Byron Alvin Toovak

1992 - 2019

Byron Alvin Toovak was reunited with his family in heaven on June 29, 2019. Byron was born in Anchorage on Feb. 3, 1992. He was the son of Alvin Martin of Fort Yukon and Donna Toovak from Utqiagvik. Byron was raised by his dad Alvin Martin after his mom passed on.
He was raised to know the Lord at an early age. Byron was attached to his father, they did everything together. He taught him his culture and language. He knew the Lord's Prayer in Gwich'in. He recited the prayer every night. Byron was a very happy-go-lucky type of guy. He also had a gentle spirit and was a very likable person and had the ability to acquire many friends because of his humor and pleasant personality. He respected his culture and elders very well.
Bryron attended Fort Yukon school and later on went to Effie Kokrine Charter School in Fairbanks. He lived in Anchorage for a short time and spent most of his life in Fairbanks. He spent his younger years in Fort Yukon with his dad. He was an emergency firefighter for Forestry at DNR.
He is survived by his first cousin, Alvina McCune, of Lewiston, Idaho; his half brother, Roland Toovak, of Anchorage; his older brother, Alvin Martin Jr., who was adopted out; step-brothers, Todd Jantze, Billy Gjesdal; and step sister, Audrey Gjesdal. Byron's paternal family passed on before him. His paternal cousins are the Alexander family of Fort Yukon flats and beyond. His maternal family is from Utqiagvik.
One of his prized possessions were his friends and are far too many to name. Byron was proceeded in death by his mom and dad, Alvin Martin and Donna Toovak; his step-brother, Sonny William; his step-sisters, Starr Hamme and Denna Turco. Most of his family passed on before him. A visitation will be announced on his cousin Marilyn Savage's page on Facebook by Friday. His final resting place will be in Fort Yukon on July 6, 2019, at the Episcopal Church and Mary Nathaniel will be officiating the service.