Tragically, Bruce R. Kennedy, 68, the retired CEO of Alaska Air, was killed in a single-plane crash on Thursday, June 28, in Cashmere, north central Washington State. For years, Kennedy was very active in supporting Christian missions overseas.
A statement from the Kennedy family details how Mr. Kennedy remained active in missions support work since his retirement from Alaska Air in 1991, especially with MAF(Missionary Aviation Fellowship).
The family said:
While we are deeply saddened by the loss of someone we love and admire so much, we rejoice in the knowledge that Bruce is united with his Lord Jesus and take comfort in the fact that he died doing something he loved and in which he took great pleasure.
Also, Kennedy served as chairman of Quest Aircraft. This firm was working on developing new aircraft designed to address the unique needs and demands of missions personnel serving in remote parts of the world.
Posted by Tim Morgan on July 2, 2007 12:08PM
Comments
Bruce and I served together on the Board of MAF and rarely have I known a man of higher character and integrity. I asked him once, When do you feel closest to God? and he answered without hesitation, When I am in Scripture. His memory will live on.
Posted by: Robert Mounce at July 2, 2007
Like many before me, Bruce and I served together on the Board of Mission Aviation Fellowship, and worked together under his leadership during the early days of Quest (then Packer) to make the dream of a mission plane a reality. But it was Bruce's humility and prayer of contrition for his role in bringing MAF and Crista into the funding fold of the Foundation for New Era Philanthropy, that so characterized his integrity. We were simply friends, and although his memory will live on, he will be missed horribly by his family and friends who were so impacted by his life and friendship.
Posted by: Rollin Van Broekhoven at July 5, 2007
Not only was Bruce a friend, but a tremendous encouragement during my time on the staff at Interdev in Seattle, WA. He and Karleen are deeply generous. I'm sad to know of this tragedy, but know that his legacy will live on in the lives of his family.
Posted by: J.Paul Fridenmaker at July 9, 2007
We in Alaska have many to thank for the evolution of Alaska Airlines. Bruce Kennedy was among the foremost who deserve our appreciation and recognition. I respect Bruce's successors for continuing the Alaska Air Prayer tradition. To those vocal few who are critical, I say:
Friends:
Alaska Airlines is a corporate citizen. It survives and prospers because of its operational competence, corporate standards and the traditional American culture that has sustained us all. To recognize and celebrate an American culture that is based on a belief in and reliance on God is logical and commendable.
Thank you for your dedication to our founding principles, Alaska.
Dave Harbour
Posted by: Dave Harbour at August 29, 2009
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