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BORN
1951
DIED
2011
Peter Solomon Obituary
Peter was born Sept. 11, 1951, to Paul and Hannah Solomon, Sr., of Fort Yukon. Peter was the youngest of 14 children.
Following his graduation from Fort Yukon High School, he joined the Navy and was medically discharged soon after. Peter attended Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in Albuquerque, N.M., graduating in 1985. He was employed with BLM Alaska Fire Service for more than 30 years.
Peter was talented and loved to play the guitar and sing. He loved to jig and square dance, visiting his friends at the Athabascan Fiddle Festival every year in Fairbanks. He was a natural athlete and avid runner who ran up to five miles per day with his dogs, GB and the late canine brother, Gum Bear. He also loved to snowshoe.
Peter was a six-time winner of the World Eskimo Indian Olympics Race of the Torch. He recently took over his late brother Jonathan's work defending the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Peter loved to playbasketball and looked forward to the annual North American Native Basketball Tournaments.
Peter met the love of his life, the late Geraldine Esmailka from Nulato. Peter and Geraldine were married in 1993. Peter became a father to her two sons, Joseph and Brandon, and was blessed with the arrival of the newest addition to their family, Billy Paul.
Peter is survived by his sons, Joseph, Brandon and Billy; his grandchildren, Geraldine, Domanik, Damien and Jasmine; his mother, Hannah Paul Solomon; his siblings, Hannah Hope, Vern Solomon, Regina (Les) Varner, Ronnie Solomon, Belva Ansaknok, Franklin Solomon and Daisy Stevens; his father and mother-in-law, Berchman and Thecla Esmailka and family, and Julia Peter's family. Peter has many nephews, nieces, relatives and friends too numerous to name throughout the Gwich'in Nation.
Peter was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine; father, Paul Solomon,Sr. ; his brothers, Sambo Solomon, Charlie Crow, Mardow Sr., Paul Jr., Jonathan Sr., Grafton, Ralph and Billy Boy; and sister, Julia Peter.
Visitation will be held at noon on Feb. 23, 2011 at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 1029 First Ave. with the funeral service starting at 1 p.m. The Rev. Scott Fisher will officiate. A potlatch will follow at the David Salmon Tribal Hall at 5 p.m. Please bring a dish to share.
Final funeral and burial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011, at 11 a.m. in Nulato. He will be laid to rest next to his wife, Geraldine Esmailka Solomon. A traditional potlatch will follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Solomon
Gary Hipkins
February 16, 2022
We lived a mirrored life running basketball fighting forest fires. I am roughing basketball tonight and will have him in my side thoughts. Thanks for the story & memories
March 3, 2011
FYI folks,
Peter was a fellow firefighter,
ballplayer, and friend.
We engineered around quite a few flame fronts,
both on the fireline and on the basketball courts. Peter worked for me often when I was a Strike Team Ldr,
Initial Attack at State Forestry. He has a great legacy there as a superEFF.
I supervised him with Fbks I in many a tricky situation. He was a great Squad Boss. We played against each other in hoops, creating an intense rivalry. We then played with each other up At UAF in the old guuys club. He would say fast break Butch!!
and off we would go..........tearin up the opposition.
we competed in running as well,
he generally was ahead, very mobile
and steady. Thats how he went about his business, serious but with humor.
And Peter was quite a renowned long distance runner,
we both drove each other in each of those three areas of life.
Rest in Peace Peter...........
we were bros in a way,
I will miss him
thanx.
Butch
Bucky
aka
Gary Hopkins
Gary Hopkins
March 3, 2011
FYI folks,
Peter was a fellow firefighter,
ballplayer, and friend.
I was a Sector Boss for State Forestry when he was on the notorious, but very effective Fairbanks I Crew. We have the same or similar adventures. We were together on the Canyonville Fire above I% in Oregon. The Tom Toms were going on that fire, with the local native crews and our Alaskan Crews getting together. Peter was a very serious squad boss, he would not let you cut corners, and was very vocal.
Peter and I played basketball against each other for many many years, I enjoyed it most when we played with each other up at the UAF gym, Run and gun,
the old guys, He would say lets go Butch, fast break.............
I considered Peter a friend, and believe he did the same in me,
he always came up to talk. We had a mutual respect,
it worked.
We engineered around quite a few flame fronts,
both on the fireline and on the basketball courts.
And Peter was quite a renowned long distance runner, I was always just a few paces behind.
we both drove each other in each of those three areas of life.
Rest in Peace Peter...........
you made me a better man, competitor, and friend.
