Donald "Don" Shaginoff

Jul 12, 1940 -

Mar 6, 2026

A lifelong Alaskan known for his resilience, humor and deep connection to his community, passed away after a life filled with work, adventure and service. He was born on July 12, 1940, in Sutton, Alaska, behind the Alpine, in a house belonging to Mary Shaginoff, when Alaska was still a territory. Don carried the spirit of the land with him his whole life.

Don lived at the Lazy Mountain Children's Home in Palmer, Alaska, starting in 1948. During those years, he developed the independence and determination that would guide him throughout his life. He graduated from Palmer High School in 1960, where he proudly played basketball and developed lifelong friendships. He attended the Haskell Indian Industrial Training School in Lawrence, Kan., in 1960-1961, earning a welding certificate. Don served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1969. At Fort Benning, Ga., he earned a Marksmanship Expert rating. During the service, he was a military fabricator. He also worked for the American Can Company in San Francisco, Calif., for two years before returning to Alaska.

Don worked eight years for Marathon Oil Company in Kenai as a production operator. He joined BP-Sohio as a field production operator at Prudhoe Bay from 1977 until 2002. He devoted 25 years to the job before retiring; he also received his certification on the slope as an EMT-3. Don loved to travel and to have a good time, enjoying life during his R & R.

In the 1980s, Don earned his pilot's license and flew a small plane just because he enjoyed flying. He flew for many hours in his personal plane across Alaska. Later, he worked for Chickaloon Village Traditional Council, driving community members to medical appointments for several years. He was honored as the Council's Elder of the Year in 2018, reflecting the respect and appreciation his community holds for him.

Don and his brothers spent countless days hiking Lazy Mountain and Matanuska Peak. Like his father, Don was an avid hunter who provided for others in his community. He said he remembered walking 100 miles in 10 days.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Shaginoff and Mary Nickolai; and brothers and sister-in-law, Paul Goodlataw, Burt Shaginoff, Sandy Shaginoff and James Shaginoff. Don is lovingly remembered by his brother, Lloyd Shaginoff; nephew and nieces, Timothy Shaginoff, Sondra Shaginoff-Stuart and Kari Shaginoff; and many cousins, relatives, great-nieces and -nephews, who carry his memory in their hearts.

Don's gentle stories, steady friendship and kindness will be dearly missed. May his memory be a comfort to those who loved him and an inspiration to cherish the simple, beautiful moments of life.