By BERNADETTE WILSON
Dan Fagan had become an institution in Alaska. If politics is to be compared to a game of chess, Dan was the piece continually blocking conservatives from checkmate. As politicians, strategists, pollsters, and campaign managers strategized victories at the ballot box and in Juneau, Dan, too, played a leading part. He was — and is — irreplaceable.
When conservatives were victorious, he celebrated with us. When we were defeated, he would feel immense guilt, as though it were his fault or he had not done enough. Many times, he could not bring himself to get back on the air the morning after a lost election or a failed piece of legislation. While some talk show hosts view themselves as entertainers, Dan viewed himself as a soldier in a spiritual battle of good versus evil.
Politics has many mercenaries and few true believers. Dan Fagan was a true believer.
Throughout the years, politicians would retire, campaign managers would move on, and volunteers would lose interest — but Dan kept going. He watched many a campaign come and go. He had seen it all. His perspective, shaped by history, was invaluable. His courage to hold people accountable was refreshing. His hope for Alaska was invigorating. And his love for Almighty God was inspiring.
He was also one of my dearest friends. He is the single most important person I can point to and clearly see where God’s hand in his life played a role in mine.
I met Dan when I was 18 at a political event. We talked and debated, and Dan invited me on his radio show at the time. As the days and months went on, it was Dan who first told me he thought I had a gift to articulate conservative values. I would become a frequent guest on his radio show, and when Dan was out for a day or a week, I would fill in.
When Dan moved over to host his TV show, he called me and said the afternoon TV show spot was open. He had already talked to the station manager and encouraged me to take the job. I had no background in journalism and no on-air experience. But again, Dan encouraged me: “You have been given a gift.” I took that TV show, and Dan would become my cheerleader, encourager, and confidant.
When KFQD offered me the opportunity to jump from TV to radio, Dan was right there, giving advice and encouragement. We bounced show and guest ideas off each other. Frequently, we sent each other our op-eds to get feedback long before the public ever read them. In fact, as I write this, it is a lonely feeling to think that I won’t send it to him first.
When I called Dan 10 years ago to talk through my thoughts about leaving media and starting a garbage company, I was surprised when he told me, “You were never meant for TV or radio.” He insisted my gifts from God were for something else. “Go start that company. It’s all part of His plan,” Dan encouraged.
He would continue to have me on his shows as a frequent guest. We would continue to bounce op-eds off each other. Whether it was Parental Notification of Abortion, Joe Miller’s Senate race against Lisa Murkowski, battling Covid lockdowns, countless legislative efforts and races, or most recently Nick Begich’s congressional race — if I was leading, Dan was right there: a consistent sounding board and confidant.
And if you ever heard us on the air together, you already know he constantly encouraged me to run for public office.
It’s hard to believe it’s been more than 20 years.
I got a phone call a week or so ago letting me know Dan was in the hospital with heart complications. There was fear he wouldn’t make it. He wasn’t answering his phone for anyone, but a text message from a dear, longtime mutual friend of ours encouraged him to take my call, even if it was the only one.
I had things I needed to say to him, should his days be numbered.
He called me. While he lay in a hospital bed in far, far away, and I was here in Alaska, we recounted stories and moments in time where he played the single largest role in shaping my professional career. I thanked him for being the one — and the first person — who had so clearly helped me understand and appreciate the gifts and talents that are on loan to me. I shared with him things I felt a tugging in my heart from Almighty God to share. We both cried so hard, neither one of us could hardly get the words out.
Always Dan, he encouraged and reminded me that when God gives a gift, He expects you to use it. He told me, “I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to be here for a while still, and I’ll be fighting alongside you.”
That would be our last conversation.
I will miss him immensely. They say that when God takes someone from this earth, it’s because He knows they can help us more from up there than from down here. Dan is with his Creator now, and I know he’s still ready to fight the good fight.
Dan, you will be so missed. I love you dearly. Rest in peace, my friend. Until we meet again.
Bernadette Wilson is the founder and president of Denali Disposal and is a longtime political activist.
Thank you Bernadette for sharing your memories and your last moments with Dan. I always loved listening to KENI 650 when you and Dan were on talking about how to strategize against your opponents. You could tell you two shared a special bond. I can just hear Dan now as he is in heaven sharing his thoughts to the angels! God Bless.
Such a wonderful tribute, Thanks. We ALL will miss him, some more than others..