Timothy Fraze, 1958-2022
Timothy Jerome Fraze passed away peacefully on November 11, 2022, in Mentasta, Alaska. He was born June 18, 1958 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and found his way to Alaska.
Tim attended Abbott Loop Christian High School, where he discovered his love of music. He went on to attend college in Oregon. He spent some years in California playing piano.
Tim was a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, coach, music teacher, friend, and all-around good guy. Students referred to him as “Coach.”
He took every opportunity to teach his greatest love, music. He was called to several events to play keyboard and sing. His favorite pastime was, hands down, FISHING!
He called many places his home, including Anchorage, Northway, Carlson Creek, Mentasta, Chistochina, and Tok, where he built a log cabin with help from his friend, Mark McCullough.
Tim enjoyed sports, including hockey, softball, volleyball, and basketball. He led the Northway girls’ high school team to win the State Championship in 1984. He was locally known as the “famous third baseman.” He also umpired at many softball tournaments throughout Interior Alaska.
Tim worked many jobs, but always shared stories of his time on crabbing boats in the Bering Sea. He was employed in the past by the Alaska Gateway School District as both a coach and music teacher. He coached in Mentasta and Northway, and taught many youngsters piano and guitar.
He was also an EFF (fire fighter). Tim was a bartender in Northway and at Duffy’s. He also worked as a laborer for Tok A.P.& T.
Tim was adopted by the late Ben John, Sr. of Mentasta, who truly treated him as a son. His best friend, Keith Albert, kept him company in Tok. Often, Tim could be found at the public library.
Tim leaves behind his sole daughter, Venessa Murphy (mother was the late Judi Murphy); grandchildren, Venessa ‘Little V’ Murphy-Cleary, Benton Cleary, and Justin Cleary; as well as many, many nephews and nieces.
As per his wishes, he will be cremated and his ashes spread in the places and communities he loved. Memorial services will be posted at a later date.
