Herbie Nayokpuk

Herbie Nayokpuk (June 12, 1929 – December 2, 2006) (Iñupiaq pronunciation of last name: Niiqpaq) nicknamed the "Shishmaref Cannonball", was an Inupiaq musher, known for his cheerful and straight-ahead demeanor. It is said that "no musher in Iditarod history has been more admired, more respected or better liked than Herbie Nayokpuk". + Iditarod Finishes

Year Position Time 1973 5th 21d 11h 0m 19s He also represented Alaska at the presidential inauguration of Ronald Reagan in 1981. He never won, but he made some notably daring attempts in extreme weather conditions. He suffered a stroke after one race and competed in another despite having just recovered from a heart attack.

Death and legacy Nayokpuk died at the age of 77 at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska, after suffering a massive stroke at his home in mid-November and then lapsing into a coma.