by Greg Lincoln
Alois Kakgar Lincoln was born on October 16, 1929 to Francis and Catherine Lincoln in Tununak, AK. He had a brother Dick Lincoln of Tununak, and two sisters: Julia Nevak of Toksook Bay and Isabelle Oscar of Anchorage.
In 1953 he married the love of his life Adeline Nakrialnguq Evan of Newtok. Together they had 10 children: Felix, Simeon, Priscilla, Jimmie, John, Bessie, Greg, Isabelle, Timothy, and Leah. They raised their growing family in Tununak and then moved to Toksook Bay in 1965 with their then five children.
When they moved to Toksook Bay, they brought their house with them, transporting it over the hill in the wintertime. The move was a success. Alois and Adeline had much help from the people of Toksook Bay, which they were thankful for.
In Toksook Bay, Alois worked for many years for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and later the Lower Kuskokwim School District as a custodian. He was also a commercial fisherman in Bristol Bay. He worked hard all his life to provide for his family.
Alois and Adeline’s home was always full of life and love. Adeline prepared many delicious subsistence caught meals for her family who loved to gather for lunch and dinners. Her soups and akutaqs and homemade breads were a favorite to all. Guests were welcome at their home and visitors from all over would come to see them.
His sister Julia remembers the love he had for his wife Adeline.
“Whenever she wanted some subsistence food to eat, he would go out and get it for her. He was a very fast runner,” she said. He was an athlete that could run for miles and miles with his dog team, checking his traps. Julia also remembers the time when there was a pandemic in his village of Tununak where many did not make it. He helped them by going house to house to do the chores, chopping wood, and getting water. She said that he was the only young person in the village that made it through that harsh time and he did not get sick.
Alois and Adeline made many warm garments for their grandchildren, Adeline was a skin sewer, parka and qaspeq maker, grass basket sewer, and she made Eskimo dance regalia. He was a trapper, fisherman, hunter, and dog musher. Alois carved beautiful ivory jewelry for his loved ones. His children and grandchildren watched and learned his craft and today many of them know how to carve ivory. He loved giving ivory gifts to his loved ones.
Their greatest joy was their many grandchildren who filled their home with love. They were so proud of them all. They both enjoyed watching and cheering for their children and grandchildren during sports events. They were also foster parents for many years.
Alois was very strong willed. He did not allow substances such as tobacco rule over him. When the doctor told him no tobacco, he quit cold turkey and never went back to it. We encourage everyone to follow in his example and live a tobacco-free life, you will not regret it and it would make him happy.
Alois lived a peaceful life. He never once touched alcohol to this day even though his peers pressured him to do so in Bristol Bay while fishing. He said no. His sister Julia is the same way. His freedom from alcohol meant that he respected and loved his family so much that he would not let anything ruin his relationship with them. He did not do anything that would make them feel cangayuk, sad or discouraged including using alcohol.
Many remember his kindness. He never complained about his illnesses. He was devoted to his church as part of the Sodality of Our Lady, and devoted to his wife and family. He enjoyed socializing and the fiddle dances.
When his passing neared, his family told him that they will be okay. They reassured him that all will be well and he was happy and at peace. He gave his heart to Jesus, our Lord and Savior. He kept our family together.
Alois is preceded in death by his loving wife Adeline, his dearest granddaughter Krystle, their son Robert, and his siblings Dick Lincoln, Hazel, Simeon, and Isabelle, and his step-brother and sister Simon Billy and Tilly Flynn.
He is survived by his children and their spouses: Felix (Eliza), Simeon (Rosalie), Priscilla Moses (Simeon), Jimmie (Darlene), Timothy, and John Lincoln all of Toksook Bay; Bessie Norcross (David) of Seward, and Greg (Kelly) and Isabelle Dyment (Hugh) of Bethel, and Leah Hansen (Jack) of Fairbanks. Alois and Adeline also have many beautiful grandchildren, great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends and loved ones.
We have the hope that we will see our Dad and Ap’a again some sweet morning. We love and miss you. Tua-i-ngunrituq.
