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Carvel Zimin Obituary
Carvel didn't have an education past elementary school, however he taught himself everything he needed to be self-sufficient living in a remote village. He was very creative with anything mechanical. He built an airplane-engine powered snow-go and airboat. He welded setnet skiffs equipped with hydraulics to make fishing easier. Carvel was a lifelong commercial and subsistence fisherman, winter watchman and beach boss for Alaska Packers, now known as Trident Seafoods. He was known for his delicious smoke fish and salmon jerky. He was a school bus driver and station agent for PenAir. At age 16 he obtained his pilot's license even before he had a driver's license. He was a true bush pilot. Carvel enjoyed hunting, fishing, and had a great love of salmon berry picking, but what brought him the greatest joy was his children, grand children and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Annie; sister, Rebecca Reeves of Las Vegas, NV; daughters Carol Evans (Rick) of Anchorage, Lois Herrmann (Dennis) of Naknek; sons Clyde Zimin (Shelley) of Wasilla, Carvel Zimin Jr. (Shirley) of South Naknek, and Carl Zimin (Laura) of Naknek; grandchildren Annette (Dan), Kelly, Sonya (Sam), Jaime, Nickolas (Lorianne), Mandi, Justin, Tressa, Kyle, Ryann Anne, Brennan and Dallas; great-grandchildren Danny, Sammy, Aurelia, Liam, William, Tilden and Evie; nephews Ralph and Randy Zimin; and niece Karen Gregory. He had numerous great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Lloyd, and nephew Ron.
Funeral services will take place 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 27th at St. Mary's Episcopal Church on the corner of Lake Otis and Tudor. Refreshments will be served following the services. A memorial service will be held next summer in South Naknek.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carvel Zimin
Valerie Torres
November 18, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Valerie Torres
November 17, 2023
Sending my condolences. Only knew him a short time but am glad our paths in life crossed.
Katherine Boston-richards
October 19, 2019
Love you uncle Carl zimin and your greatly appreciated and missed. Kindness your shown to myself and syblings of Peterson family.
David and Connie Walker
December 20, 2012
Our sincere Condolences to the family from the Walkers in Holy Cross. Was Happy to finally see Him at AFN in October, after 30 years or so. He was so happy when i told who I was, he just start to cry.. He said he so Miss our Dad, the late, Jim F Walker Jr. and his crew going to the Cannery there each summer. :) RIP, Respectfuly, Jim F walker Jrs. Family
Scott Carter
December 11, 2012
Carvel was a very important figure in western Alaska. I first met him in 1964. He was one of my most helpful mentors. He taught me many survival skills before much of the modern technology was available. He left a great legacy for his family and he will always be with me in spirit.
Jack Smith
November 29, 2012
I will really miss your stories about the old days, your dad and mine. Fairwell and Godspeed Carvel.
The Bill Smith Family
November 27, 2012
Polly Nekeferoff sends her sympathies to her dear friend Annie. May God comfort you and your family's hearts at this time.
Ted Krieg
November 27, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Zimin family.
Teresa Robbins
November 27, 2012
My heart filled sympathy and prayers go out to all family and friends. Lois esspecially... I am so truly sorry for your loss :( I just herd this this a.m.
I know no words could be said for what you must be going thru. I am here for you if you need to talk or just want a friend. Lots of Love sending your way, Teresa
Sharon & Glen Van Valin
November 27, 2012
It was fun knowing Carvel in South Naknek. We know how much his family and community will miss him. He and Annie raised wonderful children who were so well behaved and hard working in our classrooms. We will remember him with warm feelings and we send our love to his family.
Brad Angasan
November 26, 2012
Great memories of Carvel Sr. Always had good ideas and solutions to mechanical problems or how to make things better. Always thought his inventions were the greatest- like the set-net skiff hydraulic arm for running lines. He'll be missed.
Wes Fahlstrom
November 26, 2012
A true gentleman in all regards.. It was an honor to know him and his family. May he Rest in Peace, my sincere sympathy to his family.
