Ralph Knudson Jr.

Kaashaan grew up loving the Tlingit traditional ways of hunting, fishing, and berry picking. Learning not only from his father but his grandparents.

When Kaashaan was old enough, he put his fishing skills to use and started working on commercial fishing boats like Yukon II, Yankee, Mermaid, and Western queen (to name a few). He set an example that he’d later teach his children to work hard and play hard. After a long fishing trip he’d often travel and see his favorite 70’s band and enjoy life to the fullest.

In 1984 when logging was a thriving industry in Hoonah he joined Whitestone Logging Company. He was the jack of all trades and made lifetime friends. After logging left Hoonah, Ralph worked numerous jobs around town to support two kids as a single parent, before he retired to “take it easy” and have his own time to enjoy the logging roads. His kids and grandchildren learned to ask if he was going home.

Fatherhood: Ralph became a proud and active father of two. He was a very active father; Attending school events, playing with kids after a long hard day of work such as building forts, fishing, or a simple drive out the road. Sharing his knowledge with his kids and often going hunting and fishing with his son was a great tradition shared. As his children grew older, he never stopped being a supporter and was always their biggest fan still being active by visiting or doing video chat.

Once ralph became a grandfather he often left his home from the bush and traveled down to “America” as he referred, to see and be just as active in his grandchildren’s lives. Watching his grandchildren play sports or just watching them play was the purest joy felt all around. The love he had for his “gang” was known to all those who knew him.

Ralph is survived by his children, Stephanie Knudson (Zach Burkhart) and Ralph Knudson III (Ana Cortes-Knudson) of Colorado. His grandchildren; Corbin and Tristen Harris; Greyson Knudson, Kayley and Nicole Burkhart; Sophia, Samantha, Ralph 4th, and Maisie Cortes-Knudson.

Mother, Harriet Knudson and siblings; Mary (Jim) Erickson, Kelvin Knudson Sr, Irene Knudson, Harriet Knudson, Ralphenia Knudson, Torvald (Janice) Knudson. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Ralph is proceeded in Death by his father, Ralph Knudson Sr., Brother Howard (Howie) Knudson, Grandparents, Amy and Harry Marvin, Jessie and Howard Grey.