Virgina Oliver set the reflective tone for the community’s landslide remembrance by singing the first verse of “Silent Night” in Tlingit, and then inviting people to sing it together in English. The town gathered on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the Nolan Center to remember their six friends and neighbors who died in a destructive landslide a year ago that evening.
With the words “sleep in heavenly peace” resonating in the hall, Esther Aaltséen Reese, WCA tribal administrator, explained the vision for the evening: coming together to remember, but also to connect, to eat together and to deepen the ties and relationships that reflect the resilience and purpose of those who live in Wrangell.
Reese read a letter from Alaska U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski which, in part, echoed those thoughts: “The past year has been a testament to the strength and resilience of Wrangell. … Neighbors became heroes and friends became family as everyday Alaskans rose to the moment to help each other out.”
Reese concluded her remarks with two Tlingit offerings. The first was a “gift to guests on our land: ‘Have strength and courage.’” The second: “We are going to succeed with love.”
Mayor Patty Gilbert followed: “Our community shares a collective experience of loss but our grief is as individual as our lives.” She thanked first responders, adding a prayer for their courage, wisdom, strength and compassion.
Sarah Scambler, a close friend of Beth Heller, rose to read a letter from the extended family of Tim, Beth, Mara, Kara and Derek Heller, who all died in the landslide. The letter acknowledged the challenges faced by first responders and how they — and the entire community — gave their all, from the first impact of the landslide to the assistance with preparations for the memorial services.
“We want you to know that we have noticed the incredible heart of this community, and that we have valued every act of kindness,” the letter stated.
The letter closed with words that shaped the Heller family: “No matter what happens in life, be good to people,” and a reminder to “live like Derek, with the silliest of grins!”
Words of thanksgiving and appreciation from the only survivor of the landslide, Christina Florschutz, were shared. Though she has moved to Kodiak, she spoke of the affirmations she received, especially from the students and staff at Evergreen Elementary School where she worked as an aide. Florschutz’s husband, Otto, died in the landslide.
High school cross-country coaches Borough Manager Mason Villarma and Laura Davis spoke of Kara and Derek Heller’s all-in attitude to sports and announced plans for a Heller Memorial Invitational Run next fall, which they hope will attract as many as 300 runners from around the state.
Salvation Army Capt. Chase Green closed the program with a prayer that reminded the gathering that Wrangell is not just a community but a family, and that the love, joy and kindness of those who died remains true in everyone.
Alongside a generous potluck and table conversations, art teachers Tawney Crowley and Anne Luetkemeyer had prepared materials that will go into a memorial bench. Rocks of various sizes and shapes were available for painting images and messages. The painted rocks will be incorporated into a bench, for installation at a location yet to be determined.
While it was a night to mark the anniversary and to remember those who died, the spirit of the evening was of thanksgiving, resilience and connection.
• This article originally appeared in the Wrangell Sentinel.
The deadly landslide that struck Wrangell on the night of Nov. 20, 2023, is seen the next day. Southeast Alaska is, by nature, vulnerable to such landslides, but climate change is adding to the risk by bringing more precipitation and more extreme rainfall events. (Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities photo)
