Bruce Redman

Oct 3, 1943 -

Nov 17, 2024

Bruce was born on Oct. 3, 1943, in Anaconda, Mont., to Elliott and Betty Redman.

He spent his childhood on ranches in southwest Montana, causing plenty of mischief. His affinity for the outdoors, work ethic and deep-seated love for friends and family were very much products of his early life growing up in rural Montana.

After graduating from Colville High School in 1962, Bruce spent three summers working in the U.S.F.S., building trails and fighting wildfires before enlisting in the Army. He served as a paratrooper in France from 1966-69, and had 34 jumps during that time. After completing his military service, he returned to Wenatchee, Wash., where he earned his flight ratings and became a commercial pilot.

In late spring 1971, Bruce moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, to fly DC- 6s as a fire bomber. Following a summer of fighting wildfires in the DC-6, he took a job flying DC-3s and C-46s out of Vientiane, Laos, for Continental Air Services. He was a lifetime member of China Post 1 and always loved telling stories about his time in Southeast Asia.

Returning to Alaska around 1973, Bruce got a job flying Twin Otters with Rowan Drilling, later ERA. In the next 30 years flying Dash 8s and Convair 580s, Bruce earned thousands of hours safely flying Alaska families to destinations within the state. Although he loved the planes he flew, his real joy came from the passengers, crew members, gate agents and rampers he called his friends. Following his retirement from ERA, but not ready to hang up his hat, Bruce flew King Airs for Life Flight, and Pilatus PC-12s for Take Flight.

He is survived by his four children, Ahnya (Patrick), Jarrett (Katie), Adam (Emily) and Jenna Redman; grandchildren, Elliott and Milo Tobin and Henry, Audrey and Sam Redman; and sisters, Charlotte, Bobbie and Mary Alice.

Preceded in death by his parents; and beloved daughter, Molly Redman; as well as nephews, Scott and Ted Hawkins, Bruce truly cherished the memories of those he loved.