Access Alaska lost a great friend on Sunday I'm really going to miss his gentle anger, wisdom and bad jokes, the disability community is going to miss one of its strongest advocates and Alaska has lost another of its shining lights.
From the Anchorage Daily news:
Anchorage resident John Stripe, 86, died May 13, 2007, at Third Medical Group Hospital, Elmendorf AFB. He resided in Anchorage for the past 36 years.
A memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. A reception will be afterward in the parish hall. A graveside service with military honors will be at 2 p.m. at Fort Richardson National Cemetery.
John was born Feb. 3, 1921, to Jerrold and Lena Stripe in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he was raised. As a young man, John joined the Army and at this time met and married his wife "Barbara Honey" as he called her. He was a veteran of World War II
At the age of 29, soon after discharge from the Army, John was stricken with polio. He courageously fought this disease, was hospitalized for a year and was left paralyzed from the waist down. Being determined to finish college and to have the best chance to recuperate, he and his family moved to Portales, N.M., where he finished college and went on to become a teacher.
In 1965, he and his family moved to Portland, Ore., and John worked as a social worker for the welfare department. After his daughter married and moved to Anchorage, he and his wife made the decision to follow to further enjoy their grandchildren.
His family wrote: "John had the ability to overcome the limitations of his disabilities with a desire to be able to live independently and became a huge advocate for others with disabilities. He served on the boards of many organizations such as Assets and most recently, Access Alaska. He traveled to Juneau annually to participate in the Key Campaign and was able to help make Anchorage a safer, more easily accessible place for all the handicapped and disabled. After the death of his wife of 53 years, John became the proud owner of an electric mobility scooter and with its use, shed his crutches, gaining many newfound freedoms in life. He could be seen all over Anchorage shopping, sightseeing, attending community events, and visiting all of his friends, especially in the downtown area.
"John's exuberance for life gave him have a special glow that you could see and feel in his presence. His keen intellect and sharp mind made him a very interesting person to know. This never diminished slightly even in his golden years. His greatest joys and pleasures were derived when he spent time with his children and grandchildren. Having formed unique and special bonds with each, he was able to provide valuable advice, guidance, mentoring and the deepest of affection for each of them. To ease the sorrows of our huge loss, we have been able to find solace in the thoughts of him being united with our Lord and reunited with his bride."
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Jack Appolloni; grandchildren, Angie Huff, Michael, Monica and Megan; great-grandchildren, Tiffany, Brittney and Mikey; and great-great-grandson, A.J., all of Anchorage.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; and son, Jerrold.
Memorial donations may be given to Salvation Army Meals on Wheels.
Arrangements are with Anchorage Funeral Home and Crematory.
Published in the Anchorage Daily News on 5/16/2007.
