David Witt

1939 - 2024

David Witt, Fairbanks resident, departed this life peacefully after an extended illness, at his home, on Dec. 11, 2024. He was 85 years of age, and leaves a large extended loving family, and a life of rich experiences living in the Fairbanks area.

David was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, on Jan. 21, 1939, to Marvin and Elizabeth (Betty) Witt. He joined his sister, Nancy, and the family lived there until Marvin accepted a civil service position in 1945, at Fort Greeley, Alaska, and David's life here began. One of his first memories of their new home is of the spontaneous jeep and truck parade through the small community there, celebrating VE Day, May 8, 1945.

The family moved to the newly established Eielson AFB in 1949, and David commuted into town to attend Immaculate Conception Grade School from fourth to eighth grades, held in the basement of the church; he crossed the old metal Cushman Street bridge from the bus depot, and the students played baseball in what is now the parking lot. A ball hit into or on the river was an automatic home run.

In 1953 he began high school in the new Eielson High School and was on the basketball team which chose the Ravens for their mascot. He graduated in 1957, helped build his parents family home on Persinger Drive, worked on the gold dredge at Ester for a season, and served in the U.S. Army from 1960-1962 as an artillery surveyor. He used those skills to survey homesteads for the BLM in the summers of 1962-1965. Often flying to remote sites, he saw much of this beautiful country and met unique people.

In September 1962, he began college at Seattle University, where he met his future wife, Linda Mathay, of nearby Edmonds. They were married in 1965 at the beginning of their senior year, and both graduated with bachelor degrees in June of 1966; his in business and commerce, hers in elementary education. They soon came to live in Fairbanks, welcoming children Catherine, Sarah and John over the next several years.

David worked as an administrative assistant for the U.S. Forest Service on the UAF campus from 1966-1972, then as a logistics co-ordinator for the Institute of Arctic Biology from 1972-1995. In 1975 he began a 20-year commitment on a project few people have the opportunity to experience: the early establishment and logistics for what is now the Toolik Field Station, renowned Arctic research center, 150 miles south of Deadhorse, near the pipeline corridor. Beginning with a small travel trailer, a few ATCO units, and collection of tents, season after summer season, with the efforts of IAB and UAF staff and administrators, project heads and their staffs from around the nation, and the world, David and his team of really committed workers, using ingenuity, hard work and long hours, contributed greatly to the success of this important facility. He never ceased to mention his appreciation for all their knowledge, dedication and humor.

In later adult years, David traveled with various family members to destinations in Alaska and the Lower 48, to Hawaii, Bermuda and St. John, enjoyed a Panama Canal cruise, also visited Istanbul, several locations in Italy, Paris and northwestern France, London and southern England. He was a family centered man, always proud of his wife and children's and extended family member accomplishments, childhood interests, their education and careers. He will be remembered for proudly attending their practices, performances, hockey games, swim meets, graduations, and birthdays. He'll especially be remembered for the family trips to Chena Hot Springs, those Hawaiian shirts, his unique sense of humor, fondness for all the family pets, passed and present, and bringing root beer float makings to family parties.

Preceding him in passing are his parents, Marvin and Betty Witt, and brothers-in-law, Jerry Norum of Fairbanks and Greg Mathay of Edmonds, Washington.

He is survived by Linda, his wife of 59 years; their children, Catherine (Ken) Kershner, Sarah (Joe Voorhees) Witt, and John Witt; and by grandchildren, Cora and Jack Witt, all of Fairbanks. Also surviving are his sister, Nancy Norum; her children and their families, David (Debbie) Norum, children Josh Norum and Ashley (Matt) Ellis; Michael and Nansi Norum; Sheryl Norum-Bonar and children Michael (Jessica) Bonar, Christopher (McKenzie) Syverson, and Jonathon Bonar; Mark (Cathy) Norum and children Alysia (Nick) Rogers, and Zachary (Becca) Norum, all of Fairbanks; and in Tacoma, Washington, niece, Mary (Mark) Hallman, children Ben, Hannah, and Zachary Hallman. Also in the Lower 48, by siblings-in-law, Candy Mathay, and Walt (Michele) Mathay of Washington state, Marie Mathay (Mark Steider) of Minnesota, and Louise (Bob) Grabner of Oregon and their families.

At this time Linda and the family would want to express our sincere appreciation to the very caring individuals in the Fairbanks medical community for David's care in recent times, and to friends, neighbors and co-workers who have supported all of us. Thanks to FRA Services staff, FMH medical staff, and most of all to the entire group of amazing professionals at FHP Hospice Services, whose benefit to David, to us, and the community is truly beyond words.

According to David's wishes, a private memorial for family and friends has been held. Memorial donations may be sent to FHP Hospice Services, or a charity of your choice. Messages of condolence may be sent to PO Box 72411, Fairbanks, AK 99707.