On June 15, 1986, Douglas “Dougie” Wayne Pitka Jr. was born to Jeanette and Douglas Pitka Sr. He passed Sept. 28, 2024.
His birth brought immense joy to his parents when he was born on Father’s Day. Dougie was raised in his family’s homes in Fairbanks and Beaver.
He attended Barnette Elementary, Ryan Middle School, Lathrop High School and graduated from the Alaska Military Youth Academy (AMYA) in Anchorage. After graduating AMYA, he earned his Heavy Equipment Diesel Mechanic Certification from AVTEC in Seward. Dougie also attended International Union Of Operating Engineers (IUOOE) training in Palmer, becoming a certified Local 302 Union Heavy Equipment Operator. Doug Jr. began his career for Doyon Drilling as a roustabout and made many friends during his tenure there.
Dougie was an excellent hockey player who thoroughly enjoyed the sport, along with his good buddy John Lillie Jr. and others. Dougie scored 63 goals in his last two years of hockey. His love for the game inspired his sister, Julia, to follow in his footsteps and take up hockey too.
Dougie was a true traditional outdoorsman and spent time fall moose hunting near his hometown of Beaver. He, his dad and sisters, Julia and Kate, sure had a lot of fun in the woods. Also, Dougie and his wife, Daphne, enjoyed walks outdoors with their dog, Dakota.
Dougie is survived by his beloved wife, Daphne; parents, Douglas Pitka Sr. and Jeanette Pitka; parent-in-laws, Glen Sam and Marilyn Attla; sisters, Kathryn (Macarius Jr. “Boo”) and Julia; brother, Kevin; nieces, Allyonna and Venita (and her two sets of twins); nephews, Thomas, Macarius III, Nashon, Tavin and Kayson; lifelong best buds, Pat, Kyle, Chris and John; and a large extended family and countless friends.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Jack VanHatten Sr. and Julia Pitka, and his maternal grandparents, John Sr. and Rita Greenway.
We apologize if we missed anyone. Dougie was loved by all who knew him.
