Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home

03/25/2026

Our much loved husband, son, brother and uncle, Tyler Gordon Baird, went home to be with his

Lord and Savior on March 11, 2026. Tyler was born September 4th, 1992, to Janine and Kevin

Baird, in Pasadena California.

Tyler spent the first 4 years of his life in Lancaster, California before the USAF moved his family

to Eielson AFB in 1996. From that time on Tyler and his family made their home in Salcha,

Alaska, where Tyler resided until he met the love of his life Lillie Mejia Baird. On August 9,

2014, the two were married in Columbus,Texas. After a short stint in Tennessee and Sugarland

Texas, Tyler grew homesick for his family so in September of 2020 he and Lillie returned to

North Pole, Alaska where he resided at the time of his death.

Tyler was a loving husband, son and brother. He loved kids and was adored by his nieces and

nephew. His smile and laugh would light up the room the minute he walked in. He cared for

others deeply and unconditionally and loved to make them laugh. He had a passion for

baseball, fishing and cooking. He was a true meat connoisseur with a palate for any variety

of meat dishes. At the time of his death he was employed as a meat packer/butcher. He

often stated he had found his perfect dream job.

Tyler loved the Lord with all his heart and was a true example of what it meant to love

others unconditionally. He would often go out of his way to help others when needed.

He wanted everyone to know they were loved and valued no matter their story.

As the oldest of 7 seven children, Tyler took being the big brother to heart, as the boss,

protector and prankster to his siblings. He treasured the time with them and absolutely

loved fishing with his brother Matt. His absences will be deeply felt but he will live on in

our hearts and memories. We know he would want us comforted with the thought that a

heavenly reunion is coming for all those who have placed their faith and trust in the Lord

Jesus Christ.

Tyler is survived by his beautiful wife Lillie Baird of North Pole, his mother Janine Baird

of Salcha , his father Kevin Baird and Mary of Bessner Alabama, his brother Joshua

Baird and Belle of North Pole, AK, his brothers Kevin Baird, and Jonathan Baird of

Fairbanks and his youngest brother Matthew Baird of Salcha. He is also survived by his

sisters Kimberly and Katie Baird of Fairbanks Alaska. His maternal grandpa Dewey

Jewett, several aunts and uncles and his nephew Noah Reynolds and nieces Areya and

Emma Joy. Tyler was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Dee and Alta

Baird, his maternal grandmother Patricia Jewett, and his aunts Rhonda Jewett and

Pricilla Martinez.

View Tyler Baird's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

03/25/2026

Harold (Hal) Ray Livingston passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026 surrounded by his sons. He was born an adventurous spirit in Colorado Springs on October 03, 1932 to a hustling machinist and a mother of 6 children. The family moved around the western states frequently, following the work as families did in those days. He recalled a time when they had once again packed up all their belongings and were traveling over Monarch Pass, CO in a Model T Ford flatbed, which was having trouble getting up and over the 11,000 foot pass. The truck was loaded down with his father’s tools, supplies, extra axels, and his mother’s beloved piano. They had to drop weight, and sadly, the piano was the first thing to go, which they gave to a native American family on the side of the road. Hard times make hard men, and Hal was nothing if not tough as nails. Just before his 8th birthday, Hal was given a shovel and sent to work on a nearby farm to ride a horse around the irrigation ditches and keep them clear. He was fed 3 meals a day and took baths in the ditches, and he greatly enjoyed being out on his own, even at such a young age. From then on, Hal’s fiery sense of independence and adventure, as well as a love of the land was stoked.

At age 15 he and his younger brother Grant boarded a steamship in Seattle and made their way to Cordova, Alaska where he worked at the Model Cafe washing dishes and learning to bake pies and bread for fishermen. His job was to light and stoke the wood fired oven and he was impressed by the baker who could knead two loaves of bread with both hands at one time. One day a stranger on the street asked him if he wanted a job and he said yes, figuring it had to be a better one. The next day he reported to the New England Cannery and rode the barge as it was tugged across Prince William Sound. He recalled one story when the captain of the tugboat pulling the barge called for him to come steer one night. He was a drinking man, and he called over his shoulder, “Just keep it between the buoys,” as he stumbled down the ladder to his bunk. And Hal did just that. He was an ethical and principled man, and he continued to keep it between the buoys for the remainder of his life. He fell in love with Alaska and came back the next summer to work for the cannery again, then made his final trip after he graduated high school in Wichita, KS.

