Obituary: Samuel (Kelly) Thomas, 67

Kelly Thomas was born on November 29, 1957, in Petersburg, Alaska, to Samuel and Arliss (Littleton) Thomas, both of whose families were long-time Petersburg residents. Growing up on the corner of Second and Fram, where the Clausen Museum now stands, and surrounded by family, he was a happy, 'giggle pot' of a kid.

After graduating from Petersburg High School – where, at 6' 3" he starred as a formidable force on the wrestling team – Kelly spent some time commercial fishing out of Petersburg and running heavy equipment. The skills he learned served him well when he staked a gold claim on some land outside of Nome in his early 30s.

While set-netting off the beach in Naknek, he met his future wife Linda, a commercial fisherman. They made their home in Naknek and while Linda continued commercial fishing, Kelly spent May through September running his gold mine. One summer his grandfather Swede Wasvick traveled up to the mine to cook for the crew, a memory that felt like ten days in heaven.

Kelly continued to mine until Linda was diagnosed with cancer several years ago, forcing them to relocate to Anchorage. Following her death, Kelly suffered a stroke and faced a long battle against four different cancers before passing away on August 4, 2025, in Anchorage.

Kelly was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; parents, Sam and Arliss Thomas; and a brother, Kirk Thomas.

He is survived by his sister, Kerri (Robert) Tonkin; nieces, Ashley Winstell, Danielle Tonkin, and Tiana Thomas; nephews, Samuel Heimdahl, Tristan Thomas, and Evan Thomas; and his Petersburg aunts, Jeanine Norheim, Irene Roundtree, Patricia Nelson, and Lynn Smith.

Kelly loved his family and living 'in the Bush.' His beautiful smile and booming voice will be missed by all. A private service is to be held at a later date.