Lonnie Kennedy - Umnak Island, Alaska
It is with genuine sorrow that I write tonight about the passing of someone I’ve considered a good friend from the first day I ever met him. One of the most amazing and interesting things I”ve seen since moving out here to Unalaska / Dutch Harbor was the random arrival and departures of the the Kennedy family who ranch cattle out on Umnak Island about 80 miles south of us and further out in the Aleutian Chain. They would show up flying Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters and land in vacant fields or next to the hotel, conduct business and then fly back out to the ranch.
I met Lonnie shortly after I arrived here. Offering to help with finding rooms for him and his family or fence builders and other crew coming to or from the island. I got to spend a fair amount of time with him when he and his family would visit or stay over night in transit and never never once had he a bad thing to say about anyone or anything. He was a family man, a believer in respect and faith, hard working, honest funny and down right genuine.
Lonnie Checks On Me Near Station Bay & Chernofski
Lonnie died today in a crash while flying near Chernofski on Unalaska Island. The details are still vague and after talking with his son here in town, even he doesn’t know what exactly happened yet.
The few photos posted here were taken during my trek across Unalaska Island in September of 2009, he made a point of flying my route every few days to make sure I was alive and well and the other is a recent but undated photo of him near the Okmok Volcano on Umnak Island.
Lonnie would email me weekly forwarding jokes and links on the internet, he would ask about weather and what I was doing or if I was still planning on hiking the length of the island again. At the end of each email he would always sign it ‘Your Friend On Umnak ~ Lonnie‘ Every time he came to town I would get a call from him minutes after landing just saying hello and to check out what was going on. If he was staying over night we would often have a beer or two and tell tall tales at the bar. If he was just in for the day we would get breakfast or lunch just before he left to fly back out to the ranch.
Lonnie Checks On Me Near Station Bay & Chernofski
Today was such a day. This morning my friend Reid and I were out in Unalaska Bay fishing, I heard the unmistakable sound of the helicopters making their way through Captains Bay towards the airport. I called him on channel 18 to say hello and to see what was going on. He said they were picking up groceries and supplies. Specifically Jalapenos to make cream cheese stuffed jalapenos wrapped in bacon.
I told him I’d meet him for lunch after he was done shopping and we were done fishing. Sure enough we met up a few hours later at the grill, Lonnie, Josh his new son in law and I had lunch, told stories, laughed, shook hands and said goodbye. I didn’t know that would be so final.
I’m happy to have called him a friend, I’m happy I shook his hand before he left today and I regret that I’ll never get another call or email from him saying hello or checking in.
So Lonnie, goodbye. Your Friend On Unalaska ~ Dan.
Deepest sympathies on the loss of your friend. Hard to take I am sure.
Lonnie is the cousin of my wife Margaret. He was a remarkable man, and a much-loved member of his close-knit family. He will be so sorely missed.
Dan, that is an amazingly well written and heartfelt post, and I felt the love for a lost friend in your careful choice of words. I dont’t know the Kennedy family but their helicopters sure make an impression, the way they appear out of “no where”. My sincere sympathies to you and the Kennedy family on the loss of a loved one.
Lonnie will be missed by everyone whose life he touched. Dan, I too am going to miss his voice on the radio and his smiling face. Lots of tears shed here at the airport. Rest In Piece Lonnie.
Thanks for sharing this. One of my friend’s sons was on that helicopter and working at the ranch. It is such a tragedy and I know Lonnie will be missed, but it is nice to find out more about a remarkable man.
Dan,
I appreciate that you took the time to write this and give those of us who didn’t know him well a better glimpse of who Lonnie was. I am truly sorry for all of those that loved him and called him a friend and I know you are one…Stay strong my friend…
Sharon
In 1976 at Mayer High School, a gangly youth approached me and asked permission to take one of my math classes. This was an odd request, given that he could’ve simply registered for the course, till I discovered he had already passed the class the previous year. “I don’t think I really learned it though,” he explained. Impressed, I made the necessary arrangements. He struggled with the topic but never gave up and passed it (again).
