William Isaac "Bill" Tritt

1944 - 2021

Our beloved grandpa, uncle, brother in-law, brother and father William "Bill" Isaac Tritt went to be with the Lord on March 3, 2021. He was born August 17, 1944 at the Hudson Memorial Hospital in Ft. Yukon to the late Isaac Tritt Sr. and Naomi (Peter) Tritt of Arctic Village, Alaska.

His Gwich'in name was Vyuh Zhuu (meaning baby seagull) and William Choo (Big William). They called him Vyuh Zhuu because, as a boy, he raised a baby seagull when the family lived in Chalkytsik.

Bill left Arctic Village in 1960 at age 16 to pursue a higher education in California. His ambition was to achieve more, to find himself, and to create his own journey. And that he did. It was in California that he met his wife, Sharon Marie Lilly, and was a committed father to his three children, Brandon, Jason, and step-son Brian. They were married in 1976.

Bill went to San Jose State University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Science (Physics). He also attended San Jose State City College and received an Associate in Science in Electronic Technology and an Associate of Arts. Bill loved learning. He loved math and physics; mathematicians inspired him. Bill also had a pilot license and spent many hours flying.

No matter how long he was away from home, away from his parents and siblings, he never forgot his Indigenous identity. He was fluent in Gwich'in and kept his ties to his language and people strong. Each time he visited his home of Arctic Village, it was as though he never left. He spoke his language, he ate his subsistence food, and he loved his elders. He was a true Gwich'in.

Bill also enjoyed singing and playing his guitar. He always had funny stories to tell. You would often find him laughing and telling stories. He brought comfort and lots of love to his siblings and cousins.

Bill was a brilliant man. He lived a full life as an academic. He saw the world differently. He was a Gwich'in man who had a deep fascination and understanding of math and physics. He had a strong desire to teach and share his knowledge with others. His gift was that he set a path for others to achieve higher and know that no matter where you go, you can always carry your culture.

He is survived by his children Jason Tritt, Brandon Tritt, and step-son Brian Lilly. His grandchildren Mariah Vincent, Chistian Lilly, Carmen Weaver, Brian Lane Jr., Bob Lane, Michelle Limon-Tritt, Brandon Tritt Jr., Liam Rodriguez, Derek Gemmill, Jace Gemmill-Charlesworth, Zaiden Gemmill-Charlesworth, Joseph Gemmill, Jacelyn Gemmill, Seth Gemmill, and Lynnea Frank. Great grandchildren Amaya Gemmill and Anthony Gemmill. His siblings, Calvin Tritt, Caroline Tritt-Frank, Susan Tritt, Sandra Corpuz, Irene Tritt, Aaron Tritt, Debbie Kendi, and Isaac Tritt Jr. Brothers-in-law Kenneth Frank and Wilbert Kendi. Sisters-in-law Jeanie Tritt. Nieces and nephews Fabian Tritt, Lisa Frank, Tara Corpuz, Crystal Frank, Tisheena Frank, Shayla Carney, William Carney, John Head, Victoria Gemmill, and Michael Gemmill. His uncle Rev. Trimble Gilbert and auntie Florence Newman. And numerous relatives from Arctic Village.

He is preceded in death by his wife Sharon (Lilly) Tritt, his grandparents Shitsii Titus Peter and Shitsuu Maggie Gilbert, Shitsii James Gilbert, Shitsii Rev. Albert E. Tritt and Shitsuu Sarah Tritt, his parents Isaac Tritt Sr. and Naomi Tritt. His brother Lincoln Tritt, sister Katie Marie Tritt, step-sister Margaret (Tritt) Wiehl and step-brother Peter Tritt and Lemmitt Tritt. Nephews Gerald "JR" Carney and Isaac Ray Tritt. Grand-daughter Selena Gemmill. And his best friend David "Oolii" Peter.

A celebration of life will be held in Arctic Village, in the summer, dates to be determined.