Fairbanks, Alaska — The Fairbanks community is in deep mourning after the sudden loss of Win Ostanik, the cherished son of University of Alaska Fairbanks Men’s Basketball head coach Frank Ostanik. Win’s passing has left a profound ache in the hearts of family, friends, teammates and everyone who crossed his path in this tight‑knit northern town.
Win was known for his gentle spirit, curiosity about the natural world and the way he cared for others. Born and raised in Fairbanks, he developed a deep relationship with the Alaska wilderness early in life — a love that grew as he spent time exploring forests, trails and rivers with friends and family. He carried that same wild‑heart passion into his studies, where he focused on environmental science and wildlife conservation first at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and later in his pursuit of Wildlife Management at Dakota College at Bottineau. His academic journey was marked by dedication to understanding and protecting the fragile ecosystems of the North.
Family members and close friends remember Win as a calm and thoughtful young man whose quiet strength was evident in how he lived his life. He didn’t seek attention but rather earned admiration through his actions — whether helping a friend, sharing a quiet moment in nature, or offering a warm smile that lifted spirits when they were low. Those who knew him speak of his humility, his sense of adventure and the unmistakable tranquility he found in Alaska’s great outdoors.
Win’s connection to Fairbanks went far beyond the classroom or the trails. He was a presence at local events, a familiar face in community gatherings and someone many in the region felt they knew, even casually. Those who cheered on the Nanooks at basketball games often looked for Win in the crowd, where his easy laughter and open-hearted kindness stood out.
For his father, Coach Frank Ostanik, the loss is beyond measure. Frank’s own life is interwoven with Fairbanks basketball — a beloved coach, mentor and community leader who returned to helm the Nanooks after years of shaping young athletes both on and off the court. Through all of that, his pride in his son’s compassionate spirit and connection to nature was unmistakable.
As the community grieves, stories of Win’s life reflect the essence of who he was: someone who found joy in the simple things, loved deeply, and inspired others to care for the world around them. His legacy lives not only in the memories of those who loved him but in the values he embodied — kindness, curiosity and unwavering respect for life in all its forms.
Win’s family has asked that those wishing to honor his memory do so by practicing kindness, supporting one another and cherishing every meaningful moment. In a place where long winters meet endless horizons, Win’s spirit will continue to be felt in the winds that sweep across the tundra and in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him.
His life, though far too brief, leaves a gentler world behind — one filled with warmth, connection and the quiet strength of a young man who lived with purpose and love.