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Obituary
Richard, 93, and a 67-year resident of Alaska, died February 5, 2023. He was born in Weatherly, Pennsylvania, January 2, 1930. After high school he enlisted in the US Army, serving in Heidelberg, Germany. An early interest in wildlife led to a degree in wildlife management from Utah State University. He jumped at Idaho City 1953 and 1955. Seasonal work in Alaska progressed to graduate studies at University of Alaska Fairbanks. His long career began as assistant manager of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge for ten years, where he did pioneering Kodiak Brown bear and Bald Eagle research which led to the publication of several scientific articles. After transferring to Anchorage in 1970, his career included working with Alaska Native village residents on Land Claim Settlement. Subsequent employment with the National Park Service and State of Alaska involved designating Wilderness lands, Polar bear studies, oil spill damage in Prince William Sound and rocket launch impact on Kodiak Island. He served on the Alaska Board of Game. Richard was an avid reader and lifelong learner. He had a particular interest in American Indian history, among his many heroes were Chief Seattle and his daughter Angeline. He was passionate about service and volunteerism. He contributed many years of leadership to the Boy Scouts of America. He was a founding member of the Quiet Rights Coalition in addition to membership in many environmental conservation organizations.
Identifier
Hensel_Richard-Jeremiah_Idaho-City_1953
Publication Date
July 2024
Keywords
Smokejumping; Smokejumpers -- United States; National Smokejumper Association; Wildfire fighters; Obituaries
Disciplines
Forest Management
Recommended Citation
National Smokejumper Association, "Smokejumper Obituary: Hensel, Richard Jeremiah (Idaho City 1953)" (2024). Smokejumper Obituaries. 1716.
https://dc.ewu.edu/smokejumper_bios/1716
