Tuesday saw the passing of 100-year-old Galena elder, Sidney Huntington, he died peacefully surrounded by friends, family, and community members.

Born in Hughes, along the Koyukuk River in 1915, he would live his first five years 90 miles downstream at Hagatzakaket until his mother died and he and his siblings went to the Anvik Mission. He later attended the BIA school in Eklutna before returning back home to help his father trap along the Hog River. By age 22, he was working at a gold mine along the river.

In 1963, he began work as a carpenter at Galena, before entering the fish processing business in the 1970s, it was also at that time the he started serving on the Board of Game. He would serve 17 years on the board.

Huntington was well known for his efforts to further education in the area, and frequently visited schools to encourage students to study and continue their education. Despite having only a 3rd grade education, he was a strong advocate for public education and had a hand in founding the independent school district in Galena.

Later in life, Sidney would pen an autobiography, “Shadows on the Koyukuk,” with the assistance of Jim Reardon, detailing his long life.

Married for 72 years, Sidney is survived by his wife and his many, many children.

A memorial service will be held for Sidney at 10 am on Friday at the community school. He will be put to rest at the Galena Cemetery.[xyz-ihs snippet=”Adsense-responsive”]

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