February 1, 1962 – October 15, 2025
Rena was born on St. Paul Island, February 1, 1962, to Nicolai Melovidov and Maria (Shaishnikoff) Melovidov, her maternal grandparents were Sergie Shaishnikoff and Nadesda (Philemonoff).
She was united in marriage to her husband and love of her life Alexander (Alex) Kudrin for 36 years prior to his death. Together they had one child, Maria and two grandchildren Alexandra and Daniel (Little Dan). Her daughter and grandchildren were the joys of her life.
She was raised by her parents, maternal grandparents, and Vyachaslav & Clara Melovidov. Qualities instilled in her that continued throughout her lifetime were to be strong, looking out for the community, listening, being kind, knowledge of and prioritizing faith, family, and looking for the ‘good’ in all things and enjoying everything. She always called St. Paul home with a few brief moves to Guam (1974-1976), St. George Island, and Dutch Harbor.
She shared stories of living off the land and water as a child including foods like halibut, seal, birds, berries and eating homemade pies by her mother on holidays. She remembered growing up during an era that consisted of playing outside, skipping on rocks, eating sea urchins at the shore, playing on the tundra, and running free.
Rena’s love and passion for the community of St. Paul Island was apparent in her dedicated places of employment. She always aimed to safeguard St. Paul Island as an economically thriving community for the future generations and their families. She especially focused on the youth and overall future of the community. She advocated for the Elders of St. Paul Island ensuring their needs were met and felt strongly about calling St. Paul home, a good place to live, and considered every household when there were additional resources to offer.
Barbara McLemore
May 25, 1947 – September 10, 2025
Barbara McLemore, 78, a proud member of the Aleut Tribe and the beloved eldest daughter of Henry Becker (Nome) and Lucille Chercasen (Unalaska), passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, with family by her side.
A fun-loving, compassionate, and dedicated community leader, Barbara devoted her life to helping others. She was a strong community activist and supporter of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). Right before her passing, Barbara celebrated having over 40 years sober through Alcoholics Anonymous serving as a pillar of strength, hope, and inspiration to countless individuals.
Barbara will be remembered for her laughter, generosity, and her unwavering commitment to the Indigenous communities she relations with and her family. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend to many. Her legacy of love, resilience, and service will continue to shine through all who knew her.
A memorial service was held for Barbara on October 19, 2025, in Seattle, WA. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made to your local MMIW organization or a local AA / NA recovery program in her honor.
Carlos Vincente Torres
December 6, 1945 – October 20, 2025
Carlos Vicente Torres, Unangax̂ Army Veteran, a man whose smile could melt chocolate—and often did—passed away peacefully in his hometown of San Francisco, California. He was a devoted husband to Liwayway Torres—the love of his life for 52 years—a proud father, a doting grandfather, and a friend to just about everyone he ever met.
Born to Cirilo Fajardo Torres and Dorothy Jean Smith, Carlos lived a life rich in flavor, laughter, and love. A master Chocolatier and Confiseur by trade, he didn’t just craft confections—he crafted joy. His creations delighted the senses, but it was his warmth, wit, and storytelling that truly sweetened the lives of those around him.
Carlos had a rare gift: he could turn a stranger into a lifelong friend in the span of a single conversation. His stories—told with a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous grin—were legendary. Even if you’d heard one a dozen times, you’d find yourself laughing like it was the first, always catching a new detail that spun off into another tale entirely.
But above all, Carlos was a family man. His heartbeat strongest for his loved ones. He is survived by his children: Carlos Torres, Ricky Torres (Annette Torres),Victor Torres (Misty Torres), and Leilani Bitanga (Michael Bitanga). His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Brianna Torres-Moore, Kaitlin Torres, Trevor Watson, Charlene Lazo, Robert Torres, Brendon Torres, Tristan Torres, Hayden Torres, Quentin Torres, Landyn Torres, Sammi Torres, Alexandra Bitanga, and Andrew Bitanga.
Carlos’ greatest hobby wasn’t something you could hang on a wall or place on a shelf—it was people. He nurtured relationships like a gardener tends to roses, always making those around him feel seen, heard, and cherished. His laughter was contagious, his presence comforting, and his love unconditional.
Arthur Mark Stepetin II
March 22, 1962 – August 29, 2025
Arthur Mark Stepetin II, 63, of Akutan, Alaska, passed away on August 29th, 2025. Arthur was born on March 22nd, 1962, in Anchorage, Alaska. He was a loving father, beloved grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friends to many. He will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, and love for his family.
Throughout his life, Arthur found joy in fishing, going for long walks, watching football, spending time with friends, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his children, Arthur III, Timothy, Angelica and Jeremiah, his grandchildren, Mariah, Julian, Joseph, Jaydon, Rochelle, and Mireya, and his sisters, Anita and Vera.
