Andrew Kunayak Sr.

Andrew J. Kunayak Sr.

June 12, 1941 — March 12, 2017

Andrew J. Kunayak Sr. was born in Little Diomede on June 12, 1941 to his late parents John and Florence Kunayak. Andrew was known as Inukluk by many family and friends. Andrew grew up in Little Diomede where he met and married his beloved wife Justina Kunayak Sr.

Andrew joined the Army National Guard at the age of 17 in 1958, after getting permission from his mother, serving for 28 years. He loved to share his many stories after serving in the Army.

Andrew and Tiny survived by living the traditional way of life, hunting for seals, oogruk, walrus and whale. He and his wife Tiny enjoyed line crabbing and other activities during the winter months. He also had the love for carving and his most popular was the billikin. During the fall time him and his wife would take their children salmonberry picking and the children would gather young auklets for bird soup.

Andrew was active with the Diomede Inaliq Corp., City of Diomede, IRA, BIA as a cook for the Little Diomede School, BSSD/AED board, and NSHC employee as a cook for many years.

He taught many young adults how to drum, sing and dance. He was well known for his dance by many from everywhere who knew him. His dance Puhulia was always a welcoming dance.

Andrew and Justina had eight children together. Seven survive him: Frances Agloinga, Lillian Weyanna, Andrea Weinstien, Etta M. Tall, Andrew Jr., Becky Kunayak and Justina Kunayak. 

Andrew is survived by his significant other Evelyn Omiak of many years. Also by his siblings Annie Sarren, Nancy Goldsberry, Roger Kunayak Sr., James Kiminock, Lena Kiminock, Mary Kiminock and his many children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren Charlie, Wesley, Conner, Jeston, Riley, Jesimyia, Andrew junior’s grandchildren Aubrie, Carrie, Emma, Agatha and Percyous, Mason, Benjamin, Jeremy, Amy and Frances. He also loved his brother Jimmy West Sr. and Jimmy’s son Jimmy Jr. as his own family while living here in Nome for many years.

He is preceded in death by his parents John and Florence and his wife Justina Kunayak Sr., beloved first son Andrew Jr., siblings Lillian T. Kunayak, Margaret Soolook, Edna Alvanna, John Kiminock, Patrick Kiminock, Walter Kiminock and John F. Kiminock, and Jim West Sr.

A celebration of life was held on March 23 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Nome. Interment will be done after breakup.

The Nome Nugget

PO Box 610
Nome, Alaska 99762
USA

Phone: (907) 443-5235
Fax: (907) 443-5112

www.nomenugget.net

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