Tony Dean Peter

1964 - 2025

Tony Dean Peter was born on July 2, 1964, and sent to God's country on Aug. 7, 2025. His beloved parents were the late James and Charlotte (John) Peter of Gwichyaa Zhee (Fort Yukon), Alaska.

Tony was raised in Gwichyaa Zhee with his family of seven children and always looked up to his late brother, Evans. He was well-loved by his classmates and popular in school due to his friendliness toward everyone and deep empathy for those who struggled. A lifelong basketball enthusiast, he played from grade school through adulthood, forging many lasting friendships along the way - including his best friend, Stewart Joseph, whom he met in high school.

Brought up in a village known for its harsh winters, he learned the value of hard work and perseverance early on. Like most in his community, his family depended on the land to survive. From a young age, he hunted moose to help provide for his family during the long winters. In the summer, he enjoyed fishing for king salmon on the river with his father, who also taught him the craft of building beautiful, traditional fish wheels. In 1984, he and his cousin Johnny Peter Jr. were commissioned by the Smithsonian Institute to build a fish wheel in Washington, D.C., where it sits today.

Recognized for his innate altruism, Tony was always supportive of his extended family. He was admired by his many nieces and nephews, whom he took under his wing when needed, offered help without hesitation, and developed personal relationships with - doing his best to serve as a positive role model during their formative years.

Tony loved children and always wanted a big family. Before they went their separate paths, Michelle and Tony were together for 31 years and raised four daughters whom he loved immensely. He loved being a dad and worked hard to give his daughters the childhood and education he dreamed of for them - spending summers in Gwichyaa Zhee and fish camp along the Yukon River, hunting in winter, taking family vacations together and coaching their sports. He worked hard to provide a good life for his family.

He was later blessed with his greatest joy in life, his grandchildren. Proudly known as "Papa" to his grandchildren and honorary granddaughters, he cherished every moment spent with them. Whether spoiling and teasing them, playing together, or showing up for their sports, appointments, and school pick-ups; he made sure they knew how deeply loved they were. He was their favorite person and they looked forward to his surprise visits.

Tony worked many jobs for spending money as a kid, later a seasonal wildland firefighter and a certified heavy equipment operator followed by spending most of his career on the North Slope. He began as a roustabout, recruited by ARCO (later BP) while living in Gwichyaa Zhee, he quickly rose through the ranks taking on schooling and training when required. When he later moved back home to help his youngest daughter finish school and aid his father, he served the Yukon Flats School District providing maintenance to rural schools on the flats. He later worked again on the North Slope for special projects and most recently, a river boat captain for another project.

An avid Seahawks fan who took his daughter to her first NFL game this past year, Tony always kept himself busy with exercise, hobbies and taking up new interests. He had a passion for experiencing what life had to offer like no other. He loved being on the river and was known by many along the river as the only Yukon 1000 boat race champion, his boat, aptly named Gwitchin Warrior.

A true friend to all he met in all walks of life, he carried an open heart and a generous spirit - lifting others up with kindness, empathy, and unwavering support, especially for those facing life's hardest moments. He had a playful spirit and a talent of making others feel at home, always eager to visit and share traditional foods, share stories, and fill the room with laughter and lighthearted jokes, he could make a friend anytime, anyplace.

Tony is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Evans Peter and Harold Henry; nephews, Albert Carroll and Jesse Peter; and nieces, Megan Fields and Kelsey Peter.

He is survived by his four daughters, Ginessa Sams, Karissa Mahler, Lessa Peter and Tessa Garcia; honorary daughter, Lauren Ansaknok; the mother of his children, Michelle Peter; his son-in-law and friend, Earl Mahler and Collin Sams; his grandchildren, Henley and Halen Mahler, Lucah Sams, Malakai Garcia, Olivia and Jayda Boyles, and Khloe John; his sisters, Brenda James, Debbie Carroll and Mae Peter; brothers, Isaac and Alfred Peter; and many special nieces, nephews and godchildren.

Tony's service is expected to take place in Fairbanks at 1. p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 1030 Second Ave. His funeral will be in Gwichyaa Zhee on Monday at St. Stephen's.