Joseph Austin Gannon

Joseph Austin Gannon was born October 15, 1955, to William T. Gannon and Lois M. Livingston Gannon. He grew up building and racing canoes on the waterways of upstate New York. His love of adventure and the outdoors brought him to Alaska as a young man. He fell in love with Cordova at the age of 19, and spent his 20s and 30s seining Prince William Sound and honing his skills as a carpenter. He married his wife, Chris Pakulak, in December 1983 and they eventually moved to Bainbridge Island, Washington, where they raised their two children. Joe travelled the world for his second career in the offshore cable industry, earning the respect of friends and colleagues from across the globe. His dream was to retire in Cordova, however, and he returned 10 years ago to build a home here. In recent years, nothing made him happier than subsistence fishing with his wife and grown children and spending time on the water. He is dearly loved and missed by many, predeceased by his sister Elaine and survived by his sister Nancy and brother John Gannon, as well as his wife Chris, and two children, Iris and Tom. A potluck celebration of Joe’s life will be held at noon on Saturday, May 29 at the Reluctant Fisherman Inn. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend.

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom filled room

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not for long

And not with your head bowed low

Remember the love that once we shared

Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take

And each must go alone

It’s all part of the master plan

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart

Go to the friends we know.

Laugh at all the things we used to do

Miss me, but let me go.

All are welcome to sign the online guestbook below and add any messages or stories for the Gannon family.