Robert Farrell Hairell

Robert Farrell Hairell is an Alaskan Native from Utqiagvik Alaska, which was formally known as Barrow, Alaska. It is a small peninsula at the most northern point in Alaska, and he belonged to the Inupiaq tribe. Robert Hairell’s native name is Nayuk, which he preferred to go by, given by his biological mother Sarah Kignak. Nayuk was adopted by Paul Sterling Hairell and Linda Doreen Meeker and they settled in Northern California.

Nayuk learned to dominate with his talent and charm. Nayuk grew up in Placerville California. He was a wrestler at Gold Oak Elementary school and then graduated up to Pleasant Valley Middle School and wrestled with Coach Ken Flickinger. Nayuk was extremely resolute and a talented wrestler who ended up competing at the state level in California during high school. He placed 4th overall in the state, which is quite a feat, under Coach Richard Fox. Nayuk also played football in high school as a cornerback. Nayuk was king of Ponderosa High School in Shingle Springs California in the middle 1990’s. His first job was as a food prep and then worked up in the ranks at Zachary Jaques Restaurant next to his childhood home. This inspired him to become a great cook for his loved ones.

With Nayuk’s talents he won scholarships to college and chose to wrestle for Sacramento State University. After that he enlisted in the Navy and went through Navy Seal Training. For Nayuk this was his proudest moment, the place that made him feel whole. The United States military service is a strong tradition amongst the Inupiaq community. Nayuk also found a spot on the Navy wrestling team. To illustrate the talent and intelligence Nayuk also qualified for the most difficult job in the aviation world, air traffic control! Nayuk stated that he could easily listen to multiple conversations at one time. Air traffic controllers have the most difficult job.

Nayuk would continue for years to come, reminisce on his time served as a Navy seal Trainee. It built his confidence and polished his physical and mental fighting capacities. He most enjoyed telling his friends and family that he was legally pronounced dead, as a regular training exercise as warriors, to help them overcome the fear of death itself.

Nayuk was a unique talented outgoing person and lived in San Francisco for the last twenty-three years. He had a long-term relationship with his girlfriend Chenille Moldovan, who also resides in San Francisco. He would have been an excellent father, because he was an excellent uncle, son, brother and friend. He was also a highly skilled dancer; artist and he loved fashion. Nayuk painted at least four known murals in the city of San Francisco. Nayuk was an accelerated hip hop dance troop, and even landed a part in the 2005 film Rent. Nayuk was a kind of self-appointed peacekeeper and healer amongst his friends in San Francisco, he never backed down from a fight, and was exceptional at upholding justice in his own God given way.

Nayuk was seeking the truth, he was seeking God in the end, he was looking for answers, and he loved people unconditionally. He was an excellent healer, coach, mentor, friend, loyal and loving partner to everyone who knew him.

Robert Farrell Hairell, Rest in peace Brother, you fulfilled your mission!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sanfranciscocolumbarium.com for the family of Robert Farrell Hairell.