless. Prayers to Lauren & Family

Regina Jones

December 4, 2012

Whoever said no man is irreplaceable never met David.

Dennis Steffy

December 4, 2012

David was a true renaissance man. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Ron Swanson

December 4, 2012

David was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. A role model for all of us.

Jim Douglas

December 3, 2012

Tom & Daryia Trego

December 3, 2012

My heart goes out to David's family. He was a great man.

Denise Grimm

December 3, 2012

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