I lost contact with Lonnie till last year when he sent me an email. We updated each other, and then settled into the occasional exchange of jokes. His brother John notified me of Lonnie’s death today.
Though the intervening years took him through to manhood, family, and work, I’ll always know Lonnie as the skinny kid with a quick smile who knew early in life that it’s not enough to have passed the class.
My condolences to his family, and may God hold them all in his hands.
Lonnie was a great guy, family oriented, nice, smiling face all the time. I knew him as ‘Lonnie the Helicopter Pilot’ He would always make an attempt to come into the WWII Visitors Center here by the airport and say hi. He was just here a few days ago. I would always hear him over the radio saying they’re either on final to land here at the airport, or ‘Helicopters on the go crossing midfield, westbound out of Captains Bay.’ Silence for a bit, then his unmistakable voice: ‘Helicopters clear the active, Dutch, have a good one.’ I am sorry for such a huge loss, he will be missed. Condolences to his family and friends. R.I.P. Capt. Lonnie.
It was a cold, finger numbing, eye tearing morning in 1983 when Lonnie and I headed out to find javelina and attempt to bring one home…he had cooked baking powder biscuits before sunup, so our bellies were happy as we trekked out from the ranch here in central Arizona. I was 14 years old, I think…carrying my Dad’s model 94 30-30. Wasn’t long before we found a big mess of javelina traversing a canyon, and I opened fire. “Too high”, reported Lonnie, as I worked the lever action and prepared to fire again. “Still a little too high” he remarked calmly as I watched the group of javelina pick up speed and make their getaway. The next report sent a big one of those peccaries rolling down the hill…a nice shot across the canyon even if it took me three tries. “Got that one”, Lonnie said, as we both watched across the canyon. Best part about that hunt was Lonnie helped me field dress that javelina and then proceeded to transport it for me up the side of the canyon back towards home…we were a couple miles from the house.
Lonnie loved to visit and talk and smiled a LOT. He taught me lots of stuff about wild cattle, trapping, water lines, horses, hunting, and roughing it in the outdoors. I missed seeing him last time he made it back to Arizona…I’ll be missing him a lot and thinking about him.
TT
Hi Dan, will you contact me please? I’d like to use your photo of Lonnie in our local paper to let people see who he is and what he was about. The town of Mayer, Arizona will be sad to know they have lost one of their own.
thank you so much for writing this story! Lonnie was a family friend and a great man he will for ever be honored in are memorys!!
I will sorely miss Lonnie. When he would come into the PO I would always hear ” Hello the house” then there would be that great smile and a big hug with ” How ya doin’ kiddo”, got any stuff for me? Lonnie was one of the greatest persons I have known. He had such a big heart and cared for everybody and everything. My sincerest condolense (cant spell) to his family for this loss. He will be truely missed…
To everyone who has written here, Lonnie was my little brother and it bring such joy and comfort to read your comments. Lonnie had friends everywhere. Thank you all so much.
Lonnie was a great friend and taught me so many things…
Everyone knows I had just married His daughter Lily last month..
I was looking forward to doing so many things with him..
It still hasn’t hit me that he is actually gone…..he was always the guy that was just always ok….Lonnie had just let out 3 crew members just minutes before the crash..
He was the best helicopter pilot I have ever known…and a much better friend.
Arriving shortly after the crash…words can not describe how i felt…pronouncing him dead to the crew and leaving him there was the hardest thing I have ever done…
I knew though I had to get the crew home and there wasn’t anything more i could do at the scene..
I can say however that he died doing what he loved…..and was having a blast just moments before the wreck……
I feel prayers are expecially needed for his wife susan and the youngsters Parker and Amy….
Working with lonnie these past 4 years He has become a father figure to me….as well as much of the crew..
He was always happy….always joking…even when nothing would work….and it seemed pointless…
He was the man with every answer……He new something about everything…..
