Donald Stein Donald Stein of Fairbanks passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Dec. 8, 2023, at the age of 96. He died peacefully at home with his family. Donald was born in Buffalo, New York, to George and Matilda Stein on Oct. 13, 1927. He was a member of a close and loving family of four brothers and one sister who passed at an early age. After high school near the end of World War II, he followed his older brother Norm into the Navy where he served as a boilerman aboard the fast oiler USS Chemung. Soon after his honorable discharge in 1947, he was lured north to the rugged territory of Alaska and its promises of freedom. Donald followed his passions and earned bachelor's degrees in geology and chemistry from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1954. His career as state assayer in Fairbanks in 1956 followed, where he soon became well respected by miners for his competence, friendly nature and discretion. He worked actively in support of miners around the state and with the Alaska Miners Association. Don developed many friendships in the mining industry, one of the earliest being Leo Mark Anthony. As best man at Leo's wedding, the maid of honor, Evelyn Fikse, caught his eye. Donald and Evelyn were married in 1956 at the First Methodist Church in Fairbanks, with Leo and his wife Beverly serving as best man and maid of honor in turn. Donald and Evelyn were adventurous and enjoyed traveling, visiting places around the world with family history. He was an avid bowler and participated in league competitions. Armed with a talent for construction, he built his own home where he raised his family and infused his children and grandchildren with a loyalty and respect for each other that strengthens the family to this day. After retiring in 1981, he set out to realize his dream of placer mining on his own claims. Together with his wife, his son Robert, and son-in-law Brad, Donald worked his placer properties on Twin Creek, and later on Gilmore Creek, for many seasons. He enjoyed vigorous health well into his 90s. An avid storyteller, Don always had an interesting tale at hand to tell from his life experiences. He was preceded by his beloved wife and best friend of 59 years, Evelyn. He is survived by his two brothers, Norman and Raymond; his three sons, George, Nicholas and Robert; and his two daughters, Andrea Snow and Kathleen Hardenbrook. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sarah, Joseph, Benjamin, Michael, David and Lucas, as well as his great-grandchildren, Asher, Mackenzie, Gideon and Evelyn, and a fifth one on the way, Owen Michael. The Alaska Miner Fall 2024 54 In Memoriam, 2024
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