Margaret E. Gamble

1925 - 2017

Margaret E. Gamble passed away early in the morning of December 21st in Juneau, Alaska. She was born February 22, 1925, in Angoon, AK. Her Tlingit name was Kháachx'uskaayi. Her parents were Charles and Annie (Johnson) Bennett; her mother, Ghaazhtsóo, was Deisheetaan Raven-Bear. Her Father, Anaazhoots, was Chief of the Kaagwaantaan from the Eagle-Wolf, House of Sitka.

Margaret was raised in Angoon and Sitka with her sisters Elsie, Harriet, June, and brothers Joseph, Thomas, and Paul. After graduating from Sheldon Jackson in 1940, she moved to Juneau and married her husband, Charles Gamble, and raised four children: Karen, Marcella, Charles, and Charlene.

She began working for Sealaska Corporation during the era of John Borbridge Jr., who was the Chief Executive Officer. Prior to her retirement form the State of Alaska, she was employed as secretary to Senator Nels Anderson and Vic Fischer, and support staff to the Alaska Bush Caucus.

She was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church of Angoon, and a member of the Northern Light United Church of Juneau. She was a member of the Alaska Native Sisterhood Camp #2, and served as president for several terms. She was a shareholder of Sealaska Corporation, Kootznoowoo Incorporated (Angoon), and Goldbelt incorporated, where she served two terms on the Board of Directors during the years 1973-'74 and 1988-1992.

As the first woman elected as president of the Juneau Tlingit and Haida Community Council, she gave testimony about the Tlingit Tribe to the congressional delegation visiting Alaska. She also served as a delegate for the council.

She was successful in her tireless efforts to include the left-outs from the stock ownership with Sealaska Corporation, was constant in her encouragement with the younger generation to be engaged with tribal organizations, and was an advocate for better services for tribal elders.

Margaret and Charles enjoyed many years of fishing aboard their boat, the Gambler. Her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, sewing, reading, and gardening.

She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Annie Bennett, husband Charles Gamble Sr.; son Charles Gamble Jr.; Brothers Joseph Bennett Sr., Thomas Bennett Sr., and Paul Bennett; sisters Elsie John, Harriet Chilton, and June Pegues.
She is survived by her daughters Karen Webb (Don), Marcella Whitney (Keith), and Charlene Ransom (Guy); five grandchildren, Dail Webb, Dena Whitney, Donnell Perdue, Dylan Rhyner, and Daylene Rhyner; twelve great grandchildren, her cousin Selina (Johnson) Everson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 15, at 5:30 p.m. at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. A meal and refreshments will be provided.
Condolences can be mailed to:
Karen Webb
5815 Mountain Ave.
Juneau, AK 99801
(360) 601-0213