Former CIRI Board Chair Passes Away at 92
Original CIRI enrollee Charles “Chuck” Anderson Jr. (Unungan/Aleut) passed away March 30 at home in Anchorage. He was 92.
Anderson served on the CIRI Board of Directors from 1987 to 2016 and as its chair from 2005 to 2013. He served on numerous other boards and commissions, including as vice chair of Southcentral Foundation (SCF). In 2012, the National Indian Health Board recognized Anderson’s SCF service by honoring him with a prestigious award for his dedication to improving the health and well-being of Alaska Native and American Indian people.
Anderson spent his early years on Long Island, Alaska, near Kodiak, where he and his family were the sole inhabitants. When he was 7 or 8, his family moved to Kodiak, where they owned a mink farm and lived a subsistence lifestyle. After serving in the Korean War, Anderson joined the Anchorage Police Department in 1953, moving up the ranks and serving as chief of police from 1974 until his retirement in 1980. He was a graduate of the FBI Academy and the Keeler Polygraph Institute.
After retiring from the police force, Anderson was elected to the Alaska State House of Representatives, serving one term (1981- 1982). “But I wasn’t happy,” he said. “I didn’t care for partisan politics. In law enforcement, I could make a difference in people’s lives. I had to raise money in the legislature; I did not like asking people for help.”
The CIRI Board of Directors was a better fit. “Very refreshing,” he said. Anderson’s vision for CIRI was to remain an Alaska Native-owned company that provided a consistent stream of distributions, supported Elders through a trust fund, and provided jobs, health care and housing through affiliated non-profit organizations. Over the years, he helped make that vision a reality.
“We are saddened by Chuck’s passing, but we are grateful for his many years of service to CIRI,” CIRI President and CEO Sophie Minich said. “Chuck was known for his wisdom, kindness, level-headedness and pioneering spirit. He will be sorely missed by his CIRI family.”
Anderson was preceded in death by his son, Charlie Anderson. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Georgia; daughter, Patti Juliussen; grandson, Charles “Chas” Anderson IV; granddaughter, Katrina Juliussen-Mack; and numerous other friends and family members.
In his memory, The Charles Anderson Scholarship Fund is being established by The CIRI Foundation for students pursuing studies in the field of law enforcement.
