| Graduation Year | Class of 1972 |
| Date of Passing | Nov 19, 2021 |
| About | Don, 67, was born at St. Joseph's Hospital in Fairbanks on Jan. 24, 1954. He was the second of eight children born to John and Nora (Lisbourne) Kubanyi. Don passed peacefully in his sleep on Nov. 19, 2021, succumbing to cancer. Don attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Alaska Methodist University in Anchorage. Don was a life-long member of the International Union of Operator's Engineer's Local 302 (July 1974-October 2006.) Don had a lifetime love of hunting and fishing, he enjoyed passing these skills along to his friends and relatives. He was famous for his smoked salmon and deep fried halibut. In 1979, Don obtained his private pilot's license in Greeley, CO. He bought his first airplane and flew it up to Fairbanks. Don met Kathy Lavelle at UAF and in 1982 they married. They were blessed with a daughter, Arlette. He met Bobbie Bahus in 1992 and their bundle of joy, daughter Ezra was born. Don always had numerous projects going on, all at once; he was remodeling his rental properties, his cabin, designing burl wood furniture, playing chess or pool, all while planning his next adventure. At one point, he began to build a lodge for tourists to visit Interior Alaska and view the northern lights. Don was an avid traveler throughout his life, he enjoyed visiting New Zealand, Australia, Scandinavia, Costa Rica and Guatemala as well as many Alaskan fishing spots. Through Ancestry DNA, Don recently found out he had another daughter and two grandsons and spent time with them before his passing. Don was everyone's favorite, a truly kind soul, always helping others, generous and thoughtful. He will be missed immensely and leaves a great void in the lives of those who loved him dearly. Don was preceded in death by his parents and brother Bobby. He is survived by his daughters Arlette Eagle-Lavelle (granddaughter Quinn), Ezra Kubanyi, of Fairbanks, Estella Frankson (grandsons Harley and Ezekiel) of Logan, Iowa, siblings Jim (Maydy) of Fairbanks, Aileen "Babe" (Don "String") Welton of North Pole, Elizabeth "Piquk" (Rex) Tuzroyluk of Pt. Hope, Doris Kubanyi (Brian Baggett) of Anchorage, Victor Kubanyi of Fairbanks and Arlette Kubanyi of Palmer, 13 beloved nieces and nephews, their children and so many friends that all called him "Uncle Don." Don was cremated, his ashes will be spread at his favorite places across Alaska. Published by Daily News-Miner on Jan. 9, 2022. |