At age 17 he boarded his first airplane bound for Fairbanks to attend the University of Alaska to study his passion, geology. He told the story with irritation in his voice about how the university would not let him attend without his parents signatures, as he was a minor. He was greatly incensed that his parents needed to be involved at all. After all, they were neither attending the classes nor paying for it! Nonetheless he was forced to wait one year to attend and worked for Otto Geist cleaning Pleistocene bones collected from the gold mines around Fairbanks. But it all worked out in the end, because while attending UAF he met his beloved bride to be, Nela Carol Goeting (1936 – 2024). As the story goes, there was a big snowball fight during Starvation Gulch and Hal put a snowball down the back of Nela’s dress to get her attention. For some reason, that sealed the deal for Nela, and they were soon married at the University Presbyterian Church. They honeymooned in a little cabin on the Chena slough behind what is now Wolf Run restaurant and about 10 months later their first son Phillip was born.

Hal spent summers in those college years cleaning bones, working as a mucker in the Eklutna power project, and prospecting for the Strandberg Mines in the Talkeetna mountains. Don Sheldon was the pilot hired to drop Hal and his partner Clark Stanley off in the middle of the Talkeetnas for months at a time every summer. Nela kissed him goodbye and told him she would “see him when he came up the driveway.” Don would keep an eye on the boys and would occasionally fly over and drop food boxes to them marked Stanley and Livingston. It was their job to find them before the bears did. Hal was living his best life roaming around the mountains and told many tales of wildlife encounters and various mishaps from those days. He loved to tell the story of how they were left to fend for themselves for 10 extra days during one moose hunting season. Don was busy moving hunters back and forth and figured they would be fine to fend for themselves. And they were! They shot a sheep and ate off of that until it was gone. Hal’s eyes would light up when he spoke of how tender the meat was on that last day.

Hal was in love with the varied and beautiful geology of Alaska and he ultimately graduated with his degree in Geology from the UAF School of Mines. Afterwards, he and Nela were transferred to Virginia, where he honed his sharpshooting skills and fulfilled his ROTC commitment. They couldn’t wait to get back to Alaska, though, and returned as soon as they could to a small house on Church Street where they raised chickens in the basement. He worked at West Coast Grocery while he saved up money to buy a lot in the Aurora subdivision where he eventually built a home for his family. He obtained his dream employment as a geologist with the Alaska Department of Highways (now DOT) and was often out in the field during the building season, but he managed to complete a basement while they lived in a trailer on the lot. Tragically, the trailer had a chimney fire one winter, and they were forced to move into the basement. By this time, there were now 3 boys but Nela, ever the trooper, kept a strict and efficient home down there. And they may have lived in that basement a lot longer, but the great flood of 1967 forced its hand. Nela, 6 months pregnant with their last son, and the boys took the stream locomotive brought to Fairbanks from Anchorage to transport people and goods around on high ground to go stay at the UAF Patty Center with other families while Hal remained to protect their property. There were tales of looting, but Hal built a raft and placed several of his angry honeybee colonies in front of the door as guard bees. Apparently, it worked since they had no issues with looters! Hal also made sure to feed Sir Thomas the Occasional Cat, who stayed terrified on their rafters for weeks. After the waters receded, Hal worked quickly to make the main level of the house livable, and their fourth son was born in February of 1968.

Hal continued to work for Alaska DOT for 34 years. He probably would have worked longer but he fundamentally disagreed with his last supervisor. He retired with over 6000 hours of unused sick leave, primarily because he never got sick. Nonetheless, it was a dream job that afforded him many adventures. He flew and boated to villages up and down the mighty Yukon and all throughout the state to analyze soil and geological conditions for potential runways and roads. He once made a list of all the villages he had visited in the state, and it was over 200. He obtained his diving certificate and dove in the icy waters of Little Diomede Island to map the bottom of the bay for a helicopter landing zone. Though it wasn’t required by his employer, he would often lug his diving equipment on jobs and go explore lagoons, bays and the open ocean in Valdez, Whittier, and Dutch Harbor in his off hours. He and his friend and longtime partner Howard Koeplen spent at least one entire summer drilling samples for the “new” Parks Highway. Jobs often took longer than expected, but one was particularly memorable down near Honolulu Creek at the end of the season. It was supposed to take 3 days and turned into 9 because their equipment was leaking transmission fluid and so the going was very slow. They eventually ran out of food and flagged down a highway construction worker traveling the tracks in a rail car. They explained their situation and he loaded them up and took them to camp where they were packing up for the season. Hal described the wobbly rail car screaming down the tracks over the Honolulu Creek bridge in the snowy darkness and by the grace of God made it to the camp. He loaded them up with what was left of their food, and they ate like kings that night on steak and lobster. Nela was none too happy that it was a longer trip, as the bank would not allow her to cash his paycheck to buy supplies since her name wasn’t on it. Soon thereafter she began working for Blood Bank of Alaska, where she remained for the next 20 years.