[email protected]
Butch, Bucky, aka
Gary Hopkins
Fire Tech III Retired
a fellow EFF now
Fairbanks State Forestry
Jamie Generous
March 1, 2011
My uncle Peter made a huge difference in my life while I was growing up. He was the first person to take me to the lower 48. He brought me and his son billy to Disneyland, Sea World, and Las Vegas numerous times. I looked to him for support and guidance- he always encouraged me to finish school and I will miss his voice and advice. May you finally rest in heaven with your love, my Aunt Geraldine. I will look after your son and keep you in my heart forever. Miss you dearly Uncle Peter.
Teresa
February 28, 2011
Peter will be dearly missed... My thoughts and Prayers to the family.
Aggie Lord-Britt
February 28, 2011
What a wonderful man with talent to comfort those with his music. I remeber when he played the guitar and sang at my prents funeral.
Blair Young
February 27, 2011
As a former AFS/BLMer and sometime co-worker of Peter, I can say it was an Honor and a Privilege to have known and worked with him. I will miss his strength and grace and humor. My heart goes out to his family.
Walter jr.&Darlene Lord
February 26, 2011
Hi
We sorry to hear of Peter's passing. It brought back many fond memories of Gerry and Peter during their short life together. At last, they are both smiling on heaven's golden shore. May God bless Peter's family and friends during this difficult time. Walter & Darlene Lord (Fairbanks / Kaltag).
Nena Wilson
February 25, 2011
It was a shocking news when I heard about the passing of Peter and would like to sent my condolence to Hannah Solomon and his boys, Peter is in heaven with all his love ones now and may he rest peace, may god bless all the family of Peter Solomon.Thank you for all the work he's done for the gwichin's in the interior, and being there for us on Gwichin Committee.
Joe and Gail Cochran
February 24, 2011
Much love and prayers have passed among us these last few days. It's because of Peter...that's a great legacy..
Dawn Bekoalok
February 24, 2011
I will miss you so much Uncle. I thought it was the greatest jig dancing with you.
Bonnie Thomas
February 24, 2011
My uncle Peter was always there to help out! I have lots of good memories of him and we shared a lot of laughs together. I will miss him dearly! The only strength I get is knowing he is paradise with his one true love! I'll see him again one day!
Chad Demientieff
February 24, 2011
Good Man - I only met him on a few occasions. I remember his great guitar playing at one of our family gatherings. Our condolences and prayers go out to his family, friends & loved ones.
February 23, 2011
Our love, prayers and condolence to Hannah Solomon & her family. We are so sorry to hear this. May God bless each one of you and give you comfort.
Respectfully, Rose Isaac & family/Tanacross, Alaska
February 23, 2011
uncle Peter i will miss u will always rememberu talking to me about honest and respect to our elder's i love u uncle "Peter Solomon" and i loved jig dancing it was the greastest such a smile
Cathy Settle
February 23, 2011
I'm sitting here in shock, Peter you will be missed. Thank you for the friendship, you made my BLM days blessed by being a great friend. My condolences to the family, especially his boys. He spoke of his boys with such pride.
Anna Bennett
February 23, 2011
Sorry to hear of him passing I remember him being a awesome ball player and watching him when I was a kid. From me and my family
Anna Bennett
Crystal L. Sisto
February 23, 2011
To the family of Peter Solomon,My condolences goes out to all of you and I will keep you all in thought and prayer.When God called for one of the strongest he was the one who answered.
I worked with him on fire assignments and he taught me many things and was always there to answer any questions that I may have.I will miss him out there this summer but will always remember what he taught me.Thank you Peter for being there for me.God Bless you!
Carol Pickett Hull
February 23, 2011
Condolences to Hannah Solomon and the Solomon family. Peter was a dear friend for many years. Always honest, kind and caring. He always cheered me up and made me laugh. I will miss him very much.
February 23, 2011
Sending Deepest Condolences to Gramma Hannah and her large Family, all the Nieces & Nephews, his Sons, Grandchildren,the Esmailka Family, We will Miss Peter, singing his songs, and talking on behalf of our Gwichin People, Out on the floor Jigging, and mostly working up here at home for BLM. ~Sending Thoughts and Prayers to all the Family and Friends. May God Bless You..
Patricia Carroll
Robert B' Solomon
Fort Yukon, Ak
Robert Nicholas
February 23, 2011
Condolence to Peter's family. He will be surely missed by all, especially those that had the opportunity to play basketball with him. Rest in Peace, Peter.
Evelyn Ekada
February 23, 2011
R.I.P Peter, you will be missed by all and i'm sure both you and Gerry are happy to be together again. Prayers sent to the families.
Peter Van Tuyn
February 23, 2011
Having just seen Peter a few weeks ago, I was shocked to hear of his passing. What a vibrant man with a sparkle in his eyes! I knew him through his work to protect the Arctic Refuge, and held great respect for his ability to communicate the importance to his people of protecting that special place. He connected well with all manner of people, including members of Congress. He will be missed in many many ways. My condolences to his family and friends.
