Anchorage Daily News

Alaska aviation pioneer, noted artist and author, skrimshander, public speaker, community activist/volunteer and friend, Ellen Evak Paneok died March 2, 2008, at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. She was 48.

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Ellen Evak Paneok

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A memorial service, celebration of life and potluck will be at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, 4721 Aircraft Drive.

Born Oct. 17, 1959, in Bedford, Va., she was the first Native woman bush pilot, and one of only 37 pilots featured in the "Women and Flight" exhibit at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., Ellen went on to fly more than 15,000 hours. Featured in numerous books on women and aviation, including "Bush Pilots of Alaska" and "Women Pilots of Alaska," she was also referenced in a number of other publications for her unique experience and knowledge of high-Arctic flying. Most recently she was included in Ann Cooper's new book "Stars of the Sky, Legends All," which will be released March 19. After flying for air taxi operations throughout the Bush, she worked for the Federal Aviation Administration as an operations inspector, and then for the Alaska Aviation Safety Foundation as the statewide aviation safety coordinator. She was honored to be one of the few pilots authorized to fly the vintage aircraft owned by the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum. Known to many of us as a longtime member and supporter of the Alaska 99s International Organization of Women Pilots, Ellen volunteered her time and served on the board of a number of local organizations, including the Alaska Airmen's Association and the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum. She was the president of the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southcentral Alaska and served on the boards of both the Alaska Historical Commission and Challenge Alaska. She also spent countless hours inspiring the youth of Anchorage, and village communities, to look to the sky and pursue their own dreams.

Ellen has been published in Alaska Magazine, AOPA Pilot and other books and magazines, and her article "With Trusting Eyes Behind Me" was included in "The Last Frontier," a collection of the best of Alaska Magazine.

She is survived by her sister, Tina Beth Godsey, brother-in-law Sean Godsey, and nephew, Gunnar Evak Godsey, all of Falling Waters, W.Va.; her father, Ron Burgandine of San Diego; her grandmother, Sarah Evak of Kotzebue; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Bernice Evak Burgandine; sister, Cheryll "Cheri" McIntyre; and grandfather, Johnny Evak Sr.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to one of the following organizations: Alaska 99s "Ellen Paneok Scholarship Fund"; Alaska Airmen's Association; Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southcentral Alaska; or an alcohol recovery program of your choice.

Those with questions regarding the service or potluck, or who wish to bring items for the display of her life's accomplishments, may call Roberta Degenhardt at (907) 274-5168 or e-mail bertahome@gci.net.

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