Myron Wheeler, who had been a longtime resident of Sitka, died on Jan. 30, 2015, in Nome. He was 79.
Myron is best remembered for his carving, in which he exhibited his Native craftsmanship to locals and visitors. He shared his skills with many, including students at Mt. Edgecumbe High School where he taught carving in the evenings.
Myron earned an Honorable Discharge from the Alaska Territorial Guard into which he had been drafted. He was an active member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary both here and Nome.
While living in Sitka he was referred to as the Dockside Ambassador. As an Auxiliary member he walked the docks, often inspecting recreational boats and offering safety tips to the public.
He took a special interest in Kids Don’t Float Boxes, and worked hard to assure they were in order.
When he relocated to Nome he requested permission from the Sitka Flotilla to offer his services in that area, since Nome had no active flotilla. He was a satellite member of the Sitka Flotilla.
Those who knew Myron have lost a good friend. A memorial fund has been set up at Wells Fargo to help with the burial expenses in Nome. Donors can state at the counter that they would like to make a donation to the Myron Wheeler Memorial Fund. Two of Myron’s Sitka friends, Mike Morris and Joe Meador, are overseeing the memorial.
Myron asked Mike Sherman, a relative in Palmer, to carry out his wishes to be laid to rest in his USCG Auxiliary uniform. Burial will be this spring in Nome.
