Announcements – Nov. 25 2009

Births
Thomas Theodore Fogel a baby boy weighing 7 pounds, 0 ounces born November 20, 2009 at 5:49 a.m. to Lee and Shelly Fogel of Homer. Grandparents are Dianne Hardy of Homer, Gary and Toni Mills of Corinth, KY and Paul Fogel of Walton, KY.

Landen Bryce Smith a baby boy weighing 7 pounds, 5.3 ounces born November 18, 2009 at 12:40 p.m. to Kayla Seifert and David Smith of Homer. Grandparents are Kim and Floyd Newkirk, Jim Seifert and Dave and Sharon Smith.

Obituaries

Longtime Seldovia resident, Keith Edward Seville, Jr., died Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009 at his home in Seldovia. Funeral services were held Nov. 11 in Nanwalek. Keith was interred at the Orthodox Cemetery in Nanwalek, as Father Sergie Active officiated. Pallbearers included Kevin Seville, Keith Seville III, John Seville, Toby Seville, Johnny Moonin, Sarjus Moonin, Seraphim Ukatish, Jr. and Nick Tanape, Jr. Mr. Seville was born April 14, 1951 to Keith, Sr. and Eva (Middlerider) Seville in Whitefish, Montana. He became a resident of Homer in 1968. He attended and graduated from Homer High School, and then lived in Nanwalek from 1973 to 1982. In 1997, he moved to Oregon until 2000. Keith was a logger from 1975 to 2000, logging in Icy Bay, Kodiak, Port Chatman and Dogfish Bay. He also commercial fished from 1970 until 2002, fishing for king crab, halibut, salmon and cod. He was a member of the Russian Orthodox Church in Nanwalek. Keith loved playing cards, watching Jeopardy, sport fishing, fixing puzzles, sharing stories about fishing and playing pool. The family wrote, “Keith was born with a burning, competitive fire that showed in all that he did; including basketball and baseball as a teenager, stacking logs, long line gear and crab pots as a young adult. He was always willing to listen or help whomever asked or needed. He was polite and well-mannered. He was always making sure to acknowledge others. Keith was a big-hearted man who loved to spend time with children with a jolly and magical smile. Hands of a giant, yet gentle when needed. He was never able to sneak up on anyone due to his boisterous voice and charm. His physical presence will be missed, but those who knew him have been left with a lifelong imprint of his humble and gracious spirit. May he rest in peace. Memory eternal.” Keith was preceded in death by his brother, George Seville, and step-brother, Levi Middlerider. He is survived by his father, Keith Seville, Sr. of Seldovia, and mother, Eva Middlerider of Browning, Mont.; brothers, John Seville and his wife, Cathy of Burlington, Wash.; Charles Seville and his wife, Peni of Seldovia; half-sister, Anne Bickford of Minnesota and half-brother, Chester Schultz of Indiana; uncle Fred and his wife Dawn Seville of Homer; aunts Faith Ann of Columbia Falls, Mont. and Edna Ridenour of West Glacier, Mont.; sons, Kevin and his wife, Christine Seville of Nanwalek and Keith Seville, III of Nanwalek; daughter, Mandy Wood and her husband Nick of Nanwalek; half-daughters Juanita Bales and Zoya Bussing; granddaughters Tatianna Anahonak, Mandy Romanoff, Irina Wood, Juanita Wood and Alyson Seville; grandsons, Adrian Tanape, Arthur Romanoff, Isaiah Bales, Donovan Greene, McKinley Greene and Kastin Seville; great granddaughter, Michaila Anahonak and many nieces, nephews and cousins throughout Alaska, Montana and Washington.

