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BORN

1908

DIED

2011

Walter Soboleff, Sr. Obituary

Walter A. Soboleff, Sr. died May 22, 2011.

He was born on Nov. 14, 1908 in Killisnoo to Anna Hunter and Alexander Sasha Soboleff.

He graduated from Sheldon Jackson High School in 1928 before earning bachelor's degrees from the University of Dubuque (Iowa) in 1936 (Arts) and 1940 (Divinity). He went on to earn a Doctor of Divinity degree in 1952 from Dubuque and received a Doctor of Humanities degree from the University of Alaska in 1968.

He served as minister to Juneau's Memorial Presbyterian Church from 1940 until 1962 and retired from the United Presbyterian Church. He was also an Alaska National Guardsman for 20 years and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1971.

He was preceded in death by his sisters Ruby (Larry) Jackson and Martha Bradley; wife Genevieve E. Ross Soboleff and wife Stella Buxton Atkinson Soboleff. He is survived by his daughter Janet (Ted) Burke; sons Sasha, Walter Jr. and Ross (Jane Lindsey) Soboleff; stepdaughter Priscilla (Ed) Peele; stepson Thomas L. Atkinson, Jr. and other family members.

A Grand Camp Alaska Native Brotherhood and Alaska Native Sisterhood service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Centennial Hall in Juneau. A public memorial service will follow this service at 3:30 p.m. at Centennial Hall. A funeral service is set for 3 p.m. Monday Northern Light United Church in Juneau. Final interment will be on Wednesday at the Alaska Memorial Park Mortuary and Crematory, 3839 Riverside Drive.

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

Published by Juneau Empire from May 27 to Jun. 3, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Soboleff, Sr.

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Julie Kay Smithson

November 25, 2011

Ah, Walter ... I 'discovered' some of his writings while doing research online, and, never giving a second thought to the fact that he'd already had his 100th birthday, picked up the phone & called to thank him. He was like an iceberg, with so much just below the surface & a shining outcrop above! The gratitude in his voice, thanking me for my call, was balanced with his clear love for life and his love of God. I count that brief phone call among my great blessings. Thank you, Walter. Thank you, God, for loaning this precious soul to earth for over 102 years!

Carol bROWN

June 6, 2011

My condolences to the family of such a thoughtful and gentleman. He'll be miss but not forgotten by those that knew him well or a little. His life was a good long one and one that his family will always have moments to share with each other.

Dennis/Donna Simonsen

June 4, 2011

Janet and Ted: We are sorry to hear of the loss of your Father, I know Janet he was respected and well loved through out the community of Juneau and area. Please pass our condolences on to your family.
Sincerely, Dennis and Donna Simonsen, Seattle, Wash.

Janell Privett

June 4, 2011

To the family of Dr. Walter Soboleff family and friends it is with great love, respect and honor to have known Walter his example so very clear and simple. Dr.Soboleff delivered a great sermon for the congregation of Wrangell this year! as alway God and Walter did an outstanding job, although by phone his face was clearly in front of us all, the love of our Father in his Sermon. Walter sent in memory of his mother money to purchase a net; "Nets for Africa" nets that are made and given to families to protect them from disease carried by insects.
By phone in 2010 Walter spoke to the Presbyterian Women about the value and importance of women in the church, another outstanding time for the women on line to hear his value and love of the women in scripture and we who play valuable roles in the church, community and our families. There are so many stories that are wonderful for those who had the time to meet this Disciple of God. With Walter there must alway be a story of his humor...while attending Presbytery in Wrangell he stayed at the church manse, which is across the street from the church...he would leave for a while to get as he would say, " Need a little beauty sleep!" but fully present when the issues of the floor came forward. When the meetings ended and people being delivered to the airport and the job complete. Rev. Janice Stamper and I went back to the manse to have a coffee and there sitting in the chair looking out the window at the view was Dr. Walter Soboleff!!! rocking away!!! I screamed and Walter told me that was not a thing to do around a man of his age...I asked what he would have done if we had left him at home and he had missed the plane? he would want to know what was for dinner! of course we are still driving as fast as we can to the airport. Yes he made the plane but his humor the whole way was wonderful and funny. At that same Presbytery the children were called forward and he told Stated Clerk Guy Warren to stop looking at his watch! he was taking time with the kids. He took wonderful time to honor the children at the end he asked one very young girl to come close and he spoke into her ear and she into his ear, he placed both hands on her cheeks. I don't know what was said, but I know she smiled and he smiled back as she turned to leave over her shoulder she said, "See you there" this little child of God died 5 months later.
How graced we are in seeing just a small amount of his life's work for God. Janell Privett Wrangell

Bill Watterson

June 2, 2011

Sasha and family: Although I never met your father, Coach Ordway spoke so glowingly of him when we were at UAF, that I thought I knew him. Our thoughts are with you and your family and your celebration of a life lived fully and respected by all.
Bill & Helga Watterson

Ernie Williams

June 2, 2011

to my cosins my deepest condolences to you and your family we love you and pray for you for safe keeping, god bless, the Williams family Ernie Mary J, Roy boy, Myna, Ernestine, Cathy, Tonie,

Eleanor Dailey

June 2, 2011

My condolences to Walter Jr, Ross, Sasha, and Janet.