He is going to be greatly missed………..but never forgotten…
he’ll be in our hearts forever.
Josh,
Thank you for your update – I appreciate your words more than I am able to express. Lonnie and I co-Pastored in Mayer for a number of years. I can say, without a doubt, that was the most rewarding time of all my years in ministry!
The caption above this box says “Speak your mind” – something I am finding incredibly difficult since my mind is fragmented with hundreds of different thoughts with varying degrees of intensity and all of them expressing sorrow. The fact is, Lonnie was one of a kind and the best that humanity has to offer as to how we should be; and, even though I was his Pastor, in that regard, he was mine.
He would sometimes say to me: “Via con Dios” – he did, and that is the Light in the darkness of my sorrow and pain.
Please convey my thoughs to Susan and the family,
Thom Ernst,
Glendale, AZ
taernst1947@hotmail.com
Dear Dan, I am very thankful for your story. You and Lonnie had a friendship that he treasured deeply. Your words about your last time spent with him are a great comfort to me; hearing that he was happy and doing what he loved. Thank you so much for everything.
Hi Susan, Lonnie was a good friend to me, always fair and square, always smiled and always wanted to say hello. Every time he passed through town he stopped by the hotel or called to check in. I felt honored to be his friend. He certainly had a knack for inspiring me to be a better person and I’m certain that I am because of him.
I wish the best for you and the family, please feel free to call if you need anything.
Lonnie was my cousin. When I came along, I took his place as the youngest cousin in our extended family, and that bought me some hazing when we were little guys.
But as we grew up he just got nicer and nicer to me, and in adulthood he was the kind of man I’d like my son to be. I’ve always admired the kind of do-anything, stand-up guy he became. I will really miss him but I know where he is and I know he’s doing just fine.
Susan, Lynn, Josh, Peg, and the hole Kennedy clan, if you happen to read this and there’s anything Barb and I can do for you, you need only say the word. You’ll be in our thoughts and prayers.
Hi Dan: Thanks for sharing your story about your friendship with Lonnie. I worked alongside Lonnie for several years when he was an elder at Mayer Community Church. Lonnie was a true leader and always able to do the tough stuff. Lonnie was also a great father, husband and son. The Kennedy family is well respected in our community. We want to wrap our arms around Susan and the kids during this time of intense sorrow.
Dearest Susan, Lily, Valle, Amy, and Parker,
Only a month ago I met you for the first time in your living room in Arizona after a long drive from Alaska to celebrate Lily and Joshua’s wedding. What a joy to welcome Lily to our family and a double joy having all of you as well! Two days later Lonnie arrived from FT.Glenn, wearing cowboy boots and hat and a great welcoming smile!!
The wedding was made extra special by Lonnie walking Lily down the isle to Joshua’s waiting arms and Lonnie then turning around and officiating the ceremony, blessing our young ones…
Ross, I have yet to meet you.
Lonnie, we’ll meet again.
Susan, Parker, Amy, Valle, Ross and Lily and Joshua,
With love and deepest sympathy I greet you with this song:
” When my world is shaking,
heaven stands.
When my heart is breaking,
I never leave Your hands.
The hands that shaped the world
are holding me.
You hold me still.
I never leave Your hands.”
Kaarina
I’m overwhelmed. One man, so many lives touched, moved, changed and from what I gather – all for the better.
I don’t have many pictures to share of Lonnie, but of the ones I do have I’ve posted the ones that made me smile on the main page of this site.
To see them, visit the main page at: http://www.danslife.net
Lonnie was my cousin – and a great one. Other than my brother, he was the youngest of all the grandkids. His sister, Lynne, and I being the only two granddaughters, we used to tease the boys that we were the favorites. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of that with the Kennedys at CJ, and Lonnie picking on me. Because we were the closest in age, I think it gave him entitlement to pick on me the most, and the only girl! :)
Really great memories were created at our Grandparents ranch, where we used to have “String Parties”. All our parents would spend countless hours preparing the spider web of yarn/string, so that each grandchild would find a suprise at the other end. Inevitably, Lon and I were the last to finish and race for the end, while the older cousins laughed. Sure, he treated me like one of the boys, but was always so kind and gracious with me. I admired him as an adult and as a parent. He was a fine, fine man!