Homer resident, Mr. Philip Arnold Pfenninger, 88, died Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 at Friendship Terrace Assisted Living in Homer. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 2, 2009 at Friendship Terrace Assisted Living, 250 Herndon Drive in Homer. Family services were held Nov. 19, 2009 at Homer Funeral Home. Rev. Charles Martindell officiated. Philip was interred at Hickerson Memorial Cemetery, and military honors were performed by the Anchor Point VFW Post No. 10221. Pfenninger was born Sept. 18, 1921 to Arnold and Clara (Paul) Pfenninger in Duluth, Minn. Phil graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1939. He attended the University of Minnesota, obtaining a bachelor’s degree upon returning from overseas active duty. Phil enlisted in the Army and served
as an Air Observation Pilot from 1943 to 1946 in the 46th Field Artillery Battalion, 5th Infantry Division. After flying many reconnaissance missions over Germany in a Piper Cub, he was among the American liberators of the Nazi concentration camp at Dachau. Phil was honorably discharged as a second lieutenant. Decorations include the Europe-African-Middle East Service Medal, the American Theater Service Medal and the Victory Medal. Upon returning to the states, Phil met his future wife, Alice Mae Scott (Scotty) in Franklin, Ind. They were married later that year and settled in Farmington, Minn, where Phil taught school and the first two of their four children were born. In 1951, Phil was called up from the reserves to serve in the Korean War effort at Fort Sill, Okla. as a first lieutenant airplane and helicopter flight instructor. Following his honorable discharge in 1952, the family moved to Perham and then Duluth, Minn. where Phil continued his career in teaching and school administration. In 1959, the family moved to Omaha, Neb. where Phil earned a master’s degree in math and taught at the secondary level for School District 66. After retiring in 1985, Phil enjoyed touring the United States with Scotty and settled in Medford Ore. near their son, Roger for several years. In 2006, they moved to Homer near daughter, Rita.
Phil’s many interests included traveling, raising roses, reading, camping, solving puzzles, watching football, bowling, story-telling and his passion: acting in live theater. He was a member of the Methodist Church, where his beautiful tenor voice harmonized with others in the choir. He was a loving and supportive husband, father and granddad. He was known for his brave heart, positive outlook and lively sense of humor. His family reports that he laughed under fire during WWII and never knew a stranger. Days before his death he threw up his arms and declared, “Beam me up, Scotty!” Phil was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Bertha Pfenninger; son, Douglas Pfenninger; and wife of 62 years, Scotty Pfenninger. He is survived by his children, Roger Pfenninger of Medford, Ore.; Rita Pfenninger-Hoare of Homer; Debra Kemp of Haines, Alaska; grandchildren Julie Johnson, Travis Pfenninger, Alicia Aldrich, Joe and Garrett Hoanin, Iris and Chandler Kemp; numerous great-grandchildren and several beloved cousins. Arrangements were made by Homer Funeral Home.

Harold A. Billups (aka HB), a long-time resident of Homer, died peacefully at his home on November 14, 2009. He was 89 ½ years old. HB was born in Hot Springs, SD, on May 30, 1920. As a young man of 21, HB heard about a job offer in Alaska for the District Engineers, so he boarded the SS McKinley in Seattle and headed for Alaska. This was the first time HB had ever been on a boat – not even a canoe. He sat up on the bow, face into the wind, and never looked back. What an adventure and what a life he was heading for! HB was drafted into the Army in May 1943. He was based out of Fort Richardson and Birchwood until his discharge in February 1946. April 1, 1950, he loaded his belongings onto Slim Giles’ barge the “Beachcomber”, and headed for Homer. He and Tommy Wikland started the Sterling Bar (the building next door to the Heritage Hotel). He built his home on Main St. (currently occupied by Timeless Toys) in 1951 and later that year married Electa Bolton. Together they bought the Homer Club and Café and changed the name to the Waterfront Bar & Grill (now Duggan’s). In 1960 they sold the Waterfront and Electa opened up a yarn shop and Harold became a full time carpenter. Over the years he built the Lighthouse on the Spit, various other commercial and residential buildings in Homer and retired after building the Homer Elks Lodge. He was a charter member of the Homer Elks and was very proud to be a part of the community service they participated in. HB and Electa were also involved in starting the Homer Pioneers Club. HB was one of the few remaining true old-timers who remembered Homer before there was a road to Anchorage, before there were telephones, when you knew every person in town, i.e. the good old days. HB enjoyed boating, fishing, and hunting. He worked hard, enjoyed life, and was fortunate to have exceptional good health.
Harold married Wanda Grady in 1982 and through her influence and insistence, traveled to Hawaii, Europe, and throughout the lower 48. He lost Wanda in October 2004. That void was partly filled when Harold’s daughter Eunice and grand-daughter Briana moved back home to Homer in 2006 from California. Briana’s baby son, Jack, later joined them in June 2009, much to Harold’s delight. Harold is survived by his sister Marjorie Behrens (age 91) of Wilmington, Delaware, his daughter Eunice and her husband Jim Blaine of Homer, his son and daughter-in-law Roger and Betty Bolton also of Homer, 8 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren, 2 nieces and 3 nephews. Preceding him in death was his brother Carten Billups and daughter Rosa Lea Bolton Christensen. He will be sorely missed. A Memorial Service will be held at the Homer Elks Lodge, December 5, 2009, at 1 pm. Everybody is welcome. Please bring your best HB stories to share.

