Daily Sitka Sentinel

Boyd William Didrickson

 Boyd William Didrickson

Boyd William Didrickson, Tlingit subsistence artist, elder and a local Native icon, died Oct. 5 at SEARHC, surrounded by his family. He was 73.

A lifelong Sitkan, Boyd was born at home in the Indian Village on Aug. 7, 1943.

He was well-known in Sitka,  with his knowledge of his culture and his involvement in the Indian Village Artists as well as 3 Guys by the Church – a small shop on Lincoln Street that was filled with Native artifacts, art and crafts that he had collected from around the state, and that drew visitors and locals alike.

In addition to being a gifted artist and craftsman, Boyd was an iron worker, hunter and fisherman.

“When we think of Boyd, we think of the knowledge he had, the knowledge of his culture and the love he had for keeping that alive,” his family wrote.

“From getting his daily black coffee and breakfast at the hospital, to his daily cruises out the road, or his ability to always try to strike a bargain ... he made a memorable impression upon everyone he encountered.”

 

Boyd’s 40-day party will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 13 at the ANB Founders Hall. The all-day event will celebrate and honor Boyd’s wishes of welcoming everyone he affected throughout his life. His favorite foods will be served all day, starting with black coffee, donuts, fried rice as well was fresh fish and cupcakes.

The family is encouraging friends to be at the hall at noon for the eulogy, and, if they wish, to share stories with those gathered to celebrate Boyd’s life.

Those with questions or interested in contributing any photos or stories are asked to contact his daughters, Melissa Rank at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Claire Hill at 738-5857.

Boyd was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Didrickson; brothers Donald “Duck’ Didrickson, Gerald Didrickson; and a grandson, Thomas Hayes.

He is survived by his daughters, Melissa Rank and Claire Hill; and grandchildren Summer and Ryan Travelstead, Ezera Rank, Asa Rank, Tristan Bacon and Dominic O’Halloran, all of Sitka.

 

His nieces and nephews are Christian Didrickson, Kendal and Jennifer Didrickson, Vanessa Didrickson, Deanne Didrickson and Crystal Didrickson; and his grandnieces and grandnephews are Levi Shearer, Mason Shearer, Kierra Didrickson, Corbin Didrickson and Cordelia Didrickson.