Obituary

Eugene Primaky Jr, a beloved son, brother and uncle, passed away on October 12, 2024 at the age of 56.

Gene was born on October 3, 1968 in North Carolina to Eugene and Josee Primaky.

Before coming back to Alaska he lived in Minnesota. While in Minnesota, he pursued a degree in Archaeology at Bemidji State University.

During his senior year he traveled to Thorne Bay on Prince of Wales Island in southeast Alaska. It was here that he accepted a Forestry position with the US Forest Service, marking the beginning of his decades-long career with the agency. In 1998, after years cruising timber on POW, he accepted a GIS (Geographic Information System) position at the Petersburg Ranger District in Petersburg, Alaska where he lived and worked until his passing.

While in his role making maps as a GIS tech, Gene also fought fires, assisted the timber crew, participated in stream restoration projects, but by far his favorite time was spent in the field with the archaeology crews every summer. While on an archaeology and paleontology field trip in 2011, Gene was instrumental in discovering a new species of fossilized Thalattosaur.

This sea reptile is estimated to be 220 million years old, a one-of-a-kind fossil older than the dinosaurs and one of Alaska's most complete fossil vertebrates. It was named Gunakadeit joseéae: Gunakadeit, for a Tlingit sea monster legend and joseéae in honor of Gene's mother Josee.

As his family and friends know, Gene was a sweet, intelligent, funny, and kindhearted man. A lover of history, cats and scary movies, and a longtime supporter of his family, friends and their children.

Gene was always quietly contributing to their local Petersburg fundraisers and nonprofit efforts.

He was the first to help move pianos in or old appliances out, volunteered to work the Elks Hoop Shoot and the Devils Thumb Archery tournament, helped friends build their homes, and immediately came to the aid of anyone needing a hand.

But most importantly, Gene loved and was loved by his family and friends, he was steadfastly loyal and supportive to his parents, siblings, and their children, and kept a thoughtful yet hopeful and humorous outlook on life.

Gene was preceded in death by his father Eugene, his brother Johnny, his step-siblings Sheldon and Tracy Hallett, and niece Amanda Baer.

He is survived by his parents Josee and Lionel Hallett,

His sister Brigitte Thompson; her husband Bill and son Billy. His brother Ricky Hallett; his wife Adrienne and their daughters Sydney Cozzini and Sierra Hallett.

His brother David Primaky; his wife Crystal and their daughter Codi Holloway and son Colter Primaky.

Also his many aunts, uncles and cousins in Belgium, his close friend Sandy Powers, and countless friends who will dearly miss him.

In lieu of a service, we invite you to honor Gene by making someone's day special.