Richard Listowski

Jul 4, 1941 -

Jun 21, 2020

Richard F. Listowski, age 78, passed away on June 21, 2020, at Bartlett Regional Hospital in Juneau, Alaska. Born July 4, 1941, on the South Side of Chicago, Ill., he was the son of the late Frank and Stephanie Listowski. Rich attended Chicago Vocational High School and then joined the U.S. Army and served his tour of duty in Okinawa until his honorable discharge. He then graduated with a bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Rich eventually found his home in Juneau in 1968, where he became known to friends and colleagues for good conversation, his willingness to help others and for always trying to make Alaska a better place to live. He made large and numerous contributions to protect Alaska fisheries in positions such as Chief of Statistical Research on the Governor's Study Group on Limited Entry, Business Agent for the United Fishermen of Alaska, a crew member on the Southeast Alaska troller, and served as the Commissioner on the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission for 10 years.

Rich was a stalwart Juneau Democrat, a prolific fundraiser and an influential strategist. He served as a member of the Democratic National Committee, the Alaska Democratic Central Committee, was a recipient of the Jim Doogan Lifetime Achievement Award, and was named as one of Alaska's Democrats considered "top ten influencers" by "Politics Magazine" among other honors.

He will be fondly remembered by family, especially siblings Jerry Listowski, Elaine (Tom) Thompson, Nancy (John) VanNaarden, and was predeceased by his brother Robert (Karen) Listowski; he was an uncle and great-uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was a big Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. When visiting family in Chicago in the summer, a Cubs game and a plate of ribs with the family at Twin Anchors was always on the agenda.

The family would like to thank the many friends and very special neighbors in Rich's life for always being there for him. Rich loved the outdoors and wishes that friends and family remember him when visiting one of his favorite places, Rain Forest Trail Beach.

Condolences can be sent to family members: brother, Jerry Listowski, P.O. Box 34951, Juneau, AK 99803; or sister, Elaine Thompson, 411 S. Francisca Ave., Redondo Beach, CA 90277. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to one of Rich's charities: American Cancer Society; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; National Foundation for Transplants.

A celebration of life will be at a later date.