Homer resident, Mr. Philip Arnold Pfenninger, 88, died Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 at Friendship Terrace Assisted Living in Homer. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 2, 2009 at Friendship Terrace Assisted Living, 250 Herndon Drive in Homer. Family services were held Nov. 19, 2009 at Homer Funeral Home. Rev. Charles Martindell officiated. Philip was interred at Hickerson Memorial Cemetery, and military honors were performed by the Anchor Point VFW Post No. 10221. Pfenninger was born Sept. 18, 1921 to Arnold and Clara (Paul) Pfenninger in Duluth, Minn. Phil graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1939. He attended the University of Minnesota, obtaining a bachelor’s degree upon returning from overseas active duty. Phil enlisted in the Army and served as an Air Observation Pilot from 1943 to 1946 in the 46th Field Artillery Battalion, 5th Infantry Division. After flying many reconnaissance missions over Germany in a Piper Cub, he was among the American liberators of the Nazi concentration camp at Dachau. Phil was honorably discharged as a second lieutenant. Decorations include the Europe-African-Middle East Service Medal, the American Theater Service Medal and the Victory Medal. Upon returning to the states, Phil met his future wife, Alice Mae Scott (Scotty) in Franklin, Ind. They were married later that year and settled in Farmington, Minn, where Phil taught school and the first two of their four children were born. In 1951, Phil was called up from the reserves to serve in the Korean War effort at Fort Sill, Okla. as a first lieutenant airplane and helicopter flight instructor. Following his honorable discharge in 1952, the family moved to Perham and then Duluth, Minn. where Phil continued his career in teaching and school administration. In 1959, the family moved to Omaha, Neb. where Phil earned a master’s degree in math and taught at the secondary level for School District 66. After retiring in 1985, Phil enjoyed touring the United States with Scotty and settled in Medford Ore. near their son, Roger for several years. In 2006, they moved to Homer near daughter, Rita.
Phil’s many interests included traveling, raising roses, reading, camping, solving puzzles, watching football, bowling, story-telling and his passion: acting in live theater. He was a member of the Methodist Church, where his beautiful tenor voice harmonized with others in the choir. He was a loving and supportive husband, father and granddad. He was known for his brave heart, positive outlook and lively sense of humor. His family reports that he laughed under fire during WWII and never knew a stranger. Days before his death he threw up his arms and declared, “Beam me up, Scotty!” Phil was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Bertha Pfenninger; son, Douglas Pfenninger; and wife of 62 years, Scotty Pfenninger. He is survived by his children, Roger Pfenninger of Medford, Ore.; Rita Pfenninger-Hoare of Homer; Debra Kemp of Haines, Alaska; grandchildren Julie Johnson, Travis Pfenninger, Alicia Aldrich, Joe and Garrett Hoanin, Iris and Chandler Kemp; numerous great-grandchildren and several beloved cousins. Arrangements were made by Homer Funeral Home.

Harold A. Billups (aka HB), a long-time resident of Homer, died peacefully at his home on November 14, 2009. He was 89 ½ years old. HB was born in Hot Springs, SD, on May 30, 1920. As a young man of 21, HB heard about a job offer in Alaska for the District Engineers, so he boarded the SS McKinley in Seattle and headed for Alaska. This was the first time HB had ever been on a boat – not even a canoe. He sat up on the bow, face into the wind, and never looked back. What an adventure and what a life he was heading for! HB was drafted into the Army in May 1943. He was based out of Fort Richardson and Birchwood until his discharge in February 1946. April 1, 1950, he loaded his belongings onto Slim Giles’ barge the “Beachcomber”, and headed for Homer. He and Tommy Wikland started the Sterling Bar (the building next door to the Heritage Hotel). He built his home on Main St. (currently occupied by Timeless Toys) in 1951 and later that year married Electa Bolton. Together they bought the Homer Club and Café and changed the name to the Waterfront Bar & Grill (now Duggan’s). In 1960 they sold the Waterfront and Electa opened up a yarn shop and Harold became a full time carpenter. Over the years he built the Lighthouse on the Spit, various other commercial and residential buildings in Homer and retired after building the Homer Elks Lodge. He was a charter member of the Homer Elks and was very proud to be a part of the community service they participated in. HB and Electa were also involved in starting the Homer Pioneers Club. HB was one of the few remaining true old-timers who remembered Homer before there was a road to Anchorage, before there were telephones, when you knew every person in town, i.e. the good old days. HB enjoyed boating, fishing, and hunting. He worked hard, enjoyed life, and was fortunate to have exceptional good health.
Harold married Wanda Grady in 1982 and through her influence and insistence, traveled to Hawaii, Europe, and throughout the lower 48. He lost Wanda in October 2004. That void was partly filled when Harold’s daughter Eunice and grand-daughter Briana moved back home to Homer in 2006 from California. Briana’s baby son, Jack, later joined them in June 2009, much to Harold’s delight. Harold is survived by his sister Marjorie Behrens (age 91) of Wilmington, Delaware, his daughter Eunice and her husband Jim Blaine of Homer, his son and daughter-in-law Roger and Betty Bolton also of Homer, 8 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren, 2 nieces and 3 nephews. Preceding him in death was his brother Carten Billups and daughter Rosa Lea Bolton Christensen. He will be sorely missed. A Memorial Service will be held at the Homer Elks Lodge, December 5, 2009, at 1 pm. Everybody is welcome. Please bring your best HB stories to share.

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