Thomas Michael Stroman

Thomas Michael Stroman “Bub” was born on November 4, 1952, to Thomas Stroman and Anastasia “Nancy” Danieloff Stroman. He was taken home to Naq’eltani (creator) on April 9, 2021. He grew up in Kenai, Alaska, and is remembered by many friends and family as a “keeper of memories” and a detailed story teller. Thomas was one of seven children, and loved being a father and chada (grandfather). He was a proud Dena’ina Athabaskan man, and an enrolled member of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, as well as an original CIRI Shareholder. Thomas was very involved with his native community and served on the Kenai Native’s Association Board, and was an Honorary Elder Member for the Kenaitze Elders Committee. A fellow Elders Committee Member recalls that, “he gruffly welcomed me, which meant he was glad to have a new cribbage opponent”. Thomas was the kind of man who could be perceived as gruff initially, but he often did that on purpose, as those who knew him recall with a smile that he was a big softy who loved nothing more than messing with people. He was a jokester, and was ornery and very caring. Thomas deeply cared about his native culture and wanted to leave a legacy in a book, which he was working on. He valued community and dena’ina culture and language. His passion was to share through his writing, so that his family and the generations to come would have a glimpse of his traditions to carry on, and he lived through that legacy. Many of the past and present staff at the Tyotkas Elders Center loved to listen as he would tell his stories, and he will be remembered by many for his ability to bring the past to life with his words. Thomas is preceded in heaven by his parents, Thomas and Anastasia “Nancy”, his sister, Mary Ellen Wright and his daughter, Michelle Stroman. He is survived by his brothers, Don Elder, Robert Stroman, Edward Stroman and David Stroman, and by his sister, Virginia Wolf. He lives on through his daughters, Shannon Matson, Amanda Stroman and Amber Herrmann. He is also survived by his grandson and scuya (special one), Andrue Jamison. A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Cannery Lodge located at 2101 Bowpicker Lane #13, Kenai, Alaska 99611. All are invited to a potluck to share stories and honor his contribution to the community.