|
 |
|
A formal picture of Frank, Nancy, their
granddaughter Dainean and Caroline, a Belgian exchange student.
Sadly, Nancy passed away in November 2009 from longstanding health complications. She is greatly missed and leaves the legacy of the hostel behind. Frank is running the hostel now and he is as eclectic as most Alaskans.Frank was in the Air Force for 20 years, half of which was in special duty assignments to the Army, then was a bush pilot with more than 12,000 hours over Alaska, then ran an airline, and now maintains the trails (and other things) for the city of Skagway. He was also in the volunteer fire department as a Captain in the fire suppression unit and as an advanced EMT. His retirement toy is a 30 foot sloop on which he looks forward to spending more time hunting and fishing in the future.
He and Nancy took in over 24 children, including some from other countries and cultures. They traveled the world and stayed in many hostels. When they came to Skagway 15 years ago, they realized it was a community that needed a hostel. They bought a historic house which needed restoration, and worked to make it the kind of hostel in which they would like to stay.
Other current family members include a previously abused and recovering cat named "Sammi" and a small dog named "Misty". Both were adopted from the Mae Bachur shelter in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. Misty has learned a number of tricks and loves to show off her skills for guests. Provided, of course, that treats are involved.
We have hosted nearly 50,000 guests in the past 17 years. Some people wonder what it's like to share your home with so many others. We think it's like living in a large family and that is the basis of our home hostel environment.
