Eagle Island checkpoint host, Ralph C Conatser, age 86, passed away Feb 5, 2015, in Colville, WA.

Born in Livingston, TN, Ralph traveled across the country working as a machinist. He moved from Oregon to Sitka, AK in 1965, where he added working as a commercial pilot and started commercial fishing from Sitka to Yakutat.

In 1975 Ralph settled with his wife Helmi and youngest son, Steve, along the middle Yukon River. In 1977 when the Iditarod Dog Sled Race added the southern route, Eagle Island became the checkpoint half way between Grayling and Kaltag. Ralph & Helmi hosted many of the mushers & support staff in their small cabin.

After Helmi’s death in 1992, Ralph continued hosting the race alone. Through the years, Ralph and his family made a great many lifelong friends during the race. Ralph had a peculiar sense of humor & was known for putting up decorations for the race, one of the more memorable was a arch that Ralph built & put a doorbell and sign on that read “press for service”.

Ralph resided at a Eagle Island until 2005 when he began traveling and left the enterprise to his son, Steve.  

Rest in Peace, Ralph.  You will always be remembered.  We’re grateful for your friendship and your dedication to the Iditarod.