Maxim Chickalusion Obituary

Maxim Chickalusion Sr. of Tyonek passed away on September 16, 2013, at Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Services will be held at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church at 2 p.m. on Thursday September 19th in Tyonek with Father Jonah Andrew. A visitation was held Tuesday September 17th at St. Innocent Russian Orthodox Church at 2 p.m. with service at 3 p.m. with Father John Zambinko. Pallbearers include Leonard, Daniel, KC, and Leonard Chickalusion II, Ryan Baker, and Howard Chickalusion or Chris King.

Mr. Chickalusion was born on October 5th, 1921 in Polly Creek, Alaska. He served in the Alaska Territorial Guard. He resided in Tyonek and Anchorage. He worked for the Native Village of Tyonek, Kenai Peninsula Borough, BIA roads, various oil companies, and as a Hunting Guide and Commercial Fisherman. He was a Starista and caretaker for St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Tyonek, Councilmember of The Native Village of Tyonek, and on the IRA Council. His hobbies included teaching the Dena'ina language, culture and dances, and fighting for subsistence rights. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and going on rides, playing Bingo, telling stories, singing Dena'ina songs, and making miniature snowshoes and sleds. He was the last fluent speaker of the Dena'ina language.

He is survived by sons, Theodore (Chad), Max Jr., Leonard, Daniel Chickalusion, Stan Mishakoff; daughters, Katherine and Norma Chickalusion, Doris Baker, Virginia Hudson, and Martha Chase of Tyonek and Anchorage. 23 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie (Stephan) Chickalusion of Susitna Station; sons, Jimmy, Maniel and Larry Chickalusion, and Wiliam Mishakof; granddaughter, Florence K. Chickalusion, and parents, Theodore and Doris Chickalusion. His body will be laid to rest at Tyonek Cemetery.