16 Comments
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Jim Sweeney's avatar

Never heard of sixth generation white guy from Alaska. John led the delegation to Eisenhower for statehood. I looked him up and there's bunch of info at UAF. He's a tough looking bird. did you ever meet him?

Ryan Sims's avatar

I got some clarification from my mom. I am 5th gen. My girls are 6th.

Brian Cannard's avatar

Jim - You nailed it! That’s the Chuck I knew. As colorful a character who ever lived. I miss talking (listening) to him. Brian

Jim Sweeney's avatar

Thank you Brian. He was a pain to write about. I didn't finish the story, I quit

Brian Cannard's avatar

Why was he a pain to write about? Sometimes he was a pain to listen to as it was, all Chuck, all the time.

Jim Sweeney's avatar

Too fucking accomplished. It was fun to work with Charlie on it. I sAid fucking Chuck a hundred times. Chuckie cheese. I love the guy.

Ryan Sims's avatar

Great read Jim! He sounds like an incredible human and one hell of an Alaskan. My great grandfather, John Butrovich, was in the state legislature.

Jim Sweeney's avatar

Thanks Ryan. Where did your grandfather live? Egan was from Valdez and a hell of a governor from all accounts. Have you met Charlie?

Ryan Sims's avatar

He was born just north of Fairbanks in 1910 and lived there his whole life, died in 1997. I have only briefly met Charlie a few years ago at AMH. Much like yourself, he's been an inspiration of mine for a long while.

Jim Sweeney's avatar

Sorry for saying Egan was a good guy. I see your grandfather ran for governor against him. So you're at least fourth generation alaskan. That is rare. And your mom is a Butrovich. Where did you grow up? Cool legacy! You should collect all the family history you can.

Ryan Sims's avatar

Haha, no apologies necessary! I am 6th gen alaskan on my mothers side. I was born and raised in Anchorage, my mother in Fairbanks. I absolutely need to collect as much history as I can, and do it soon! That has been on my mind a lot lately.

Rachael Sassara's avatar

There was nobody cooler or chattier than my Grandpa Chuck :) And Grammie Ann's sweetness balanced him out. I miss those two. Thanks for writing a bit about them.

Jim Sweeney's avatar

Thank you, Rachael, you must be married to Richard. Chuck was my buddy. He was fun to be around. I'm writing a book so this will see some changes. I didn't finish this, I quit because Charlie kept feeding me his exploits and was overwhelmed by the life of Chuck.

Rachael Sassara's avatar

He had a big life! Richard is my dad, Chuck was my grandpa.

Gma Patt's avatar

Exhausting read! lots happening. good job. Jim Sweeney. Good Job.

Jim Sweeney's avatar

Yeah, Chuck was a pain in the ass to write about. Don't die because you'd be same to write about.