Rosemary Wilson
November 25, 2012
My condolences to the Zimin family. Carvel was a great man and a big help to me over my many years in South Naknek. I will miss him.
Mo & Smiley Knutsen
November 25, 2012
My condolences to you, Annie, and all your family on the passing of Carvel, a great huband, father, grandfather & icon of South Naknek. He will be missed & remembered by many. Our prayers are with you.
Marie Nestegard Phillips
November 25, 2012
Deepest sympathy as you grieve the loss of your dad. What a blessing to have the lifetime of memories to recall and hold close. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob Deere
November 25, 2012
Carvel he was well loved and respected by all that met him. I feel privileged to have known him those many years in South Nanek.
Nancy Cherry
November 25, 2012
My sincere sympathy goes to the family of Carvel. He was quite a character and was known by a lot of people. He will be missed but his memory will go on and keep him in your hearts forever.
Hildur Anderson
November 24, 2012
Annie and Family- My dad, Edwin, loved it when you and Carvel would visit him. He talked about you two all the time. Please accept my heart felt condolences at this time, and my thoughts and prayers are with you in this great time of need.
James Hopkins
November 24, 2012
To one of my best friends in South Naknek, you will be missed!! Our deepest sympathy for the loss of such a great man. Jim Hopkins and family
Stockroomk Bill McKay
November 24, 2012
“If there be any truer measure of a man than by what he does, it must be by what he gives.” Thanks for taking time for me.
John Walsh
November 24, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family Carvel. I so remember your dad on the bridge of the boat, I always knew he knew where the fish were. Peace be with you.
Josie SAvo
November 24, 2012
Annie,What can I say but I love you and Carvel for all you have done for John and I.He was fun,gruff and always a help when we were in need.Take Care see you soon.Love Josie
Valerie Torres
November 24, 2012
My prayers are with you and the family Annie. Carvel will be missed. Even just knowing him for a little while made for wonderful family memories.
Peggy Tucker-Jessup
November 24, 2012
My dear friend, mentor and 3rd Dad,
Not a day passes without thoughts and a laugh of some sort that we shared. That will never change, regardless of where you are. I choose to believe that is at peace and in comfort, maybe with my Kvichak at your feet. The Zimin family lives on in your wonderful children whose generous spirit came straight from you and your beloved Annie. They continue to make this world a wonderful place. I love you, and am praying for your family, buddy. Much Love, Peggy and family.
Trefon Angasan
November 24, 2012
You have excelled in everything that you did in life. Your prowess as a high line fisherman was enviable. As a storekeeper, you drew us to the store by your story telling. We would sit from opening to closing time listening to you. You gave us credit to buy food and fuel when we had no money. During the winters, you would fly out to fresh water lakes and provide the village elders with fresh fish and game during the harsh winters. You will always be remembered for your kindness.
Linda Patterson
November 24, 2012
So sorry to hear the loss of Carvel !!! Prayers
Love Pat and Linda Patterson Jr.
Roberta Finkbonner
November 24, 2012
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Annie and the family. Carvel was always a good friend to me when I worked for Bumble Bee Seafoods. I was up there for 23 yrs. and always knew I could get help from him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace. Roberta Finkbonner
Donald and Mary Jane Nielsen
November 24, 2012
Donald says he has lost his very first childhood mentor and even as an adult uses his advice to this day. We share great grandchildren with whom we are all blessed, the children of Nick and Lorianne Zimin. Love and condolences to Annie, and their whole family. Both of us have treasured childhood memories of his adventurous flying stunts over South Naknek.
Pete & Annette Wilson Caruso
November 24, 2012
Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.
Arla Johnson
November 24, 2012
We will miss you Carvel; say hi to my Dad.
Val Angasan
November 23, 2012
Val
Teresa Seybert
November 23, 2012
We have loads of memories of South Naknek and the Zimin family fits prominently in those memories. Carvel and my dad had a Nickname for each other and whoever said hi first called the other guy the name-it never got old. We will miss you Carvel. Prayers for the family.
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