Verna Tittle
February 23, 2011
My uncle Peter always had a smile, his wish was for each of us to live a good life and to be helpful towards eachother. I will remember this and try to live by his wishes. Knowing where he is at, brings all of us comfort. I will truly miss his music and the love for his family. RIP Uncle Peter.
Paul & Myrna Edwin
February 23, 2011
Our Deepest Condolences to Hananah Solomon and Family. Peter was a great guy, he will be missed by all who knew him. Prayers are with his boys, God Bless!
Marylisa Huntington
February 23, 2011
Peter will be missed by all!
Ray Solomon
February 22, 2011
I will miss the basketball or guitar playing we shared throughout the years. If you knew him you miss him.
Josephine King
February 22, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Family that's left behind especially his children. He was a nice and caring man always had a smile for everyone.
Neal & Peg Charlie
February 22, 2011
It was very sad news for us when we heard of Peter's passing. He has worked in the fire business for so long I'm sure most of our Wildland Firefighters in Alaska felt the same.
J. KEVIN SOLOMON
February 22, 2011
AFTER FINISHING IN SECOND PLACE THREE YEARS IN A ROW DURING THE 4TH OF JULY RUNNING RACE, PETER RECENTLY TOLD ME HOW HE WON HIS RUNNING RACES. I'LL BE RUNNING AGAIN,THIS TIME WILL BE FOR UNCLE PETE,PEACE.
George J Bennett Sr
February 22, 2011
My friend, I will miss you very much, I hope that your family will be fine, you did such a great job with them. Thanks for being my friend and basketball player.
ted charles
February 22, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Tina & Jeff and Austyn
February 22, 2011
my prayers go out to Peter's boys, and to the all the families:) may god give you all comfort during this hard time. be strong everyone, peter is smiling down on us along with his loving wife Gerry.RIP Peter
homer tobuk
February 22, 2011
It was unexpected news to hear about Peter's passing. I have known him for a long time and he was a nice person,i would always see him at bingo,and he would always tease me about one certain bingo game. my condolences to his family and friends,rest in peace
Earl and Cheryl Cadzow
February 22, 2011
Though you are rejoicing in heaven, you will missed here on earth. Peace and love.
Annie Huntington-Kriska
February 22, 2011
I find it hard to believe that Peter is gone from this world. I pray that his mama takes comfort in knowing where her son is right now. Please know that you are all in my prayers. With love and blessings.
Darlene Lord
February 22, 2011
Shocking news to hear of Peter's passing. It brought back good memories of of him and his wife Gerry. Gerry was so happy to marry her night in shining armour, they loved each other very much. May they both rest in peace. My condolence and prayers to his sons mother,and family during this difficult time.
February 22, 2011
Peter , we will miss you ! Birch Park was the playground for all of us that grew up there. our prays are with all your families , and friends. Darlene Herbert
Pete Peters
February 22, 2011
Peter, thank you for all the fabulous work you did on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for the next generation. Your voices on behalf of the gwich'in people will always be remembered. May God bless your family and may you rest in peace.
Gwaa zyaa!
Marcy Ugstad
February 22, 2011
I've worked with Peter many times on fire assignments to Alaska and will miss Peter's smile, his stories and his laughter. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. God Bless.
janet cadzow
February 22, 2011
Our prayers and thoughts to Grandma Hannah Solomon's family,
May God comfort you. Peter will be truly be missed..He was a wonderful, caring person, always speaking on behalf of his family and the people he loved.
Cadzows...Clifton, Janet & Family...Ft. Yukon
Phyllis Erhart
February 22, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Peter Solomon. Will be thinking of you all during this time.
February 22, 2011
Our prayers go out to the Solomon family and thinking of you all
Randall /Mabel tetlichi
calvin moses
February 22, 2011
Pete, my friend, here's wishing you a good journey to the other side where your wife has been waiting for you. You were a true friend and I will miss your calls about fire assignments and all the happenings during fire season. Calvin Moses
Clarence Nazuruk
February 22, 2011
I have fond memories of playing basketball with Peter and his brothers at Birch Park and pickup games at UAF in our teenage years. Rest in peace
Mr&Mrs Larry Mark
February 22, 2011
Condolence to the Solomon Family Pete is a good man to work with on the fireline. Am proud to know Peter and work with him on assignments through the years. RIP Bro
Sandra Madison
February 22, 2011
My uncle Peter will be missed by all his family and friends. I remember when we were leaving to the lower 48, my uncle gave us a hug and said "have a safe trip, I'll see you when you get back" I will keep that moment in time forever. I'll always remember in a happy moment.
Donna Carroll
February 22, 2011
I'm so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of a wonderful human being. Peter was a kind, hard working man and will be missed greatly. Another Gwich'in leader gone to heaven. We will always remember.
gary folger
February 22, 2011
damn, who would of thought bro, you would not be here this week. going to miss you at the table, pete. RIP
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