Bert Kuzuguk Iyatunguk “Weeksuk"
Our beloved son, brother and father Bert Weeksuk left to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on June 2, 2021. Bert was the first-born son to Robert and Jeanette in Nome, Alaska on December 26, 1988.
After High School, throughout the years, Bert kept in close contact with his classmates. Together Bert and Jackie were blessed with two boys Brent Alfred Jace and Blake Andrew James, whom he put first before himself. He learned to cook from his mom making sure he always had food on the table for him and his family.
With his unique sense of humor, he made many friends wherever he traveled. Being around Bert, there was never a dull moment, he left everyone with a smile. He had unique nicknames for his family, all his nephews, nieces, and close friends. To his family he was known as “Uncle Bro.”
Without hesitation, Bert was always willing to lend a helping hand to whoever needed it, especially his parents with daily chores. Giving good advice to friends and family or to whoever had a rough day to make sure who he cared for was left with knowing their worth in life. One of the ways he showed his respect for the families that had lost a loved one, no matter who it was Bert was there to grave dig. Bert made sure the diggers were all in good spirits with his sense of humor.
One of his passions was to go out and get ice. He was very proud of himself when he taught others his technique to get big chunks. Recently, he was on the front page of the Nome Nugget Newspaper for chopping four loads of ice for four different families within four hours. Bert enjoyed getting ice, once he found out if anyone needed ice, he would go out and get some for them.
Throughout his life he was well-known for his ivory earrings and carvings all the way from Shishmaref to New Zealand and different parts of the world. Five pedal flower earrings were his most popular items. He mastered the teardrop spiral earrings. His most recent design was the chain links earrings. With him being creative Bert grew interest in carving bones; he carved out facemasks and hunters. To make ends meet he would carve for income to support his family. After a storm, he would ask his family to borrow their Honda for beachcombing. One time he even took a bile and scow to across to find the ivory he needed.
As a young adult to his fatherhood, employment consisted of various jobs. To name a few was Summer Youth Program, City of Shishmaref, Shishmaref IRA, Shishmaref Native Corporation, NSEDC Fish Plant and ANTHC.
At young age Bert started hunting with his family. There were numerous hunting trips with his uncles Richard and Leonard Kuzuguk Sr., he would always make sure his uncles never work too hard. Anytime of the year he would follow his brother-in law Troy and Lucy on any hunting trips. Recently he was passing his hunting knowledge on to his sons. He was especially excited for spring hunt. Whoever needed crew, he wouldn’t say no. Anyone he hunted with had many great memories.
Basketball was one of his favorite sports, any chance he got he’d travel to any tournaments within the region. Bert Iyatunguk’s favorite jersey number was 22, if it wasn’t available 14 was his second choice. His mid-range jump shot and his reverse lay ups were his best characteristics of the game. When he was feeling hot he would catch and shoot his threes. He always loved playing basketball. Bert would stick-up for his teammates while playing in any tournaments. Win or lose, he’d always have a fun time playing. During, the NBA Playoffs, Bert would be found at his parent’s house watching the game. There were no favorite teams for the NBA, whoever was playing he would just go for the team he wanted to win.
Bert Weeksuk is survived by his companion Jackie Eningowuk, their children Brent and Blake; his parents Robert and Jeanette; siblings Lucy (Troy, Cadence, Cason, and Cyrie), Patrick (Holly, Clay, and Annsoph), Tammy (Perry, Lovina, and Sherice), Earl (Amy, Jasmine and Rose’) and Louis, McCade and Brianne; and his grandmothers Mary Irene Iyatunguk, and Nora Ann Kuzuguk.
Bert Weeksuk was preceded in death by his brother Robert Charles Iyatunguk, II; grandfathers Laban Iyatunguk, Sr., and Bert Weeksuk Kuzuguk; uncles Alfred “Koozie” Kuzuguk, and Jesse Ahkpuk. Aunt Florence Pearl Iyatunguk; and numerous cousins and relatives.
Pall Bearers: William Olanna, Darren Virg-In, Andrew Ningealook, Bert J. Sockpick, Jonathan Davis, James K. Barr, Tony Weyiouanna, Jr., Jerome A. Sinnok, Paul Olanna, and Thomas Pootoogooluk.
Honorary Pall Bearers: Robert C. Iyatunguk, Fred D. Eningowuk, Patrick J. Iyatunguk, Earl S. Iyatunguk, Louis M. Iyatunguk, Troy E. Weyiouanna, Perry L. Weyiouanna, Richard A. Kuzuguk, Leonard W. Kuzuguk, Sr., Kevin N. Kuzuguk, Johnny Iyatunguk, Laban Iyatunguk, Jr., Glenn Iyatunguk, Alvin Iyatunguk, Sr., Dana James, and Leonard Kuzuguk, Jr.
