Eli Walker

Former resident Eli P. Walker, 52, died Aug. 5, 2007, of pneumonia at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
In loving memory, a memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Covenant Church, 13th Avenue and C Street in Anchorage. The Rev. Nathan Toots will officiate. A potluck will be afterward.
A second memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Aug. 20 in Kotzebue at the Friends Church. After the service, per Eli's request, his ashes will be spread around "Napaqtuqchaiq" near Monroe's camp. It was his favorite hunting area near Kotzebue.
A native of Nome, Eli was born May 31, 1955. He worked as a commercial fisherman in Bristol Bay and as an ironworker with his brother Edward of Anchorage. He lived in Nome, Kotzebue, Anchorage and, more recently, in Seattle.
Eli was a member of the Bering Straits Native Corp.
"He was a caring, compassionate and loving person," his family wrote. "He liked to laugh and had a great sense of humor but could also be stubborn at times."
His friend in Seattle, John Dimmick, said, "Eli had a big heart. He loved to tell stories about hunting, fishing and gold mining with his dad and working as an ironworker. All his friends in Seattle will miss his smile but know that he is with the Lord."
Clayton Outwater said, "Eli had fond memories of his life in Kotzebue including hunting and fishing with his relatives around 'Napaqtuqchaiq.' "
He is survived by his children, Elijah Walker of Anchorage, Kristopher Alan Nauska, Mary Teresa Nauska of Kotzebue and grandson, John Nauska, 10 months, of Kotzebue; siblings, Brian Outwater of Nome, Marlene Saffice of Florida, Clayton Outwater of Seattle, Edward H. Walker Jr. and brother-in-law and sister, Gary and Laura Lagstrom, all of Anchorage. He was blessed with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins from Point Barrow to Metlakatla and Seattle to Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary Walker, and other relatives including Isabelle Outwater, Clayton Outwater, Fred Walker and Mary Ann Wentz.