Paul Zabriskie, age 62, passed away Feb. 8, 2009 in Seward, Alaska at the Glacierview Apartments. Paul was born Dec. 9, 1946 and raised in New Jersey. He began his life in Alaska, and in Hope, in the late 1960s after being honorably discharged from the Air Force with his last assignment at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage.As a civilian he worked on the North Slope as a draftsman and did construction plan take-offs in Anchorage. Around 1981, he had caught “gold fever” and prospected on Resurrection Creek and Bear Creek. When he wasn’t gold mining, he was fishing or tying flies for his next great fishing adventure or working on his woodworking projects.
Paul was always willing to lend a hand and particularly enjoyed entertaining the tourists with colorful tales at the local hot spots such as Tito’s Discovery Café, SeaView Café and Bar and at Bear Creek Lodge.
He is survived by his brothers David and Edward, his sister Barbara and his mother Laura Sturtecky, who all live in Florida. Paul’s ashes will be scattered in Hope. A potluck will be held Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. in the Hope Social Hall followed by a bonfire. Everyone is welcome to bring pictures and stories in memory of Paul’s life here in Hope.