Franklyn Dave Johnson Sr. “Kuc’haq”
Franklyn Dave Johnson Sr. was born on September 12, 1950 to Harry and Ruth Johnson Sr. in St. Michael, Alaska. Frank was the fifth child and first born son out of 12 children. He was a very smart and bright boy who skipped beginners in school and started first grade in 1956.
In his childhood years, Frank started mushing dogs and loved taking his Grandma Malorie on dog mushing trips. He started earning wages and working at a young age as well. During the summer, he hauled wood and water. In the winter, he hauled ice. He even built a little shack with scrap lumber and turned it into a movie theater. He would charge whatever kids could pay and played movies there on a hand winding movie projector at just 10-years-old.
In June of 1964, Harry and Ruth moved their family to Unalakleet, Alaska. That year, Frank started high school at Covenant High as a freshman. He met the love of his life Kathy Ivanoff who was in eighth grade. Later to be married January 4, 1972. He enjoyed playing basketball on the Wolverine team, and after school, he continued to stay busy working odd jobs.
Frank graduated in 1968. He then went to Los Angeles, California to a BIA technical school for heavy equipment in 1969. He worked for Alaska Commercial Co. for many years as an employee and then became manager. He received awards for his sales. During this same time, he worked for Whitney Foods as a fish buyer. Frank was an avid commercial fisherman and active in the herring fisheries. He was instrumental in starting the crabbing fishery with Norton Sound Seafood Products. In 1995, Frank started working at Bering Strait School District and worked there until his passing. He always said he was going to retire but continued because he loved to stay busy. He had many friends and acquaintances throughout the Norton Sound who knew Frank to be friendly, helpful, and approachable.
Frank was loving, kindhearted, and always supportive to those around him. He had a smile on his face when he greeted you. He also put his faith fully in God. He instilled the saying, “God first” to the hearts of all his grandchildren.
Frank is survived by his children Shannon, Franklyn Jr. “Boyde” (Nikko), and Stacy Ivanoff, his grandchildren Mikael, Steffen, Katrina, Erin (Esteban), Whitney, Curtis, Xander, Elowyn, and his great grandchildren. He is survived by his sisters and brothers Harrilyn (Harold), Tia (Larry), Merlin (Velma), Harry Jr. (Joan), Henry, Bruce (Gloria), Brian (LouAnn), Aurora, as well as many brother and sister-in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife Kathy Johnson; grandparents Malorie and Alex Johnson; parents Harry and Ruth Johnson; sisters Laura June and Esther; brothers William (Middy) and Paul; son-in-law Thomas Sherman and daughter in-law Michelle Johnson.
Frank will always be loved and missed dearly.
