Bob Harte
Bob Harte, known for his prominent role in the Discovery Channel reality series “The Last Alaskans,” passed away on July 22, 2017, in Fairbanks, Alaska, due to cancer at the age of 66. The news was shared by the show's official Facebook page, which expressed sorrow over the loss of a cherished member of the Discovery family.
Born on January 23, 1951, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Harte made a pivotal decision at the age of 21 to hitchhike to Alaska, a move that would define the next four decades of his life. “The Last Alaskans” showcased Harte’s rugged lifestyle alongside fellow residents of the Alaskan wilderness. The show, which aired for three seasons—initially on Animal Planet and later on Discovery—garnered a strong following, including a Facebook community of over 14,000 fans.
Harte's journey was marked by personal challenges, particularly his battle with cancer, which he documented during the show's run. He took a break from the series in its second season in 2016 to focus on his health but made a triumphant return in early 2017 after showing signs of recovery, much to the delight of his supporters.
He leaves behind his former wife, Nancy; daughter, Talicia; stepson, Traver; foster son, Steve; and his beloved team of dogs, all of whom were integral parts of his life in Alaska.