Every year Hal took his family to Chitina to harvest salmon and to moose camp for obvious reasons. He taught them to shoot, fix motors on the fly, survive in the wilderness, and preserve their resources. He was nothing if he wasn’t a provider. He raised honeybees in Alaska and on property they bought on Hawaii’s Big Island for more than 60 years. Get in touch with us if you would like to buy some honey. He also had a productive macadamia nut orchard in Hawaii but those are not for sale. And though his four boys couldn’t be more different from each other, the tie that binds is palpable from Nela’s sensibility and Hal’s practicality. Before he passed, Hal said he wouldn’t have changed a single thing in his life, and he was a man of his word. God Speed Hal and rest easy on a job well done and a life well lived.

View Harold Ray Livingston's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

03/23/2026

Thoughtful care and the right setting can make all the difference. This family chose Kehl’s Legacy Funeral Home to honor both grandparents and felt supported every step of the way. Learn about our services here: https://www.legacyalaska.com/services/service-options

03/20/2026

Spring invites us to pause and appreciate the beauty in change. Today marks the start of a season filled with light, growth, and hope.

03/19/2026

Hagen David Billy, age 41, cherished Grandson, Son, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin, and Friend, completed his quest in this world on February 2, 2026, in Fairbanks, Alaska. Born on February 23, 1984, in Gallup, New Mexico, he called Iyanbito, New Mexico, home. He was Tsin sikaadnii (Clumped Tree People), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People).

Fiercely independent and unwavering in spirit, he always sensed there was more to discover in life, so he Headed for the Hills. His journey carried him from Iyanbito to attend the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado; onward to Bellingham, Washington; and ultimately to the Western Front—Alaska—where his adventurous essence felt deeply at home.

An avid snowboarder, lover of the great outdoors, zealous festival seeker, and world traveler, Hagen was always up for the next adventure. He was easily identifiable with his colorful mohawk, his year-round cargo shorts, and his black combat ‘Boots’—an outward reflection of the individuality he carried so confidently. Never one to sit behind a desk, he found his calling as a Surveyor Lead with the Alaska Department of Transportation, traveling across the state to collect data for projects and embracing the freedom of the open road.

With his astute wit and caring spirit, he brought laughter and light to those around him. Hagen touched the hearts of those he met and was often described as “a great human.” He was working toward becoming a counselor for The Trevor Project, dedicated to reminding others that they belonged and that they were never alone.

When he wasn’t surveying or exploring, Hagen could be found immersed in novels and Marvel comics, playing games with the Gum Family, refining his Navajo language, or proudly practicing his sewing and design skills. Of all his pursuits, he found the greatest solace and freedom in his artwork. His use of fractals and negative space was exceptional, and he took great pride in the creativity he shared with others.

Hagen is survived by his adopted brother Tim, sister Natashia, niece Shaolin, mother Grace, stepfather Ronnie, father Delbert, several aunts and uncles, many cousins, his adopted grandparents Ron and Lois, and the Coloraskans—along with countless friends who loved him deeply.

Hagen lives on in our hearts and memories, where we are reminded of him in the dancing aurora borealis and in every radiant sunset. May he rest peacefully in Rehoboth, New Mexico, among the enchanting red rocks, close to his beloved Másání, Ida, who predeceased him in June 2025. Ayóó' ádanííníi' ni.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Park Foundation (https://nationalparks.org/honor-remember), learn more about the Trevor Project (https://www.thetrevorproject.org/), or plant a tree (https://plantatree.fs.usda.gov/tree-donation ) in Hagen's memory.

https://www.legacyalaska.com/obituaries/Hagen-David-Billy?obId=47222655

View Hagen David Billy's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

03/18/2026

Romeo Cadiente

A great guy, a steady friend,

The kind of person you could depend on.

His kindness, laughter, and caring way

Will live in hearts each passing day.

Though he is gone from sight for now,

His memory remains in all who knew him.

View Romeo Cadiente's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

03/17/2026

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Whether you're celebrating tradition or simply enjoying the spirit of the day, may it bring a little luck and a lot of warmth to your heart.

03/17/2026

Darren Harold Wright, age 32, passed away suddenly on March 1, 2026, leaving his family and friends heartbroken.

