Obituary, Roy Theodore Sokol

ROY THEODORE SOKOL

AUGUST 10, 1953 - JUNE 27, 2013

Live Life To The Fullest - Laugh Often - Love Deeply - Listen Closely -

These words are how he lived his life. He had a unique gift and quality at making those around him feel so special and loved.

Ted was diagnosed with skin cancer in late October of 2011, he fought the battle hard - never letting it get the best of him. He continued to live his life the way he wanted, his attitude was so admirable - always the optimist. Unfortunately his fight and struggle ended when he passed away in his home the 27th of June, 2013 .

He was born in Morton, Wa on August 10, 1953 to Roy and Gayle Sokol and was just a toddler when he arrived in Petersburg in 1955. He grew up in Scow Bay where he made so many friends he called HIS family.

Ted was a man who loved life and what it had to offer, he was proud to live in Petersburg where he loved to hunt, fish, and explore the surrounding areas with family and friends. He had many fond memories over the years spending time at his two favorite cabins - The Roundtree Cabin in Beecher’s Pass and the Gustafsons Cabin in Duncan Canal where Tom gave him the honor years ago to become the caretaker of this cabin - When he had time off of work thats where you could likely find him, with a roaring campfire, bbq going and a drink in hand, enjoying the scenery and good conversation with friends.

The day following Ted’s Celebration of Life our family and his closet friends spread his ashes in Duncan Canal ......

He will now forever remain in the spot that was so special to him - a beautiful place that gave him such peace.....

As many of you know he had a great love for sports - and he enjoyed them all. Over the years he had played and coached baseball and basketball. He did watch the pro’s, however he liked to go and watch the kids play here in town when he could, always commenting on how well they were doing, how awesome the coaches were and how much it just made his day to connect with the kids. He always looked forward to football season and of course nascar was a favorite as well ........ many hours on the tv and internet checking out his team players and favorite drivers!

One huge part of his life was firefighting, he certainly had found his niche. A very rewarding experience for him. Although it was challenging at times it was natural for him, almost like second nature - he had gained the knowledge and skills from some awesome teachers and mentors. Through out the years he was able to pass down this knowledge with the younger generation of volunteers which meant so much to him. It is safe to say that he left his mark with the whole department during the 25 years he had served.

Ted was the type of person who made countless friends with each job he held. Very respected and hardworking, a natural leader who you could trust and always count on. He was so proud of the jobs he had held during his life - however his favorite was working for Alaska Airlines - he had such a love for airplanes and was just thrilled to be apart of their family! The stories he told and had shared over the years were such a testament of the man he was - always connecting - and never letting go ... he retired from Alaska Airlines after 18 years and then went to work for Alaska Marine Lines in 1990 where he was back in the transportation industry as their dispatcher. Opportunity struck again in 2002 and he moved on to the State of Alaska - DOT - were he worked first as an operator and then became the airport and highway foreman where he remained until he had to retire in April of this year.

If you ever asked Ted what he thought his greatest accomplishment in life was he would have told you, becoming a father .... and then a grandfather. He was devoted to all four of his children - Shelly, Amzie, Monica and Blake, he cherished and loved each one of them so much, so proud of the young adults they had become. He was so very proud all of his 7 grandchildren - who he loved deeply ..... before he passed he had found out that his first grandson was going to be a father himself giving him his first great grandchild - he was so excited and thrilled.

We were all in awe of the kind hearted man that Ted was - he had so many words of encouragement and wisdom, wonderful stories and some truly funny jokes whom he liked to share with so many of us. A good friend you could always count on. His smile and laughter, along with his joking nature will be so missed by all that knew him.

In the end Ted was given the gift of time.....time to share past memories and stories, visit with friends and share new memories........ and say his goodbyes in his own way. He was able to live out the last of his days as he wanted, and I will always be grateful that he was able to do so. His spirit will forever remain with us through our thoughts, stories and memories of a great man - always!

Ted chose one pallbearer - His Best Girlfriend - Naomi Youngberg, whom he loved and cherished - Always!

Ted will be deeply missed by his wife Vickie, his children Shelly Martens, her husband Blair, Amzie Sokol, her fiance Kris, Monica Nielsen, her fiance Casey, Blake Buotte and his girlfriend Taylor, His grandchildren Jase Payne, Justin and Kaylei Lewis, Addison and Jameson Albiston, Diavik Nielson and Roguen Clapper. His father and mother in law Ole and Kandi Nordgren. His dog..... Kupreanof Sumner Bodasous Sokol

His Namesakes Michael Theodore Pope, Hal Theodore Littleton, and Duncan Theodore Durst.