Linus Beattus

Linus Beattus, 80, passed away on December 24, 2024 due to failing health problems.

 Linus was born on March 26, 1944 in Allakaket to Elizabeth Linus and adopted by Paul Beattus. He lived a traditional Athabascan lifestyle. He trapped on his favorite land and had a dogteam until health issues became too much. He then moved to Fairbanks. Linus served his country honorably in the US Navy from 1968-1974. He traveled the world and served 2 tours in Vietnam, Da Nang. He traveled 1000’s of miles below India on the Indian Ocean. He was stationed in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Davisville, Rhode Island. He made good friends during his service. His lifelong friend, Bryant, was his true friend because they depended on each other to watch each other’s back. Once he said they were best friends because they couldn’t beat each other wrestling. He served on the US Naval Construction Battalions, also known as Seabee’s. The Seabee’s are construction workers who were trained to defend themselves against enemy attacks. Seabee’s also deployed around the world to provide engineering/construction support. Linus received Meritorious Unit Citation, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was in the Operators Union 302 until his retirement. He was ready and willing to work, but his health became an issue.   

In his early years, he overcame serious adversities, he had tuberculosis, which left him with only 1 lung. In 1964, he became seriously ill out on the trapline. Late brother Moses Henzie hauled him to Allakaket by dogteam 40 miles of rough terrain. With no outside communication, they waited until the next day when a 180 plane landed. It was either Wien or Andy Anderson. He underwent surgery for a ruptured appendix. Late brother Moses Henzie saved his life. He guided a dogteam in his younger years and competed in local races. The, later in the Koyukuk River Championship. He enjoyed playing fiddles and guitars and was good at it. Later years were spent with his good friends at the Pan House. This provided good therapy for him.

Linus is survived by his brothers; Don Bergman, Sr., Steven Bergman, Sr. (Gladys), and Phil Bergman of Allakaket, sisters; Mathilda Barber of Anchorage, Flora Johnson of Iliamna, Irene Henry (Sam) of Allakaket, and Jessie David (Harold, Sr.) of Allakaket, many nieces and nephews and grandchildren, especially nephews, Edward Craig, Patrick Bergman, and Phillip Vincent who took care of him in Fairbanks. He was preceded in death by his wife, Verna B., his beloved mother and stepfather, Elizabeth and Edward Bergman, Sr., brothers; Moses (Marie) Henzie, Kenneth Bergman, and Edward Bergman, Jr., and sister Madeline Bifelt.

The family would like to thank all for being his friend. He left a legacy of tenacity and showed us what self-determination was. In other words, he lived by his own set of rules. In the end, he made sure we understood his final wishes. His cremains will be brought to his final resting place which is not accessible at the time. We will honor our late mother by having a Celebration of Life and traditional potlach at that time.  

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