Herbert Raymond Wassilie Feb. 7, 1965 – Dec. 3, 2017

Herbert “Raymond” Wassilie (“Old Man”) was born in Bethel, Alaska, on February 7, 1965, to the late Evan Wassilie of Akiak and the late Marie Wassilie of Kwigillingok. He graduated from BRHS High School in 1985. During his teenage years, he assisted his loving sisters: Barbara Evon, Sophie Engebreth, Anna Clemons, Martha Pleasant, and brother Johnny Wassilie help raise their children.
During the 1980’s, in Nome, he was a reindeer herder and loving uncle to his niece and nephews. Raymond loved writing letters to everyone in the family throughout the years, especially on Holidays and Birthday and during Slavic, he’d say Happy Slavic to everyone. Martha would also get her sisters to write and send cards to him. She would also gather native foods to send to him to have.
Uncle Raymond lived and died in San Jose, California in his home on December of 2017. Raymond is preceded in death by his parents: Evan & Marie Wassilie; his sisters: Anna Clemons, Elena Wassilie, Helen Wassilie; his brothers: Evan Wassilie Jr., Carlie Wassilie, and Zachariah Wassilie; and his nephews: Yako Wassilie and August Pleasant.
Raymond is survived by his brother John Wassilie Sr. (Monica) of Bethel; his sisters: Barbara Evon (Paul) of Anchorage, Sophie Engebreth and Martha Pleasant (Julius) of Bethel, Sarah Wassilie of the lower 48 and their respective families.
Uncle Raymond will be missed by all nieces, nephews, and extended family too numerous to name because of his love for everyone.
Our family would like to personally, thank friends, and local organizations that have extended their monetary support that contributed to bringing our brother and uncle: Herbert “Raymond” Wassilie home to Bethel, Alaska from San Jose, California. Without your support, he would not be here. Quyana to his niece Anastasia Pleasant, Perry Barr, Mark Springer, Donovan Alexie, Sharon Lliaban, Bernard Sam, Bob Graham, Earl Samuelson, Took Laraux, Diane Japhet, VFW, ONC and BNC.
A great appreciation to the honorable men: Father Michael, Took Laraux, Butch Laraux, Gerald January Jr., Sam Andreanoff and Johnny Wassilie Sr. for their assistance in transporting Raymond to his sister Martha Pleasant’s home from the airport. Your estimable gesture is held in highest regard.