Morris J. Coffey April 29, 1946-January 2, 2016
Morris J. Coffey was born on April 29, 1946 to Esther Tom-Liptrap in St. Michael, Alaska. He was later adopted and raised by Charlie and Maria Coffey of Stebbins, Alaska. There he met and married Clara Pete on January 26, 1968. They had five children: Karen, Debra, Darryl, Garrett and Darla.
Morris devoted his whole life to his family and community. He especially valued his family and close friends, loved country music and enjoyed commercial fishing on the Yukon and the Norton Sound. Morris worked tirelessly as a local leader to improve the lives of the people of Stebbins. He served on the Native Corporation for 40 years and started Stebbins Rock Products and Stebbins Housing Authority. He was also actively involved with the Stebbins IRA, Kawerak, NSEDC, State of Alaska Natural Resources, Federal Fishing Game and other local and regional organizations for countless years.
Morris was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Maria Coffey, mother Esther Tom-Liptrap, brothers Irwin Tom, Joseph Coffey and Walter Joe Kelly. Morris is survived by his wife Clara and his children Karen Coffey (Henry Ivanoff Jr.), Debi McAlister, son-in-law Mark McAlister, Darryl, Garrett, Darla Coffey and Darlene Otten, 20 grandchildren, sister Irene Mike, uncles Rapheal and Gabe Tom and aunt Veronica Tom, also by many friends and relatives.
Morris will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community. Peace to his memory.