Iliodor Philemonof
April 13, 1942 – June 16, 2023
Iliodor, “Ed” Philemonof, loving son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend passed away on June 16, 2023.
Iliodor was born April 13, 1942, to Isaac and Erena (Merculief) Philemonof. He was the second oldest of six siblings. On June 24, 1942, during World War II, when he was just two months old, he and his family were forced to leave their home and were interned at Funter Bay in southeast Alaska. It is believed Iliodor may have been one of if not the youngest individual(s) of over 800 Aleuts interned. He was two and half years old when he and his family returned to St. George.
He was raised on Saint George Island until he attended Mt. Edgecumbe Boarding School in 1957 for four years and graduated in 1961. After graduating high school, he returned home for two years to work and continue the commercial fur seal harvesting. In 1963, he moved to South Canaan, Pennsylvania to attend St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, which he graduated from in 1967. During the summer breaks of high school and seminary, he went back home to work at the St. George Seal Plant with the “Fur Seal Gang”.
Iliodor spent his lifetime leading, working, and advocating for the Aleut People, their culture, language, and community. His leadership involvement included positions with organizations such as the Aleut League, the Aleutian Planning Commission, the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN), St. George Tanaq Corporation, St. Innocent Cathedral, and the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association (APIA). Iliodor shared his extensive knowledge in the Aleut community by providing guidance, support, advocacy, and mentorship. He was a dedicated linguist known for his contributions in preserving and revitalizing Unangam Tunuu (Aleut language).
He is proceeded in death by his brother Father Paul Merculief and sisters, Edna Floyd, and Irene Melovidov. He is survived by siblings, Dimitri Philemonof and Maria Stowe. He leaves behind three children, Iliodor Philemonof II, Isaac Philemonof, and Alexis Philemonof. He will be missed by his six grandchildren, Iliodor III, Lindsey, Treycen, Rhylynn, Gracelyn, and Ashlynn.
Iliodor’s caring, compassionate, and generous nature was second to none. He believed the Lord provided for him and, without hesitation, passed that on by helping anyone in need. His favorite past times were sports fishing, listening to music, and singing in the church choir. He cherished spending time with his family, especially sharing good conversation and humor with his siblings in Unangam Tunuu.
May he be remembered for his passion and dedication to preserving the Aleut Culture and enhancing the lives of the Aleut people.
Charles Hoff
April 13, 1942 – August 30, 2023
Memory Eternal to one The Aleut Corporation’s founding Board Members.
Charles Allen Hoff, a beloved son, father, and grandfather, passed away on August 30, 2023, at the age of 83 in Anchorage.
He was born on April 13, 1942, to Charles Allen Hoff Sr. and Annie Hoff of King Cove.
Charles’ journey in life was marked by dedication and hard work. He graduated from Mt. Edgecumbe and attended a trade school in Texas to pursue his passion for mechanics.
He returned to his Alaskan roots after graduating and for almost four decades, Charles dedicated himself to civil service, leaving a lasting impact on his community through his diligent work in the field of diesel mechanics.
In his later years, Charles followed another dream, owning and operating a successful Halibut Charter in Homer, Alaska.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Charles cherished his hobbies and interests. He found solace in fishing, clam digging, hunting, and an occasional game of bingo where he enjoyed the camaraderie of friends.
After a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that he faced with courage and grace, Charles sadly passed away. Even in the face of this challenging illness, his spirit remained strong.
Charles is survived by his loving daughters Sylvia Berg and Tammy Groves, sister, Diane McRae, and brother, Clifford Hoff Sr. He was a proud grandfather to Troy Mack, Justin Mack, Kenny Bradley, and Mitchell Berg. He also leaves behind several great-grandchildren.
Charles Allen Hoff’s legacy is one of hard work, determination, and a love of family and his Unangax̂ heritage. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Charles, may you find eternal peace and a guiding light for those who will miss and love you.
Ilene Evans
July 28, 1942 – May 12, 2023
Ilene was born in Portland, OR after her Unangax̂ (Aleut) family was removed from their home in the Aleutian Islands when Japan invaded during WWII. She was a member of the Qagan Tayagungin tribe, and shareholder of Shumagin and The Aleut Corporation.
Ilene was the daughter of James Leroy Evans and Lily Osterback and sister to Lea, Julie, and Connie. She lived in Oregon, California, and Walla Walla, WA before her family settled in Green Lake, WA. Ilene graduated from Lincoln High in 1960 and, later, from the University of Puget Sound (in 1978) with 2 bachelor’s degrees, in Art and Sociology.
Ilene was a prolific artist and writer and kept daily notes and sketches and self-published several books. She was an activist and advocate for Indian fishing rights in the Pacific Northwest in the early 1970’s. She ran in 5K’s and won her first 1st Place finish at the age of 69. She was active in the Pacific Northwest Aleut Council for many years. Ilene enjoyed genealogy sleuthing and family history research trips. Ilene suffered 2 traumatic brain injuries, in 1985 and 1999. Those events left her physically and cognitively disabled, but she stayed active and busy and fiercely independent. She could be seen walking or bussing around her beloved downtown Seattle almost every day. Ilene was an animal lover, caring for many cats and birds, her bunny, Spot, and her beloved dog, Chena.
Ilene is survived by her daughter, Gina M. Gerking Spiller, son Allan L. Gerking (Cheryl), her grandchildren, Leslie Gerking (Anthony Lewis), Haley Gerking Mendoza (Sergio), Kallin Ann Spiller, Justin C. Spiller, Amanda Williams Carpenter (Cam), Ashley Williams Simpson (Charlie), and great grandchildren, Charlotte Mendoza, and Ezekiel Lewis.