Heartbreaking Loss of Rep. Mary Peltola’s Husband, Eugene “Buzzy” Peltola, Jr.
Calista (cha-LIS-tah) Corporation offers its condolences to U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola and the family of Eugene “Buzzy” Peltola, Jr., who tragically died as the result of a plane accident last night while hunting near St. Mary’s.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for our Region, for our Congresswoman and for all who knew and loved Buzzy,” said Calista Corp. President and CEO Andrew Guy. “We are grieving and praying for the Peltola family.”
“He served Alaska Natives in his roles at U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and at the Bureau of Indian Affairs,” said Calista Board Chair Willie Kasayulie. “He will be missed.”
Peltola was a Calista Shareholder and Tribal member of the Orutsararmiut Native Council. Born and raised in Bethel, he previously served as the Alaska regional director of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, led the subsistence management program for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and served as refuge manager of the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, in addition to other business and government roles in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Region.
“His priorities were to protect subsistence use of salmon and natural resources,” said Calista Corp. Board member Myron Naneng, who worked with Peltola on natural resource issues in the Y-K Region including a moose moratorium and waterfowl conservation and concerns.
“In his later role as BIA area director, he worked tirelessly on behalf of Tribes and organizations that support Tribes in the state of Alaska,” Naneng said.
