Mary Smoot Gillick Nov. 14, 1935 – Nov. 11, 2012

Heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of past Seldovia resident Mary Gillick who lost her life in a motor vehicle accident which occurred on the Seward Highway on November 11, 2012.  She leaves her husband, Charles, two daughters, a son, a step-daughter, seven grandchildren and two step-grandchildren. Charles was also seriously injured in the accident and is recovering at home in Soldotna. The Gillick’s moved to Seldovia in 1994 and left in 2009.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at a later date.

Our Deepest Sympathy Goes out to the Gillicks

by Jenny Chissus

The community sends our thoughts and prayers to the many friends and family of past Seldovia resident Mary Gillick, who passed away as a result of a car accident on the Seward Highway yesterday, November 11, 2012.

Mary’s husband Chuck, is being treated at a hospital with life-threatening injuries.  Our prayers go out to Chuck and his family, and our thoughts go out for his care and healing.

Article below taken from KTUU’s website:

By Jessica Ridgway, Channel 2 News
11:52 a.m. AKST, November 12, 2012

ANCHORAGE, Alaska—

The couple involved in the fatal collision Sunday afternoon has been identified by Alaska State Troopers.

Charles Gillick, 78, of Soldotna, was driving southbound on the Seward Highway with passenger Mary Gillick, 76, of Soldotna. Charles was driving a beige 2004 Ford F-150 when he drifted off the road and struck an embankment near mile 39. The vehicle sustained extensive damage to the front end.

Troopers from Girdwood, Cooper Landing, and the Girdwood Bureau of Highway Patrol responded to the scene along with Moose Pass Fire and Emergency Medical Services resources and LifeMed helicopters.

Mary Gillick was pronounced dead while en route to a local area hospital. Charles Gillick was transported to a local area hospital for life-threatening injuries.

Alexandria Seversen Roehl Paisley – August 10, 1922 – June 18, 2012

Alexandria Seversen Roehl Paisley, 89, passed away on June 18, 2012 at the Alaska Native Medical Center.

Alexandria was born on August 10, 1922, in Nondalton, Alaska.  She lived in Iliamna, Homer, retired to Seldovia and lived in Anchorage since 1999.

Alexandria received an Associates Degree in Office Occupations. Alexandria worked for the Seversen Roadhouse, commercial fished in Cook Inlet, Peterson Point Cannery and the Alaska Native Health Services (ANS).   She retired from ANS in the early eighties.

Alexandria was a member of Faith Christian Community Church.  She was recognized as a volunteer by the Volunteers of America for donating hand-made

Michael “Mickey” Robert Balashoff – April 22, 1938 – January 21, 2012

by Jenny Chissus, photo submitted by Debbie Hecks

Michael "Mickey" Balashoff

Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with the family and friends of Michael “Mickey” Robert Balashoff who passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2012 here in his hometown of Seldovia, Alaska.

The whole community is invited to  join the family at his “Celebration of Life” at the Linwood on Saturday, February 4th at 4:00pm.

This will be a potluck dinner, Ham and turkey will be provided – please bring a side dish to share.   There will also be a slide presentation and the opportunity to share stories and memories together of our dear friend.

Fritz H. Graese – August 12, 1945 – January 3, 2012

Obituary submitted by Andy Anderson, photos by Tom & Mary Glover

Fritz (Frederick) H. Graese, 66, passed on to eternal life Jan 3, 2012.  A celebration of his life will be held at 1:30pm on Sunday, January 8th at Peace Lutheran Church in Sterling.  Fritz’s remains will be laid to rest in Alaska at a later time.  Fritz owned businesses in Atwood and in Sterling for many years before retiring to Seldovia, Alaska in the summer months as captain of a fishing charter.  He embraced life and all its experiences and his many friends and acquaintances he made along the way.

Jackie and Fritz Graese

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jackie; by his children Nicole Graese Mattos and husband Ricardo of Indianapolis, Mike and wife Ramona of Denver and Kurt of Anchorage; grandchildren, Luis Felipe and Isabella Graese Mattos; brother, Dick Graese and wife Barbara; sisters, Judy Graese and husband Tennyson and Charlotte Comstock and husband Don; and brother-in-law, Ted Fritschell; and many cousins nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Hildegarde Graese; and sister, Nancy Fritschel.  In lieu of sending flowers, donations may be made in Fritz’s name to the Seldovia Alaska Arts Council (PO Box 41, Seldovia, Alaska 99663) or the Ocean Conservancy (http://www.oceanconservancy.org/support-us/)

Fritz and Fellow Captain/friend Red Kvarford in Seldovia

Our thoughts are with you…

Fritz Graese