Anchorage Daily News May 29, 1998

Native Alaskan and Ninilchik tribal chief Grassim Oskolkoff died May 26, 1998, at home after a lengthy illness. He was 71. A funeral was held at the Transfiguration of Our Lord Russian Orthodox Church in Ninilchik. A memorial service was at the church. Archpriest Macarius Targonsky officiated.

Mr. Oskolkoff was born Oct. 14, 1926, in Ninilchik. He was a veteran of World War II and worked with the Alaskan Railroad. He also worked as a commercial fisherman. Mr. Oskolkoff served as tribal chief and president of the Ninilchik Traditional Council, president of the Ninilchik Native Association Inc., representative to the Cook Inlet Treaty Tribes, Alaska Inter-Tribal Council, Alaska Federation of Natives, Alaska Sea Otter Commission, and was an active member of the Russian Orthodox Church. Mr. Oskolkoff was selected for inclusion in Who's Who in America for his efforts toward preservation and protection of the environment, and peace among all peoples and nations. His family said: ''He is most well-remembered by his family as the best father and husband anyone could wish for.'' Mr. Oskolkoff was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. Father Michael and Matushka Zoya Oskolkoff; and brothers, Gus, Allan and Ralph Oskolkoff.

Mr. Oskolkoff is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marion Oskolkoff; children, Debra Oskolkoff, Marla Kvasnikoff, Bruce Oskolkoff, Gary Oskolkoff and Becky Oskolkoff; six grandchildren, Mandi, Argent, Emily, Andrea, Grassim and Alexa; brothers, Arnold Oskolkoff of Kenai, Michael Oskolkoff of Ninilchik and Larry Oskolkoff of California; and sisters, Nancy Ahlrich of Kenai and Ella Woodhead, Alice Bouwens and Carolyn Reifsnyder, all of Anchorage. Arrangements were handled by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.