Roy Tansy Sr.
March 16, 1934 - January 10, 2021
Ahtna Elder Roy Tansy Sr. passed away at the age of 86 on January 10, 2021 at the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital in Fairbanks, Alaska. Mr. Tansy was born in 1934 at Valdez Creek. He was a member of the Native Village of Cantwell (Yedatene Na – “River behind the mountain”) and the Naltsiine (Sky) clan. He was married for 41 years to the love of his life, the late Irene Widmark Tansy, who shared his zest for life and adventure. They raised three children together in Copper Center, Alaska: Carmel Read, Roy J Tansy Jr. and Douglas Tansy.
A beloved former Ahtna, Inc., president and veteran board member, Mr. Tansy was passionate about helping the next generation to take over the company and passing on cultural and traditional ways. He grew up hunting and fishing in the Brushkana area near Cantwell and credited his dad with teaching him traditional ways of living off the land.
Mr. Tansy worked in the oil and gas industry for nearly 30 years and was a member of the 302 Operators Union. He stood up for Ahtna’s rights when it came to development in the region, such as the Trans Alaska Pipeline System which crosses over 197 miles of Ahtna’s traditional territory. As he so elegantly put it, “We shall prevail for it is our land and our cause is just!”
Mr. Tansy encouraged regional development projects that would provide benefits to shareholders, promote growth in the region and bring opportunities to the Ahtna people. Ken Johns, chairman of the Ahtna, Inc. Board of Directors remarked, “We will be forever grateful for Roy’s leadership and forethought and will carry on his noble work for the benefit of future generations of Ahtna people.”
About Roy Tansy Sr.
Mr. Tansy was born on March 16, 1934 and raised in Cantwell, Alaska. He served on the Ahtna, Inc. Board of Directors off and on for 40 years, most recently in 2018, as well as on many cAhtna subsidiary boards and committees. He also served as the president of Ahtna, Inc. (1979) and Ahtna Development Corporation. Mr. Tansy was heavily involved in the Ahtna region as an Elder advisor for the Ahtna Heritage Foundation, member of the Cantwell Joint Successor Village Organization and past board member of the Native Village of Cantwell, Fairbanks Native Association and Tanana Chiefs Conference. He was involved in early warning protection for the US Air Force during the Cold War and worked for the Alaska Road Commission. Mr. Tansy worked on the Trans Alaska Pipeline System during its construction in 1974 up until his retirement from the 302 Operators Union in 2002. He held an Associate Accounting Degree from Sawyer Business College in Los Angeles, CA.h
Published on January 12, 2021 on Ahtna
Paul Holley
My first thought when Roy comes to mind is gentleman. He always had a ready smile and a calm demeanor that was contagious. During my five years at PS12 he was one of my favorite people. God bless His family as they mourn his passing.
Rest In Peace Roy
Harold Anderson
It was a pleasure to know Roy. I introduced him to my wife and she enjoyed giving that "big indian guy" a hug when he showed up at the local Delta Junction grocery store. RIP Roy.
Harvey Anderson
So sorry to hear about Roy's passing.
He was a wonderful man that always had time to talk or help. He also had a lot of insight on a number of items.
My prayers and condolences to family and friends.
Rest in peace Roy.
J Chris Alexander
I am truly saddened. I spoke with Roy just before Christmas. He was looking forward to going home after a stay in he hospital, Minnesota I think. We made sure we were in contact over the years. He was an amazing man and helped me a grat deal when I was P and CM in the PS12 area. He knew more about Alaska, it's people and the Copper Valley area than anyone I know.
Roy was a strong, God loving, compassionate man and a great leader. When we would plan a project around the pumpstation or later in the Projects Dept. it was always smart to ask him how he would do it before you started a plan, he knew some tricks. He taught me a lot. We found a great friendship and laughed a great deal. There are many fun stories I could share here but, if you knew him you know, he had a mischievous side as well.
Our friendship grew over the years and allowed us to visit when I was in Alaska, have lunch or breakfast and catch up. I know after Irene's passing he lost some spirit but never that 'big bold' laugh, great heart and big smile. I will truly miss my friend. God speed Roy.
Shana Clay (Clay)
I loved Roy! He was a total sweetheart! I met him at PS12 back in the early 2000's when I was working temporarily down there. When I returned back to Alyeska Fairbanks office, Roy would call me up once a week or so just to say hello. He had the kindest voice and made me smile- it was Always nice to chat with him. ❤️ I think of him every once in a while.
Dea Pulliam
Roy was a person who knew how to appreciate every moment of life. I will remember you for your optimism and positive energy you shared with me during our times at Prospect Creek (PS5) which radiates through all of us. Roy, I know you left Calm because you achieved your purpose in this life. Goodbye my friend, until that day we meet again.
John Ballard
Roy was a joy to know. He was quiet and gentle as well as knowledgeable. I always enjoyed hearing about his airplane.
Toni Curry
Roy was a lovely person, a true gentleman, and an incredible storyteller. May his memory be a blessing, and his family find comfort in loving memories.
Greg Kinney
Roy was a fine man and a pleasure to work with. His life was well lived, and his good character has been well stated by the testaments given here.
Larry Katkin
I worked with Roy when I was acting P&CM at Pump 12. So many fond memories. What a great soul.