Darren was born on June 19, 1993, in Fairbanks, Alaska, to Agnes “Aggie” Esmailka Wright and Joseph Francis Wright Sr. He was raised in Ruby, Alaska, surrounded by family and community. After the passing of his mother when he was two years old, Darren and his sister Nicole went to live with their Aunt Ginger and Uncle Jay Delima. Later that year, Ginger and Jay had their daughter Kady, and the three grew up side by side as siblings. Ginger and Jay lovingly raised them and remained a constant source of love and support throughout their lives.

Darren attended Merreline A. Kangas School in Ruby before spending one year in Albuquerque, New Mexico, living with his sister Jenasey and attending Desert Ridge Middle School. While there, he took up skateboarding, snowboarding, and karate. He later attended Mt. Edgecumbe High School in Sitka, Alaska, where he graduated in 2012. While attending school in Sitka, he returned home to Ruby for the summers. During one of those summers, he spent time on the North Fork of the Innoko River helping build a shelter cabin as part of a Bureau of Land Management project along the historic Iditarod Trail, funded through the efforts of the late Richard Strick.

After high school, Darren spent a summer working as a pet groomer at Petco, a job that suited him well because he loved animals and had a natural connection with them. Animals seemed to love him just as much as he loved them. During that time, he also spent one season working on a wildfire crew in the Lower 48.

Darren continued his education at the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) in Seward, Alaska, where he earned certifications in Plumbing and Heating as well as Carpentry. Following his training, he spent time in Galena, Alaska, helping with rebuilding efforts after the devastating flood, assisting with home rehabilitation and cleanup for families in the community.

Hardworking and independent, Darren took pride in supporting himself and saved enough money to pay cash for both his first and second vehicles. He later moved to Fairbanks and began a long career with the Fairbanks Native Association, where he worked as a Facilities Maintenance Coordinator and was known for his strong work ethic and willingness to help wherever he was needed. During his time there, Darren was recognized as Employee of the Month on two occasions for his dedication and hard work.

Darren enjoyed working with his hands and building things. He further developed those skills by attending a log cabin construction course at Folk School Fairbanks, where he learned traditional full-scribe log building techniques. During the course, students built an 18-foot by 18-foot log structure from the ground up, learning log selection, scribing, and notch cutting. Cabins built through this program are often completed in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management and used as public use cabins.

Darren was always ready to help when someone needed it. Whether it was dog sitting, house sitting, helping with home repairs, or simply showing up when family or friends needed a hand, he was someone people could rely on. Even after he had his own place, he often stayed on his sister’s couch just to spend more time with his nieces Lucya and Addisyn, whom he loved dearly. Darren loved being around family in general but especially cherished his nieces and nephews. Many other children also called him “Uncle” — the children of family and friends — because he had a special way of making every child feel welcome and cared for.

He was always up for an adventure and rarely turned down a chance to go somewhere new or try something different. Darren was a great friend to many and had a natural charisma that drew people to him. He had a way of making everyone around him feel seen, welcomed, and loved.

Darren was preceded in death by his mother, Agnes “Aggie” Esmailka Wright; his father, Joseph Francis Wright; his grandfather, Arnold John; his godfather, Brother Kirby Boone, OFM; and his uncles Harold “Punky” Esmailka Jr., Thomas “Tommy” Esmailka, John Charles Esmailka, Eugene Wright, and Bryan Wright.

He is survived by his grandparents, Harold and Florence Esmailka and Martha Wright; his aunt and uncle, Ginger and Jay Delima, who raised Darren; his stepmother, Elaine Wright; his sisters, Jenasey (Louie) Carlo, Nicole (Daniel D.) Wright, Kady (Nate) Kosydar, and Sadie Wright; his brothers, Joseph Wright Jr. and Sullivan Wright; his nieces, Lucya Carlo, Addisyn Carlo, and Phebe Decker; his nephews, Tyson Decker, Daniel III Decker, Connor Decker, Ryder Kriska, and Mataeo Kriska; his aunts, Cynthia (Dale) Erickson, Deanna (Timbre) Houlton, Yvonne Wright Adams, and Elizabeth (Arnold Jr.) Captain; his uncles, James Esmailka, James (Natalie) Wright, Brian (Liz) Wright, Cody Wright, and Ellis Wright; his cousins, Kailey Erickson, Steevie Erickson, Landon Erickson, Chanel Esmailka, Gianna Cleaver, Bria Cleaver, Tamera Captain, Francis Captain Jr., Autumn Cantu, Krystal Birk, Melvin Captain, Annie Wright, Allison Rosenstein, Jena Harding, Tori Stein, Rick Folger Jr., Mia Wright, Angela Wright, Ariel Wright, Shawna Wright, Julie Wright, James Wright Jr., and Emily Jones; and many friends who loved him dearly.

