Howard J. Knutson
Apr 21, 1930 -
Jan 22, 2021
Howard Knutson was born in Benson, Minn., the youngest of five children. He passed away on Jan. 22, 2021, at the age of 90, while visiting in California. He is survived by his second wife, Paulette, of 32 years; three children, Gayle (George), RoxAnn (Tom) and Tony (Julie); seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings; first wife, Adina; and granddaughter, Adrina.
When Howard was 10 he saved his money and went for his first airplane ride. The ride cost him $5. He knew then that one day he would fly.
Howard moved to Alaska in 1953, getting his pilot's license that first year. He went on to become a bush pilot and a commercial pilot. He was a master guide, taking hunters into the Wrangell Mountains and the Brooks Range, and many other areas of Alaska. He commercially fished in the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska, he mined in Kennecott, he trapped and hunted all over Alaska, and was involved in a variety of other ventures, living the life style he loved. He belonged to the Alaska Airmen's Assoc., National Rifleman's Assoc., QB's, Elks, Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, Safari Club, Alaska's Independent Fishermen's Marketing Assoc., and many others. In 1998, Howard and a group of friends flew their single engine airplanes to the North Pole. In 2016, he was honored as the oldest boat captain in Bristol Bay, at age 86, and awarded the symbolic 2 billionth salmon caught in the bay. He retired from the bay at 87. He was instrumental in building the McCarthy Airport and the development of the large tires for airplanes.
Howard loved travel, adventure and the great outdoors. His quest for knowledge was never-ending. Besides flying, some of his other pleasures were scuba diving, parachuting, hunting, fishing and hiking. He enjoyed a good joke, a good book, music and dancing, photography and a good drink with good friends.
A scholarship fund has been set up at the Alaska Airmen's Association, 4200 Floatplane Drive, Anchorage, AK 99502; 907-245-1251. Please signify Howard Knutson scholarship with your donation. A celebration of life is planned at a later date.
