RENAMING – Tlingit elder Harvey Kitka, Yanshkoo.wu, speaks to students at Xóots Elementary School this afternoon during a short renaming ceremony. The School Board adopted the new name, which means brown bear in Tlingit, in March 2024 to replace the old name, Baranof Elementary School. At today’s ceremony, children from the after-school culture class sang in Tlingit, new signs were on display and Charlie Skultka Jr. was recognized for the formline bear design he provided for the school logo. In his remarks, Kitka told those assembled in the school gymnasium about his experience as a youngster in the school when it was brand new. He said speaking Tlingit was not encouraged then. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)
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Daily Sitka Sentinel
Richard Eldon Huff
Former Sitkan Richard Eldon Huff passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 15, in his hometown of Port Orchard, Wash., at the age of 92.
Richard was born in Lorane, Ore., in 1922, to a family of ranchers and loggers. He first came to Sitka in the early 1940’s during World War II, while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. The landscape left an impression on him that would last throughout the war, including his deployments to Saipan and Nagasaki.
Richard returned to Sitka in 1952 with his wife and three (of eventually four) children, until a family illness forced a move to Oregon.
In 1958 the family returned to Sitka, where Richard found work with the Alaska Lumber and Pulp Company. He worked with the company until 1960, when his leg was crushed in a mill accident. The family stayed in Sitka for another two years, before again returning south.
In the late 1960’s Richard decided to try his hand at boat building. He became a self-taught shipwright, learning metalwork, lofting, wiring, and engine installation and repair. He would go on to complete six fishing vessels, including F/V Saratoga, F/V Argosy, F/V China B, and finally, at age 70, the F/V Kalliste, which is still in operation, based out of Sitka.
Richard also followed a lifelong dream of becoming a commercial fisherman, beginning in 1967. He successfully fished each summer for the next 39 years in the Sitka area, until retiring at age 84, turning his focus to his home and small farm in Port Orchard, Wash.
Richard is survived by his wife of 48 years, Clarice “Kelly” Huff, of Port Orchard, Wash.; daughter Carolyn and partner Earl, of Portland, Ore.; son Steven and wife Bonnie of Port Orchard; son Neil and wife JoAnn of Sitka; 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
His legacy extends beyond his strong work ethic and go get ‘em attitude — Richard was also known for his kindness and wonderful sense of humor. “He will always be in our hearts, and we will miss him greatly,” his family and friends said.
Services will be held in January, in Port Orchard, Wash.
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20 YEARS AGO
February 2005
Photo caption: S&S General Contractors crew bury conduit along Sawmill Creek Road as part of a sewer line project. They’ve been working only at night, using portable lights to direct traffic. Sitkans living between Shotgun Alley and Indian River Road are asked not to use drains or toilets Thursday as pump stations will be turned off.
50 YEARS AGO
February 1975
Photo caption: Five players selected for the first All Tournament team in the American Legion Southeast Alaska Basketball Tournament hold their trophies. From left are Jeff Klanott, Klukwan ANB; Rick Ludigsen, Ketchikan Webber Air; Al Kookesh, Angoon ANB; Terry Friske, Klukwan ANB; and Mike Erickson, Ketchikan Webber Air.
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