Font ResizeANIAK, Alaska (CBS 11 News) Pete Brown, Aniak Volunteer Fire Department chief and founder of the Aniak Dragon Slayers lost his battle with cancer on October 13th. He was 64.
Brown started the Dragon Slayers to save lives and help get young people interested in the medical field, an effort that received national attention over the years.
On Saturday, October 10th, the community rallied around the man that has given hope to so many rural kids. Hundreds turned out for a potluck at the Aniak High School to say thank you and goodbye.
"It's amazing what the kids can do- somebody's just got to show them and lead them on the way to start," Brown told the crowd at the celebration.
That is what Brown
Brown was the driving force behind the Aniak Dragon Slayers- a group of young people who save lives and fight fires on the Kuskokwim River. It is an organization that gives hope and a carrier path for rural kids.
"He is going to be incredibly missed," says volunteer Fire Dept. member Dave LeMaster. "He has been instrumental in starting Kick Ash programs for youth in Kotzebue, Galena and Aniak.
That is why for the first time funeral traditions were adapted for a celebration of Pete's life while he was still here.
Expert Athabaskan sewers made traditional burial clothes- a beaded moose hide vest, boots and hunting shirt for Brown, and black Qaspeqs with red trim for him and the Dragon Slayers to wear during the ceremony.
Among the hundreds who filled the Aniak gym... Young people Brown has helped traveled from all over the state and the world to be there.
"He was a big motivation on my life and he impacted this community so much," Says Gary Conrad, a former Dragon Slayer and current Marine. "Its unbelievable how much everyone loves him, and how one man can change so much."
Pete Brown is survived by his four children, five grandchildren and the fire and rescue service he helped create.
Funeral services are set to be held Oct 15th at 2 p.m. at the Aniak Point.
To contact Andrea Gusty, call 907-273-3146.
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