Gerard Angaaya Koonooka

KOONOOKA — Gerard Angaaya, 72; born Nov. 4, 1940, Gambell, Alaska; died Sept. 18, 2013, Gambell. Surviving: wife, Esther Aakawen; sons, Gerry Ataayaghhaq, Jared Kunuka and Jeremy Aghniilu, all of Gambell; daughter, Mae Silook, Gambell; brothers, Merlin Paapi and Job Nayghwaaghmii, both of Gambell; Ben Nuugnan; Al Wayne Tallimak; sisters, Rhoda Boolowon, Gambell; Judy Atenga; Betsy Saywenga; Donna Anaghateki; Rachael Wista; Dorene Emqangaawen; 8 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Gerard served in the U.S. Army Special Forces. He operated G & E Enterprises, as the first Seventh-day Adventist to successfully operate a business on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, while keeping the Sabbath day holy. He survived the 1975 Wein Air crash at the Village of Gambell. He was highly respected in his community, and served on numerous boards. He was an active member and an elder of the Gambell Adventist Church at the time of his death.