LUTHERAN QUILTERS – Members of the Quilts for Comfort Group stand between pews draped with some of the 205 quilts they made, in the Sitka Lutheran Church Tuesday. The group made the quilts for five local non-profits and one in Anchorage. The remaining quilts are sent to Lutheran World Relief which distributes them to places around the world in need, such as Ukraine, as part of Personal Care Kits. Pictured are, from left, Helen Cunningham, Kathleen Brandt,Vicki Swanson, Paulla Hardy, Kim Hunter, Linda Swanson and Sue Fleming. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)
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Daily Sitka Sentinel
Tom David Conatser Dies In Sitka at the Age of 40
Tom David Conatser
On the morning of December 20, 2022, Tom David Conatser of Sitka died at the age of 40.
Tom was born October 19, 1982, in Sitka to Ron and Karmon Conatser. The family moved to Port Townsend, Washington, where he graduated from Port Townsend High School in 2001.
During his younger years he spent the summers fishing with his family on the F/V Karmon Dee and F/V Ida Lee. He was a good hand but really shined with his infectious humor. One day after driving his Dad and Mom nuts with his endless talking, he disappeared to the back deck where they found him sitting on an ice chest with a sign hanging around his neck: “I will shut up for food.”
Or the time when he was around 10, after reading a detailed book on pirates he called his mom and sister “Serving Wenches” at the galley table. That did not go over well.
About 20 years ago, he moved from Port Townsend back to Sitka, where he worked at Seafood Producers Co-Op, Sitka Sound Seafoods, and various other places in Sitka, and went trolling and long-lining with his dad.
Tom was an avid reader of history. He loved visiting museums and historical places. Sitting in the pilot’s seat of Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose brought a smile that would blind you.
He looked forward to Hoonah Sound “Hunter Gatherer Trips” with his nephews, brother and dad.
He also was always up for hiking Indian River Trail with friends, and helping his dad with his crazy projects. Any day at the gun range, engaging in the shooting sports, rain or shine, was a day not wasted in Tom’s world.
Tom was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Ralph Conatser, his paternal step-grandmother Helmi Conatser, and his uncle, Frank Kimball.
He is survived by his mother and father, Ron and Karmon Conatser of Rice, Washington; his brother Travis and sister Tamara, both of Sitka; maternal grandparents Ken and Shirley Kimball of Sitka; paternal grandmother Georgia Planck, Colville, Washington; and nieces, nephews, and cousins, including a very close cousin, Nick Eliason; and several aunts and uncles
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held in late spring or early summer, with the date to be posted on Facebook.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Salvation Army.
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20 YEARS AGO
March 2004
Advertisement: Tea-Licious Tea House & Bakery 315 Lincoln Street Grand Opening! Freshly Baked Scones, Cakes & Pastries Innovative Salads, Soups & Sandwiches Harney & Sons Tea. Lunch * Afternoon Tea * Supper.
50 YEARS AGO
March 1974
Photo caption: National Republican Chairman George Bush takes a drink of water offered by Jan Craddick, Sitka delegate, during the Republican convention held here. Mrs. Craddick explained to Bush that the water was from Indian River, which means, according to local legend, that he will return.