Richard Hensel
Jan 2, 1930 -
Feb 5, 2023
Richard Jeremiah Hensel, age 93 and a 67-year resident of Alaska, died at home on Feb. 5, 2023. He was born in Weatherly, Pa., on Jan. 2, 1930, the town's first baby of the new year to Florence and Emory Hensel. As a young boy, he spent long summer days at the swimming hole. In winter, he ran a trapline in the Poconos and started earning money before he was 12. He learned to hunt and provided food for his family. He achieved the star rank in Boy Scouts. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Heidelberg, Germany, close to four years. An early interest in wildlife led to a degree in wildlife management from Utah State University. He spent summers working as a smoke jumper. Seasonal work in Alaska progressed to graduate studies at University of Alaska Fairbanks. His long and storied career began as assistant then manager of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge for 10 years, where he did pioneering Kodiak brown bear and bald eagle research which led to the publication of several scientific articles.
He met Mary on a blind date in Anchorage, soon married, and they started their family in Kodiak, Alaska,. After transferring to Anchorage in 1970, his meaningful 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. He loved his life in Alaska and spent much time over the years fishing, hunting and berry picking. He had an immense appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounded him. He was especially proud of his log cabin he built by hand, with the help of friends and family, to leave for his children and grandchildren.
He was an avid reader and lifelong learner. Over the years, he had a multitude of varied hobbies including beekeeping, training Labrador retrievers, bird watching, gardening, cooking and piloting small aircraft. He loved to sing. 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 enthusiastically prepared and served food at Bean's Cafe and participated in several Global Volunteer trips. He was a founding member of the Quiet Rights Coalition in addition to membership in many environmental conservation organizations. An environmental activist for years, he became more politically active toward the end of his life. He often wrote letters to the editor at ADN and was proud of his most recent op ed, published a few weeks ago. He was researching the next.
He was known and loved by many for his humility, intelligence, courage, common sense, perseverance, faith, storytelling ability, loyalty and sense of humor. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary; six children, Richard (Cindy), Jillaine, Michelle (Robb Reeg), Kurt, Derek Hensel and Ann (Tony) Giacomini; 11 grandchildren, Edward, Koa, and Eliana Hensel, Madeleine and Lauren Smothers, Malia and Kaia Reeg, Joseph and Jack Hensel, and Jeremiah and Julia Giacomini; and many nieces, nephews and their families.
He was a faithful member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, where services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to an environmental organization or cause of your choice.
