Articles in Obituary
Messages from Mya Dale: A eulogy
“I was richly blessed with the opportunity to get to know Mya,” writes B.E., “and I am compelled to share her story, as I understood it, so that the messages and lessons of her life do not fade away.” B.E. shares her memories of Mya Dale, in a eulogy which will be publicly read on B.E.’s behalf at the Fairview Block Party on Saturday, July 21.
Remembering Mya Dale, 1990–2012: Putting suicide in its place
The meaning of Mya Dale’s death is one thing, the meaning of her life is another. Let’s put suicide in its place, but let’s also honor and celebrate the life of a beautiful and remarkable person. A memorial service will take place this Friday, June 29: wear orange.
Mya Dale, 1990–2012
We lost one of our beautiful young ones two days ago. Mya Dale died Wednesday morning, June 20. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, classmates, and all she touched in our community.
The circle turns
by Lauren Tibbits. Alaska Pride Conference was about drawing the younger and older generations together to better serve the LGBT community in Alaska — a wonderful experience, but coupled with grief for the passing of a beloved mentor, Alison McKenna of Juneau, who died unexpectedly on Saturday. The important thing, I’ve discovered, is to be part of the living legacy Alison has left behind.
Tina Beltz (1979–2011)
We were saddened to learn of the death of Tina Beltz in a traffic accident in Manhattan, Montana on August 31. A celebration of her life will be held this Saturday, September 10 at 2 PM at the Covenant Church in Wasilla. We offer our condolences to her fiancée, family, friends, and all who knew her.
Celebration of Steve Reese’s life Wednesday, September 7 in Juneau
Steve Reese’s family invites his friends and coworkers in a celebration of his life.
Steve died an accidental death while hiking near Juneau at Herbert Glacier, where his body was found on August 2nd. He worked at Bartlett Regional Hospital for eleven years as a registered nurse and most recently as nursing supervisor, and was an active volunteer within the Juneau community, including with PFLAG Juneau. Bent Alaska published his obituary and an excerpt from one of his letters to the editor of the Juneau Empire on August 11.
Come for food, music and conversation. Vegetarian cuisine, energy drinks, diet pepsi and other favorites of Steve’s will be served. Please bring written memories, stories or letters about Steve. They will be treasured by his family.
Come as you are. Dress up or down.
- Date/time: Wednesday, September 7, 5 to 9 PM
- Location: Parkshore Condominium Clubhouse, 800 F Street (Behind Downtown Fire Hall), Juneau (see map)
- Further info: See Facebook event page or Bent Alaska’s post about Steve Reese’s death, and life
Steve’s family writes:
There seems to be some confusion concerning donations. To set the record straight, donations can be made in Steve’s memory to the Girl Scouts of Alaska, as stated in his obituary. I truly believe this would be his top priority as evidant from his many years of devout cookie selling. Checks can be made out to Girl Scouts of Alaska Troop 4026 and either mailed to PO Box 33441 Juneau, AK 99803 or deposited in First National Bank of Alaska account #30758437.
If you wish to make a donation elsewhere, please wait 2 months. We are trying to raise as much funds as possible right now for Janae’s girl scout troop. I personally feel that donations to other causes right now are taking away from what my father would have wanted.
Please share this information with anyone who may be confused.
Thank you for your support.
-Jordan Reese
James Steven “Steve” Reese (1968–2011)
We were saddened to learn last week of the death of PFLAG Juneau volunteer Steve Reese. Our condolences to his children, family and friends, and all who knew him. We excerpt one of his letters to the editor, on Christian attitudes towards LGBT people: “If your Bible tells you to hate or to do hateful things, then you are reading your Bible wrong.”
This one for you, James Crump
James Crump came to Alaska to find himself, and stayed in Alaska to share himself with us. His death on June 25 at Anchorage’s Pride parade was a blow not only to his family & friends, but also to our whole community. But just what is our community — and where do we go from here?
Anchorage Assembly honors memory of James L. Crump
Three days after James L. Crump died in a tragic accident only minutes after the start of Anchorage’s annual Pride parade, Assembly members Elvi Gray-Jackson and Harriet Drummond — who had walked in the parade not far behind James — introduced a resolution in the Assembly to honor him. The resolution had unanimous support of the Assembly and Mayor. Members of James’ family were present for the passage of the resolution.
Jerry Merryman (1938–2011)
Jerry Merryman lived in Anchorage for 17 years and his ‘home away from home’ was The Raven. He died of massive heart failure on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011 in Alturas, California. A friend who also used to live in Anchorage sent the obituary to Bent Alaska today. Jerry’s family did not know how to contact his friends in Alaska (and did not acknowledge in the obituary that he was gay.)
