Two Alaska Legends Pass Away
Two Alaska giants died this week: Bradford Washburn and Ruth Jefford. Washburn was a renowed climber, cartographer, amazing mountain photographer, and scientist - he died at the age of 96. What a life he lived.
Ruth was a renaissance woman - she arrived in Alaska in 1941 and was a pioneer bush pilot. This back in the day when women rarely flew. She was also an elite violinist and was the concert mistress (and co-founder) of the Anchorage Symphony and played Outside with major groups such Robert Shaw’s chorale orchestra. I was so lucky - Ruth was a close family friend from virtually the first week Mom and I arrived in Anchorage in 1965. Mom was a pilot and a member of The Ninety-Nines the international organization of women pilots. Ruth basically adopted Mom and myself and the rest was, as they say, gravy. Through Ruth, we met so many wonderful, unique, talented people and they all welcomed us with open arms. It was very much Alaska in the old days.
The same goes for Ruth as for Bradford Washburn - what a life.
I just don’t think they make ‘em like Ruth and Washburn anymore.
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