June Degnan

May 31, 2011

Remembering Walter
Within our household
during childhood
Soboleff was a name
we knew and respected
His sense of humor
with everlasting kindness
Was shared with our father
during the Territorial Days
in Alaska's Legislature
Kindred spirits they were
Remarkable Leaders setting
A standard for us to follow
"To act justly, to love mercy and
to walk humbly with our God."
Quiana! The children of Frank and Ada Degnan of Unalakleet. Eva,Ida,June,Chuck & Frances Degnan

Geri Sofoulis

May 31, 2011

Janet, Sasha, Walter, Ross and family(ies)
my deepest condolences. Love to you....

Myra Dore

May 29, 2011

Our deepest condolences to the family..He will be missed......

Georgia Skannes

May 29, 2011

"You were not just a leader, but a Native leader. You gave me something in my heart that says, "I am Native".
Georgia C. Skannes

Edward W. Sarabia, Jr.

May 29, 2011

I am very sorry to hear of Walter's passing. He is part of Juneau's history. Part of Alaska's history. And a major part of Tlingit culture and history. What a wonderful impact he has had on us all. His spirit is with us. Farewell.

Annette Osborne

May 28, 2011

May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead. although I did not get the honors to actually sit and talk to Dr. Walter Soboleff, i did always keep up with what was on the radio, and celebrations and the magazine,he was a inspiration to many not only in Juneau, but were ever he had been. Mr. Soboleff will be greatly missed. From Annette Osborne & Children.

Annette Osborne

May 28, 2011

May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.

Jay Olson

May 28, 2011

Walter's legacy is immeasurable. I am so thankful for receiving the benefit of his wisdom and faith. It was a privilege to share in ministry with him. To his family you have my gratitude and prayers. To Walter I say, Gunnalcheesh brother, gunnalcheesh. Peace is yours.
The Rev. Jay Olson (Kinat.soo)

May 27, 2011

It saddens us to hear of walters passing,in our years at Tenakee springs we became friends with him an his wife Genevieve,They opened their home to me when our second child was born.He has always been kind to anyone that may have crossed his path.Our deepest condolences an prays to the soboleff Family .Richard an Susan Bainter.Graham,WA

Marian/Jack Hudson

May 27, 2011

We were quite saddened to hear of your Father's passing. He was a Very Wonderful Caring Person. Jack and I will always remember the many letters/notes, news clippings and the personal phone calls we received. He has touched so many people over the years. Our Prayers are for his family and our Deepest Sympathy. Sincerely, Jack and Marian Hudson & family

Alec Creighton

May 27, 2011

The kindness and consideration Walter showed to all people, native and non native alike, showed what a wonderful human being he was, truly a leader of us all. The entire world was enriched by his grace.

May 27, 2011

A true Brother to all, everything he said was for the good of mankind. His teachings are a legacy that will live among us for a long, long time.
Thank you Lord, for sharing with us, this Great Man.

Pete Martin, Kake

Mindy Beal Taylor

May 27, 2011

As the days and weeks go on, as you all return to your normal routine, may you all continue to feel comforted by the continued Love, Support & Prayers from Family & Friends.
Sending our Heartfelt Condolences to the entire family.

~Mindy Beal-Taylor, Don Taylor & family
~James & Patricia Beal & family

Ventura Samaniego

May 27, 2011

My condolences to all of Walter's family. The loss of your father is a enormous loss to all of us.

Tina Kostrometinoff-Marsden

May 27, 2011

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Randy Johnson

May 27, 2011

Our Heartfelt Condolences go out to the family of Walter Soboleff, Sr.

It is with great sorrow that we heard of his passing. But also comforted knowing that he is no longer in pain, and knowing that he is now watching over us all from the heaven.

Walter Soboleff was a such great and wonderful loving person. He was truly an inspiration, a keeper of traditional Tlingit culture and values, a great teacher, and such a wonderful spiritual leader. He will be greatly missed.

Will keep all of the family in our thoughts and prayers.

Lots of Love and Prayers from the Johnson Clan -
William & Ramona Johnson, sons Kevin & David,
Randy & Rhea, children Cory, Leana, Cyle & Cameron.

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

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