Alfred Attla Sr. was born on January 8th, 1939 in Hughes, AK to George Sr. and Eliza Attla. He grew up living a subsistence lifestyle traveling with the seasons. His parents moved their family down to the Yukon River in the summer to fish and lived in the Dulbi Slough during the winter He attended school up until 3rd grade at the Holy Cross Mission. He was married to the love of his life Helen Attla for 57 years and had six beautiful children and took in many more they called their own.
In his younger years, he was a dog musher, he once entered and won the Open North American Championships with a team of dogs that were all his own. He also raced in the Fur Rondy and Iditarod. He enjoyed passing on his dog mushing skills and knowledge to his family. He was skilled with over 30 years in the Carpenters union, building homes throughout Alaska. Alfred was a knowledgeable businessman despite his 3rd-grade education. Together he and Helen owned the only store in Hughes in the 70s. They moved to Los Angeles, California where he went to the West Coast Trade School for Automotive, and from there they lived in Anchorage where he worked at JCPenny Auto Center. He was one of the founding members of K’oyitl’ots’ina, Ltd. and the KRC and served many years on the Yukon-Koyukuk School Board. He raised and taught his children the subsistence lifestyle and taught them to hunt and trap.
He was preceded in death by his parents George Sr. & Eliza Attla; brothers, Steven Attla Sr., George Attla Jr., and Frank Attla; sister, Minnie Yatlin; Father In-law, Joe Beetus; brother-in-law, Jimmy & Dolly Beetus. He is survived by his wife Helen Attla; brothers Robert Attla and Barney Attla; sisters, Rose Ambrose, Marie Yaska, and Madeline Williams; children, Wayne Attla, Alfred Attla Jr., Audrey Bifelt, Harold Attla, Kathy Attla Ehlers, and Gloria Patsy; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
We also want to acknowledge the following who were special to his heart: Carol Alexie, Avianna Attla, & Seneca Attla
Alfred & Helen treated people with kindness and generosity and at the end of his life, this was reflected by the outpouring of support and love from all over Alaska. He was rich in family and friendship which to him was better than all the riches in the world.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to those who showed their love and support and would like to acknowledge Margie Ambrose who traveled to Hughes by boat to help care for her uncle and his lifelong friend Warner Vent Sr. who stayed by his side until he passed