He will be missed. My most sincere thoughts are with you Susan, the kids, and all extended Kennedy families. The world has lost a hero, but heaven has gained an angel. RIP Lon.
Rosemary
I have always my Daddy’s girl. I can hear his voice so clearly in my head, I can feel the way his arms felt around me when he hugged me. “you better not eat that, all your kids will be born naked.”, he would tell me. “You sure are a pretty girl, you must’ve got that from your mom.” “You can be anything you want to be” and my favorite one, “you’ll never be too big to sit on my lap.”
I’m so thankful for the time I was able to spend with him while we were here for Lily’s wedding. After the wedding, we played at the creek, we geocached, we made cookies in our dutch ovens, I didn’t know that our goodbye would be our last, but I will treasure these memories in my heart forever. I will always be my daddy’s girl. There is nothing more comforting to me than the fact that I will see him again someday in heaven, he will have a new body, because he trusted Jesus as his Savior. Everybody loved my Dad and I appreciate all the comments here. Thanks for sharing. Vallie (Lonnie’s oldest daughter)
My husband Tom is Susan Kennedy’s brother. Everything I have read so far is so true of Lonnie. He was a great husband, father, brother-in-law, and friend. He always had a smile on his face and a hug to freely give. He loved Jesus and he loved people. This is such a terrible shock to the family as the last time we saw him at Lily’s wedding he was so strong and full of life. My heart goes out to Susan and the kids and all of those close to Lonnie. He was definately a one of a kind. He will go down in our history as one of the greatest men ever. I will always treasure that last Sunday we had together after the wedding. We all gathered around in his living room in Cordes and sang songs and talked about the Lord together. I look forward to seeing him again in heaven, but I will truly miss him here on earth.
The last memory I have of Lonnie was when we were at his house after Lily and Josh’s wedding. Parker came through the room and said in his grown-up voice, “Dad, I’ve got somethin to show ya”. Lonnie said, “OK, whatcha got?” and he followed Parker out the door like it was the most important thing in the world. It was.
Lonnie, I’ll miss your smiling crushing handshake.
Dan,
I am a helicopter pilot in Juneau. As weather has our company on the ground today I was taking time to review any recient accidents. This is normal among the flying community. It helps us to stay aware of the hazards in our profession. Of course I was saddened to hear that a man lost his life, but as my research brought me to your website that sadness was deepend to find that such a good man was lost by a family, community and friend such as yourself.
I am the son of a man who was also taken from this earth too early in a helicopter accident. I was too young to remember him well, but cling to the stories of his friends and family that remembered him the way you remember Lonnie. It keeps them with us.
Thanks for sharing your friend with all of us who were not so fortunate to have known him as you did. My prayers are with you and his family.
Nate Maplesden
My wife and I have been a friend of Lonnie and Susan sence the late 80s when Lonnie managed the cross Y ranch. Our families would go to Lake Pleasant together to pic-nic and water ski. I can still see the image of Lonnie skiing in just jeans, T-shirt and a cowboy hat sporting big smile.
Lonnie, had a big impact on me and my family.
He gave me the courage to do things that I would normally not do.
He taught me how to cook a pig in a pit and patch a pipe with just rubber and bailing wire.
He taught my boys how to catch bass, noodle for catfish and to be more self reliant.
He will truely be missed.
