The Alaska daily empire., 1917-09-06
Good Samaritan of the North Dies After a Short Illness Over
 the Seas. WAS AN ANGEL OF HOPE Purse Was Always Open to the Needy in the
 Early Days in
 Juneau.

 landmark of the Alaska of old. George Kyrage, Big Brother, , sourdough, miner and business man, is dead. In his wake he leaves | thousands of mourners in the North and elsewhere, ranging from the humble laborer who never emerged above the bedrock of life to the opulent capitalist who fol- lowed the long, dangerous trails lover the tops" in Alaska and made his stake, through a financial boost given by Kyrage.
 News that age had stilled the heart that for years had throbbed with kindness and humanity upon thousands in the Northland was re- ceived last Saturday by Kyrage's daughter, Miss Clara Kyrage, a graduate nurse, of Seattle. The widely known Alaskan died in Greece after a lingering illness. Purse Always Open.
 Pioneer Alaskans knew George Nyrage as man whose purse strings never tied. To the man, wo- man or child who was stricken with misfortune they could look to him for help-and get it. Kyrage knew no lines of distinction in humanity. All was alike to him, and he cast his money wherever it would throw the brightest rays of sunshine. He had financed hundreds of prospec- tors who failed in their first at tempts after a stake, but who want ed to try again.
 In most instances he received no return. His only reward was the Knowledge that he had helped a fellow man to gain some of the stuff that I got in Alaska" as he often expressed it.
 Kyrage came to Alaska forty years ago, and Fortune smiled upon him from the start. He became interested in several paying mines and other ventures.
 few years after Kyrage came to Alaska, he established himself in Juneau, where he opened a hotel and other business. His fortune WOl Hc SIdl Jcu tO SUdTc IL.
 Aids Penniless Families. Penniless families who were fighting the bitter struggle against Fate found him frequent and gen erous visitor. He made his visits alone and he lifted the shades of misfortune with an transformations hand. Men who descended to the deep, dark depths of despair and | discouragement after losing out in the race for gold found George Ky rage's hand out-stretched to them Generally, if they wanted to try | ten he would clothe them and pro- vide them with transportation to the "outside."
 When George Kyrage heard the news of some family stricken with misfortune he would investigate. He had dedicated his life to one of l helpfulness.
 Five years ago Kyrage went to 1 his home in Greece to visit reIa- tives. He was also interested in several ventures in his native land Kyrage had intended to return to Alaska soon. but illness prevented | him.
 The deceased, familiarly known as George, The Creek" had resided in Alaska over thirty years. His advent into the Territory dates back to 1884. He was a famous cook and conducted several hotels and buffets in Alaska. In 1887 he was married at Sitka and the event was a memorable occasion, taking place in the Greek Church. One hundred and forty persons went over from Juneau. A big banquet followed the wedding ceremony and for several days, Sitka, in honor of the marriage was a gay scene. Among those who attended was Mayor Valentine, who says the function was one of the most elaborate ever given in South eastern Alaska. For a period. George cooked at the oil works located at KilIisnoo He came to Juneau in 1888 and acted as cook in the old Central Hotel which was under the management of Emery Valentine. Several years later he conducted the old hotel and buffet known as the Arctic. For a time he managed the Juneau Brewery, and later opened up the then Comet Saloon on Front Street. now the Kentucky During the year 1912 he left the country for Constantinople to settle an es- tate of his brother, since which time he has not returned to Alaska.
 George acted as cook on the boat that took the late General Grant around the world in 1880 He was