Darren will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and big heart, and will live on in the memories of all who knew and loved him.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to everyone for their love, prayers, and support during this difficult time.

View Darren H. Wright's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

03/13/2026

Make the decisions that matter now, so your family doesn’t have to later. Our preplanning options give you peace of mind and control over what comes next. Learn more about planning ahead here: https://www.legacyalaska.com/advanced-planning/why-plan-ahead

03/11/2026

Today, we recognize the quiet strength and unwavering compassion of funeral directors and morticians. Your care helps families navigate some of life’s most difficult moments with dignity and grace. Thank you for all that you do.

03/10/2026

Virgil C. Hornsby, III, known affectionately as "Chip" by his loved ones, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, in Fairbanks, Alaska. He was born on August 2, 1962, in Warren, Michigan.

Chip was a graduate of East Peoria Community High School. He served with honor in the United States Army. And, went on to further his education at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, receiving his Drafting Technology degree.

As an avid fisherman, he cherished the moments by the water as much as the thrill of a catch. His love for sports was undeniable, with a particular fondness for NASCAR racing and cheering on his favorite football teams, the Bears and the Broncos.

A culinary enthusiast, he delighted in cooking for friends and family, always eager to share a hearty meal.

Chip was preceded in death by his father, Virgil Hornsby, II, his mother, Betty Holland Tate, and his brother, David Hornsby. He is survived by his sister Cindy Hornsby; his sister-in-law Roberta Hornsby; his children, Brittany Alman, Madison Hornsby, and Kindin Hornsby; his grandchildren, Aurora, Ayla, Finnean, Trenton, Parker, and Londyn; and his nieces and nephew.

Chip's final days were spent with his children. His memory will be cherished in the hearts of his family and friends.

View Virgil C. Hornsby III's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

03/09/2026

Hagen David Billy, age 41, cherished Grandson, Son, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin, and Friend, completed his quest in this world on February 2, 2026, in Fairbanks, Alaska. Born on February 23, 1984, in Gallup, New Mexico, he called Iyanbito, New Mexico, home. He was Tsin sikaadnii (Clumped Tree People), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People).

Fiercely independent and unwavering in spirit, he always sensed there was more to discover in life, so he Headed for the Hills. His journey carried him from Iyanbito to attend the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado; onward to Bellingham, Washington; and ultimately to the Western Front—Alaska—where his adventurous essence felt deeply at home.

An avid snowboarder, lover of the great outdoors, zealous festival seeker, and world traveler, Hagen was always up for the next adventure. He was easily identifiable with his colorful mohawk, his year-round cargo shorts, and his black combat ‘Boots’—an outward reflection of the individuality he carried so confidently. Never one to sit behind a desk, he found his calling as a Surveyor Lead with the Alaska Department of Transportation, traveling across the state to collect data for projects and embracing the freedom of the open road.

With his astute wit and caring spirit, he brought laughter and light to those around him. Hagen touched the hearts of those he met and was often described as “a great human.” He was working toward becoming a counselor for The Trevor Project, dedicated to reminding others that they belonged and that they were never alone.

When he wasn’t surveying or exploring, Hagen could be found immersed in novels and Marvel comics, playing games with the Gum Family, refining his Navajo language, or proudly practicing his sewing and design skills. Of all his pursuits, he found the greatest solace and freedom in his artwork. His use of fractals and negative space was exceptional, and he took great pride in the creativity he shared with others.

Hagen is survived by his adopted brother Tim, sister Natashia, niece Shaolin, mother Grace, stepfather Ronnie, father Delbert, several aunts and uncles, many cousins, his adopted grandparents Ron and Lois, and the Coloraskans—along with countless friends who loved him deeply.

Hagen lives on in our hearts and memories, where we are reminded of him in the dancing aurora borealis and in every radiant sunset. May he rest peacefully in Rehoboth, New Mexico, among the enchanting red rocks, close to his beloved Másání, Ida, who predeceased him in June 2025. Ayóó' ádanííníi' ni.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Park Foundation (https://nationalparks.org/honor-remember), learn more about the Trevor Project (https://www.thetrevorproject.org/), or plant a tree (https://plantatree.fs.usda.gov/tree-donation ) in Hagen's memory.

https://www.legacyalaska.com/obituaries/Hagen-David-Billy?obId=47222655

View Hagen David Billy's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.