For all our friends and family, Lonnie’s AZ memorial service will be held Sunday, June 27th at 2pm at the Mayer High School Gym at Spring Valley. There will be a potluck dinner following. There will also be a memorial service held in Dutch Harbor when Susan is there and we don’t have a date for that at this time. We thank you all for your prayers, thoughts and concerns. Lynn Malouff
What a shock, mom and I wish you all the very best. Your neighbors, Tina Newsome and Magie Giammarinaro
All of the Creps Families are so very saddened to hear of our cousin Lonnie’s death. I know I have happy chilhood memories of when he and John came to town to visit their Great Aunt Fran / my Grandma Creps. We were able to hear of some of the exciting adventures that Lonnie had when my father, Gar Creps, passed away nearly 2 years ago. My dad didn’t quite make it to the family reunion which was the weekend after he died but we were able to catch up with the Kennedy family and hear about everyone. We are all so very sorry to hear of his loss and send our prayers.
June 19 2007…..Heaven grew Sweeter this day…When we lost our Son Kenny to an accident, a nurse came into our room..she said “are you Barbara?” yes I said..she went on to say..” I have a message from the Lord..would you accept it?” yes I said “The Lord wants you to know that Kenny is not dead…He is only in a different location.” I knew that…but it meant so much at that moment to hear it…A different location…Amen….next time no more seperations. Heaven is a place to look forward too. I wish we knew more about our next Home….Heaven Barb & Wen Guest
Nearly sixty years have passed since I first came to know the Kennedys. Still fondly recall the wonderful visits at Cordes when both our families were young. Was so very impressed, even then, with the fabulous qualities exhibited by Lynn, John, and Lonnie. Many years later, upon returning to Arizona, I was awed to observe all those same talents, qualities, and personalities being renewed in all their children.
My best memory of Lonnie is our ride together gathering the Kennedy cattle when he was in Arizona this spring. As with so many of you, little did I realize that it would be a last visit. Apparently The Lord needed one more Top Hand, and for sure his need was filled when Lonnie arrived there.
Our deepest sympathies to all of us who are devastated by this tragic loss.
Thanks Dan. Lonnie’s brother John is a good friend of mine and I’ve followed Lonnie’s exploits in the Aleutians since before he was offered the chance to fly helicopters for the ranch there. Simply put, an amazing gentleman, great husband and father, who seized his opportunities in life. So many of us could only dream of living like he did.
He’ll be missed and I wish his family and the entire extended Kennedy clan my sincerest condolences and my very best wishes. I am so sorry for your loss.
~Phil
I knew Lonnie and his family through working on Umnak Island, Okmok volcano for the Alaska Volcano Observatory. We at AVO were all shocked and saddened to learn of Lonnie’s death. We were all looking forward to seeing him, Susan, and family this summer during our field work. Lonnie was always beyond helpful to us, cheerful, upbeat, talented – a truly unique and remarkable person. He was so observant and we greatly valued everything he contributed to our understanding of the volcano and the eruption in 2008. My thoughts and prayers are with you Susan, Parker, Lily, Amy, Ross, and Vallie and your families. If any from AVO are in Dutch Harbor at the time of the memorial, we will be there. Our sincerest condolences.
Jessica Larsen
Lonnie was, and is, a good friend. We spent time together on the job
and off the job. The church I pastor in Cordes will remember him
because I had him fill in for me a few times and always had good reports of him. He will be missed. We will remember all the family in our prayers.
I started working for BPR back in 2001. It didn’t take me very long to see that the people of Dutch Harbor/Unalaska are some of the most caring/giving individuals I know.
Living in Canada and being totally new to the logistics of the area – The help that I have received over the years has been invaluable.
Yet again, you ALL come through with your kindness to the whole Kennedy clan. Not just those related by blood, but the crew themselves who I believe were extended family members to Lonnie.
What to say about Lonnie……
He was Ranch Manager Extraordinaire, (seemed there was nothing he couldn’t do) a very valued co-worker and treasured friend. I will miss his “OK kiddo talk to you later” every day.
Susan, Ross, Vallee, Lily, Amy, Parker, and all the extended family – I’m sorry I couldn’t be with you at the Memorial yesterday, but know I was there, and will be here for you anytime you need.
