Isaac Kalistook

Sept. 7, 1936 – June 16, 2024

Isaac Qerrataralria Kalistook was born to Agnes Anglluralria Dock and Benjamin Kaligtuk (Kalistook) in the old village of Cicing between Kipnuk and Chefornak on September 7, 1936. He lived a traditional lifestyle, kayaking in the ocean with his father to hunt sea mammals and running dogs on the trapline. Both his parents died at a young age and so he stayed with his Aunt Lucy Aryak Martin who raised him with love. He described going to her house in the middle of the night because he considered her his mother.

At a young age he developed an interest in carpentry and built himself a small house in Kipnuk. He learned how to play the guitar and mandolin from the talented Joe Paul, a blind musician. He went to the cannery in Dillingham in the summers and drove a forklift loading salmon, among other jobs.

At 23 years of age, he joined the National Guard as a Light Weapons Infantryman and served for 14 years, earning the Armed Service Reserve Medal and State Service Medal. He successfully completed Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Fort Wainwright. He happened to be at Fort Richardson, Alaska during the 9.2 earthquake (March 1964), and his unit served in the local recovery efforts. Also, during these years, he welcomed his first son Larry Kaligtuk, who he loved to bring along on hunting and fishing adventures.

In 1970 Isaac began his work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs where he developed his skills of carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical work, and more. He traveled to villages far and wide working on school projects. He made many friends in the villages who he would later enjoy seeing at AC Store in Bethel. He built a small house in Bethel, and then another bigger home on the highway during this time.

Then in 1982, Rita DePase, a nurse came to Bethel and soon thereafter they became soulmates. He shared a love of nature and adventure with her, taking her by boat and snowmachine to his home village of Kipnuk. They visited their favorite places on the tundra regularly for over 35 years; Tubungaluk Slough, Eenayarak River, and areas around Kipnuk. As their children and grandchildren came along, they also learned to love and respect these special places.

Isaac built yet another home for his growing family of boys; Thomas, Zachary and Clarence. He filled the freezers with yummy food. He stayed in touch with his best friend Charlie Paul in Kipnuk. Before the age of internet they talked on the phone almost daily for weather checks, mechanical consultations and jokes about what they were going to eat for dinner. Charlie would tease Isaac, “I’m eating Crane soup, are you eating chicken?”

Isaac was a humble, hardworking and devoted family man. He loved the simple things in life, especially steam baths, country music and living off the land. He passed from this earth on June 16th, 2024. His gentle presence is missed by all who knew him well.

He is survived by his wife Rita Kalistook, sons Larry, Isaac Thomas, Zachary and Clarence; Grandchildren Lucille, Lawson, Salena, and Ryan; Great-grandchildren Emmitt and Emery Mazzaro. He was preceded in death by his grandson Jackson and many other loved ones.

Thanks to the Bethel and coastal communities for all the support during Isaac’s final days and funeral services. Moses Martin family for coming up from Kwig to love and support us. Moses chopped so much wood. Ernestine and Lucy made so much food. Amber Bukowski RN for her constant and loving nursing care. Dr Matthew Davis and Robin Lawrence RN for compassionate care at YKHC. My sister Janet Savage for coming from Philadelphia to provide love and support. Stan Corp for being the best neighbor over the past 30 years; and for making the beautiful cross on a moment’s notice. Evelyn Day, Kathy and Bryan Nenneman for gifts, your time, and activities for the children. And to all who came from near and far, Quyana Cakneq.