Obituary: Galen Darrell (The Bear) Burrell May 5, 1955 - February 22, 2026

Galen Darrell (The Bear) Burrell, was born on May 5, 1955, in Del Norte, California, to Barbara and Warren Burrell. The family moved from Edna Bay, Alaska, to Petersburg, Alaska, in 1959.

Growing up wild and free in Scow Bay set the grit that Galen maintained his whole life. He was an exciting Viking wrestler when in high school and he did well. He loved his Moose Camp at Thomas Bay, where he would spend quite a bit of time on the hunt. He also liked to trek up the Stikine River as you can see in this picture.

Galen married Debbie and they had their daughter Anjelica in March 1991. His greatest achievement, he would tell you, was his daughter Anjelica.

Galen lived in Petersburg most of his life. He fought a long and arduous battle with COPD and then, in his final weeks, found out he had cancer everywhere. He passed on February 22, 2026, leaving a hole in many hearts, however he is now without pain and flying free.

Galen was preceded in death by his older sister Darcel Schouweiler, mother Barbara Wikan and father Warren (Frog) Burrell.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Burrell; daughter Anjelica Benitz and his grandsons Bjorn and Eric; brother Don Wikan; sisters Susie Burrell and Samantha Wikan-Williams; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.