Lonnie, We will meet one day in person.
Susan, I hope to meet you much sooner.
I’m Lonnie’s father in law, Susan’s dad. The first I heard about Lonnie was just a few weeks after we had moved back to the US from Ecuador. We let Susan visit some friends near Prescott, and not long after she got there we received this phone call, “…I’ve met this guy, and I really like him…” That followed a few days later with “Can I bring Lonnie over? He wants to meet you.”
That was our first rocky, scary contact with Lonnie. Here was this tall handsome young cowboy who wanted to take our daughter away. And Susan was our only daughter so I couldn’t offer him any second choices! But it did not take Lonnie long to win us over.
We quickly grew to love and respect Lonnie, and that relationship has grown over the years. We’re proud to have been his in-laws now for many years, and to have him as part of our family. He and Susan have blessed us with 5 terrific grand children, plus 5 great grand children and counting.
We’ll miss you Lonnie.
There is a brighter star in the heavens.
Lonnie was our nephew by marriage and we loved him and Susan the same. I remember meeting Lonnie. He was a tall, good looking, friendly, had a smile to cry for and super friendly. He would give me a big ole hug, even if he had to bend in half to get to me. He will be missed.
Susan and children, our hearts come to you with love and compassion. You are one wonderful woman and don’t you ever forget it. God does have a plan even as we don’t know yet what it is.
Proverbs: As the water reflects the face, the sould reflects the heart.
What a heart that man had. He will be missed.
Love all of you,
Prayers & Hugs,
Aunt Clara & Uncle Bob
First of all reading what everyone had to say about LONNIE was like reading a CLASIC NOVEL….S0 beautiful written.
knowing LON since he was about two and thru his changing years to be the man he was was like watching a FINE OAK TREE MATURE.He has left his mark on all us who knew him,I loved him as one of my own ,every MOTHER;SDAY he called me where ever he was,and yes I just might be the first to get that call from heaven on MOTHER;S DAY NEXT YEAR.
Lon was with LLOYD and I at the ranch in NV and one day I was so busy in the ranch yards and we had people coming in from for dinner from San Francisco the kitchen floor needed mopping,Lon said he HEY LADY I WILL DO IT!I SO I SAID I, DO YOU KNOW HOW TO DO IT RIGHT?YOU JUST COME BACK AND SEE FOR YOUR SELF,he said,I DID AND HE DID IT PERFECT,but then said I DID IT 3 TIME!!!he was my bestest friend,love you LONNIE
A day has not gone by since hearing of the passing of our dear friend that I don’t think of Lonnie and his beautiful family. Nick and I were so happy to have Lonnie come stay with us during the first week of June. He let me sit in the R22 when it was parked at Birchwood and he enjoyed answering my many questions.
The day he left for Dutch in the R22, Nick accompanied him as far as Iliamna. I had to work that day (PenAir flight to King Salmon). Later in the afternoon while in King Salmon, I saw Lonnie land his helicopter next to the fuel pumps across the ramp from where our SAAB 340 was parked. Our Anchorage-bound passengers had just boarded and I was preparing to pull up the stairs and close the door. Lonnie was still in the helicopter shutting things down. I waved heartily hoping he would see me. He looked up, did see me and gave a hearty wave back. I never dreamed this was good-bye.
It is a rare and bountiful privilege to know people who bring so much fun and joy into your life. Lonnie was such a person. I will never forget his smile that literally set his whole face alight with genuine pleasure and mirth. He was a gentleman of the first order and in many ways reminded me of a Knight whose first order of business was always the comfort and well-being of those around him. Gracious, kind, funny, appreciate, hard-working…he didn’t need armor to shine.
He will be so missed. But, how wonderful to know that the footprints he left behind tell such a wonderful story of a life well lived. Much love to Lonnie’s large, loving family. And to Lonnie, thanks for being in our lives and happy journey, dear friend.