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Thomas Elia Obituary
A service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the St. Mary's Mission. Burial will follow at the Andreafski cemetery.
Mr. Elia was born July 3, 1958, in Mountain Village. He attended elementary school at the St. Marys Mission and continued there with his high school education. In 1977, he graduated from St. Marys Catholic High School.
Tom married Alma Westdahl on Feb. 24, 1979, in St. Marys. They moved to Anchorage, where he attended the University of Alaska Anchorage. He then attended welding school and became a welder.
The family said that Thomas was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He embraced the Yup'ik lifestyle and was an avid fisherman, hunter and provider, they also said.
Tom worked for Wein Air, Ryan Air and Alaska Petroleum Co. on the North Slope, first as a welder and then as a truck driver. After 11 years on the slope, he returned home to be near his family and was the fuel truck driver for Yukon Fuel Co. and then Crowley Marine.
Tom held a seat on the Nerklikmute Native Corp.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Nicholas Elia; sister, Francine Elia; niece, Dyani Elia; paternal grandparents, Nicholas and Nancy Elia; and materal grandparents, Michael and Virginia Johnson.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Alma Elia; children, Dwayne, Aaron, Tommy II, Desiree and Matthew; grandchildren, Anthony, Autumn, Emma and Joel; parents, John Sr. and Ruthann Elia; sisters, Lucille and Cathy; brothers, John Jr. and Willie; and numerous nieces and nephews.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Elia
Cathy Elia
April 13, 2007
Hello, Alma. Hope you and Matthew are doing much better. Miss you guys, and my Brother much.
Michelle Lua
January 29, 2007
Alma, I remember "Tommy" so fondly from St. Mary's where he was in my 7th grade English class. I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Edna Crawford
January 28, 2007
To Tom Elia's Family--I just spoke with Lucille and heard the devasting news. We have no words good enough to help ease your pain. We have known and worked with Tom for over 33 years and will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers will be for you all and may your Guardian Angel Tom watch over you. Sincerely, Edna, Randy, Tony Eric and Lisa Crawford.
Chestina Emmons
January 25, 2007
~THE FAMILY CHAIN~
~We knew little that morning that God was going to call your name. ~In life we loved you dearly, and in death we will do the same. ~It broke our hearts to loose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day god called you home. ~You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, your always at our side. ~Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
-Walter Drake-
Alma, Dwyane, Aaron, Tootles, Dez and Matthew:
I'm so sorry for your loss. When I heard what happened I didn't want to believe it. A few days later it finally sunk in and a flood of memories came over me; everyone hanging out in the house, doing whatever it was that we did. I love you guys and I wish I could have been there for you. Remember the good times and kids, always remember that "I said no!" I love you and take care.
George Owletuck
January 16, 2007
Dear Alma & Family, Uncle John & Aunt RuthAnn & Family:
Our condolences, love and prayers to hear of our friend and cousin Tom. We will miss his smile, jokes, generosity and kindness.
Our Faith in the Resurrection provides Hope we will meet again those whom we love who have gone on before us. God Bless you and your Family and may Tom's memory be eternal.
George, Georgiana, Theresa, Jennifer, Fiona & Nona Owletuck
Bruce and Lori Tyler
January 12, 2007
Alma,
Bruce and I were terribly saddened to hear about Tom. Although I only met you both once (and Anthony at the BBQ) I enjoyed our visit long after it was over, hearing sometimes about you through what Tom told Bruce. You struck us as a wonderful, warm and loving couple, full of life, laughter and giving spirits. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Sincerely, Bruce and Lori Tyler
Paula Potter
January 12, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Huda Ivanoff
January 11, 2007
Alma, kids and grandchildren, mom and dad
When we (Burkher and Huda) heard about Tom we were saddened at your loss. I (Huda) met Tom for the first time in Fairbanks during AFN in 2005 I finally met this guy called Tom Elia, who Burkher talked very highly of. I know this won't make sense right now but it helps me deal with the deaths in our family: GOD DOES NOT BRING US THROUGH TROUBLED WATERS TO DROWN US BUT TO CLEANSE US. I pray for comfort for you all. Love from Unalakleet and Nome---Burkher and Huda and 7 girls.
Bertha Webb
January 10, 2007
Alma, & Family
sending comforting blessings & prayers to you all. Though difficult times come upon us, the Lord is very merciful. Verses to help in your time of sorrow; "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. also; "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." John 14:18.
Strengthen your Faith in God, you'll know he's there when you need him. Love, Bertha webb & family
Chuck Gewin
January 10, 2007
The Elia Family, Sorry to hear about Tom. I had only met him a couple of times through Willie. He was a good man to me and was very friendly. He will be missed by many and I will keep him and the Elia family in my thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you and the rest of your family, Alma.
marlene flynn
January 10, 2007
For Alama and Family, Uncle John & Auntie Ruthanne; You're in our thoughts and prayers. We'll all miss Tom. Words in heart are more than words written here. Have faith and God bless you always.
Lots of love,
Marlene, John and Family.
Lillian (Pingayak) Olson
January 9, 2007
Alma and Family, I was so sorry to hear about your loss and my heart goes out to each of you. I knew Tom as a classmate in highschool and he has always been the way many people describe him, smiling and caring, and you were all blessed with his life. Know that you are in my prayers at this time.
