Smokey Carry
Smokey Carry passed away February 15, 2024, following a catastrophic hemorrhagic stroke, leaving a tremendous void in our lives. He grew up in Montana and lived in Washington before finding his forever home in Alaska.
Smokey made many friends throughout the Copper Basin and Alaska. He worked at Caribou Hotel, Gakona Lodge, Gakona Village, and Bush Bottle Bin, and also as a carpenter for local contractors, and at Meiers Lake Lodge.
Smokey was often seen riding his unicycle around Gakona with his beloved dog Pearl running beside him - an unusual sight for sure, but Smokey was an unusual and unique man. He made every task an adventure, whether it was shoveling snow off roofs, getting firewood, or helping someone with a building project. Smokey was a genius in the use of a saw and could fall a tree right where you wanted it.
If a man’s success is defined by friends left behind, Smokey was the most successful. He was quick to make friends and enjoyed sharing his knowledge and passions, whether it was gardening, music, crossword puzzles, cribbage, camping, fishing, foraging, or a game of pool. Friends loved having him house sit, as he quickly endeared himself to their pets. He was very talented at carving diamond willow into beautiful gifts for friends.
His friendship was a gift given wholeheartedly and without reservation. It transcended age, culture, class - everything. He saw something to discover and appreciate in everyone. He was selfless and always willing to help others. He made time for his friends, whether to help with a project, share the latest book he was reading, or enjoy a meal or a beer.
Smokey will be remembered for his kind, generous heart. He had little interest in material possessions and lived a simple life, needing only enough food for a meal, wood for the fire, a book, a crossword puzzle, and a place to lay his and Pearl’s head. He was a gentle soul who touched many hearts and was happiest when he was helping someone. He added an indescribable amount to our lives.
Smokey was preceded in death by his father Nick, his mother Donna, and his sister Cathy. He is survived by his brothers Pat (Cindy), Ky (Polly), and Tate (Lori) and his sister Chris (Bill), in addition to his stepchildren Shannon, JB, and Barb. A celebration of life will be held this summer in Gakona, AK.