Erling August Skaflestad

1934 - 2014

Erling August Skaflestad, died after a long struggle with cancer on Sunday August 24th 2014. He was born on October 20th 1934 in Juneau Alaska to Alf "Daddy Al" and Matilda "Tillie" Skaflestad; the eldest of their five children. Erling grew up in Hoonah, logging, living off the land and loving nature. On February 23 1963, he married Bonnie Gallaher of Barry, Illinois; together they raised three children. Erling had many jobs including: logging, commercial fishing, trapping, oil delivery and construction. In addition, he spent many years helping to develop the infrastructure of the state of Alaska, putting in airports, docks, roads and water systems. He worked for DOT, BIA, US Public Health Service and the City of Hoonah. Erling and Bonnie had several businesses including: land rentals, lumber and building supply, travel agency and grocery store. He had many hobbies including: tending his garden and fruit trees, raising chickens, wood carving, boat building, wine making and smoking salmon. Although Erling had many interests, his family was most important to him, as he loved to spend time with family and friends, often cooking for them. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Alf "Windy" Skaflestad. Erling is survived by his wife and children, Jeffrey Skaflestad and his friend Lisa Andersson, Christine Holingsworth and her husband, Scott, and Ray Skaflestad and his wife, Kenya., and siblings: Caroline Peterson (and husband Jerry), Kolbjorn "Faggen" Skaflestad (and wife Jan), and Wendell " Goobin" Skaflestad ,as well as nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren and a large extended family. A memorial service will be held in his honor, October 11 at the Hoonah Alumni gymnasium.