Henry & Yvonne Ivanoff
January 9, 2007
Alma and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you each day. Words are hard to express but our prayers will be with you always. Henry and Yvonne Ivanoff and family
weaver ivanoff
January 9, 2007
Alma and Family, Uncle John and Aunt Ruthann:
While words cannot erase the pain and sorrow of losing a good man like Tom who was always smiling and ready to laugh, knowing people who care and think the world of all of you helps. Our prayers are with you, and from our hearts to your hearts, a blessing to each of you. I was glad to have talked and laughed with Tom in St. Mary's when I was there with Luci during Thanksgiving. In that small way, it makes me feel better. And those small fond memories will help carry the load. Tom, working , talking, smiling and laughing. That's how I remember him.
Love, Weaver and Luci.
Unalakleet
Sandra Drake
January 8, 2007
Alma and family; John, Ruthann and family-
Sorry for your loss, Tom was just a good, happy person who always had a smile and great sense of humor. He will be missed..sorry we couldn't make it home but know that we will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Friends--Sandra, Ron and family
Anne Esmailka
January 8, 2007
Alma and Family, So sorry to hear of your loss. May the Lord watch over you and your family.
Margaret/Rudy Small/Francis
January 8, 2007
my thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you find solace in the many precious memories that Tommy left behind. God be with all of you! Margaret, Rudy Francis
Gregory & Natalia Teve
January 8, 2007
Alma,family Very Sorry about Tom he was a happy person, loved you and the family, he will always be near your sides. all our prayers
Miss B
January 8, 2007
My heart melted when I heard about your loss. There are no words that can lessen the pain. Cherish your fond memories of Tom and may God's grace shelter you and comfort you. He was well loved on this Earth and will be missed.
Isaiah Towarak
January 8, 2007
To the family of Tom...In his own way he had a good affect on the region. He will be a welcome visitor in your time of need..
Gregory & Natalia Teve
January 8, 2007
Alma and Family, So sorry about Tom, he was a Good person and was very friendly he will be missed and we will keep him and the family in our prayers.
Diana Stevens
January 8, 2007
Alma and family, John Sr. and Ruthann and family,
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing...I will always remember Tom as kind hearted, very friendly, and always having good humor, he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Love Di
Margaret (Francis) Small
January 8, 2007
Alma and family; Uncle Johnnie & Auntie Ruthann and family; My prayers, thoughts and love are with you all during this time. Tommy always made everyone feel welcome and will always be remembered for his smile and generous nature.
Love Cousin Margaret (Francis)Small
Gabriel Evan
January 8, 2007
Jonh, Ruthann, Alma, and family;
Sorry about the loss. My prayers are with you all.
Rachel Long
January 8, 2007
Alma and family, Uncle Johnny and Ruthann and family:
Love and prayers sent your way.
I will remember Tom's smile and hearty laugh. Until we meet again...
Hugs ~ Rachel
Theresa Sheppard
January 8, 2007
So sorry to hear about your loss. Am thinking of you all and will be with you in thoughts and prayers on monday.
Cyndy Green
January 8, 2007
Elia family, my very deepest sympathy to you all for your loss. My prayers will continue for you and your family. May we find peace in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Peace be to you, Cyndy
Tim & Rose Towarak
January 7, 2007
Alma & Family, Uncle Johnny and Ruthann & Family, We want you all to remember that we are praying and thinking of you all. Peace to Tommy's memory.
Jan Lechner
January 7, 2007
I worked with Tom on the slope for years. Tom was a good man. I was so sorry to hear of his death. He will never be forgotten.
Mary Tinker
January 7, 2007
Alma and family,
There are no words that I can say that will make Tommy's passing easier on you and yours. All I have to give now is my hand to help you when you wish for it; my heart full of prayers that you may see a better tomorrow; and the hope that you know you will see his smiling face greeting you again one day. I have been told before and will tell you now that God loves you. He called Tom home. One day your name will be called and there he will be to hold your hand and to walk down the path of rightousness with you. Tom has to be in that better place we all know is out there..waiting patiently to spend the rest of eternity with you. My family and I care for you all so much. Remember that with time all things pass. Please do not be hesitant to call when you need an extra hand or another set of arms to hold you in comfort. We will be praying for you and yours to quickly be able to stand and walk with your heads high so that your eyes will not miss some of the most beautiful things that life brings.
Dennis Towarak
January 7, 2007
Sorry to hear of the loss of Tom. My thoughts and prayers for you and your children during this time.
Francis & Dee~dee Beans
January 7, 2007
When I have come to the end of the road, and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room, Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little-- but not too long, and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that was once shared; Miss me but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take, and each must go alone. It's all part of the Master's plan--- A step on the road to home.
When you are loney and sick of heart, Go to the friends and family you know, And bury your sorrows in doing good and loving deeds.
Miss me but-- but let me go.
Alma,
We are here for you, you will not have to go through this difficult time alone. Tom is with you and will be your gardian angel as that is already known.
Talk to him daily as if he is there with you and he will protect and comfort you with each new day.
Our love and prayers are with each one of you.
Dee~dee, Chunky and Family
Angie Constantine
January 7, 2007
Alma & Family, We are sorry to hear of your loss, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Angie, Dewayne & family
Jim McPhetridge
January 7, 2007
Please accept my heart felt sorrow to hear of Tom`s passing. I worked with Tom on the slope for six years and will truly miss his humor and presence. My prayers will be with you and yours, Jim McPhetridge
Sr. Angela Fortier
January 7, 2007
Dear Alma and Family,
I am so sorry to read abour Tom's passing.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Love, Sr. Angela
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