Alaska Native Michael Wassilie, 80, passed away Thursday, June 3, 2021 at his home in Kenai. Funeral services will be held at St. Agaphia Orthodox Church in Tuntutuliak. Pallbearers will be Michael Wassilie , Jr., Jesse Wassilie, Harry Wassilie, Alexander Wassilie, Willie Wassilie and Carl Wassilie. He will be buried next to his daughter, Mary Wassilie in Tuntutuliak.
Michael was born Aug. 24, 1940 in Kinak, Alaska. He worked for the Alyeska Pipeline, in fish canneries and was a commercial fisherman. He had lived in Anchorage from 1998-2009 when he moved to Wasilla. He then moved to Kenai in 2021.
Michael was Russian Orthodox and enjoyed hunting, fishing, gathering and punking.
He was married to his wife, Marie, for 55 years. They have 28 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was a very loving ap’a and amau. He will be most remembered for someone who could out-maqii his ilaqs and friends. He will be loved and missed.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Marie Wiluruyak, sons Gabriel and John Wassilie, daughter Mary A. Wassilie, and sisters, Anna, Kathrine and Elena.
He is survived by his wife, Marie A. Wassilie of Kenai; daughter, Elena J. Daniel of Big Lake; sons, Michael Wassilie of Bethel, Yako A. Wassilie of Tuntutuliak, and Willie Wassilie of Kasigluk; daughter, Cynthia M. Wassilie of Anchorage; son, Alexander Wassilie of Kenai; daughter, Chelsea Wassilie of Wasilla and Mary Wassilie of Kenai; and son Carl Wassilie of Tuntutuliak; 28 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Thank you to Qinarmiut Corporation, Calista Corporation and friends…-Margie.
Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai assisted the family.
