Wrangell Sentinel -

Kim Tyner (House) passed away unexpectedly in Sisters, Oregon, on Feb. 17, 2024. "Her absence leaves a gaping hole in the hearts of the countless people she touched," her family wrote.

A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.

Kim was born July 25, 1951, in Wrangell to Donald and Margaret House. "She was a restless spirit right from the get-go. To the horror of her father, she bought a Honda 90 motorcycle as soon as she was old enough. Later, she sold it and acquired a 150 model. After taking her dad for a nerve-wracking ride he remarked, 'She gets it from her grandfather!' who also rode motorcycles," her family wrote.

After graduating from high school in 1969, Kim "flew the coop." She took flying lessons and acquired a private pilot's license and later added multi-engine and floatplane ratings. She attended Green River Community College in Auburn, Washington, earning an associate degree in air traffic control. She went on to receive an air traffic control certification from the Federal Aviation Administration Academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1975.

Kim worked air traffic and flight service at Merrill Field in Anchorage, the Juneau Flight Service Station and Homer Flight Service Station. She received numerous commendations, awards and recognitions for exceptional work and devotion to the aviation profession.

She switched gears in 1982 and became executive director of the Valdez Convention and Visitors Bureau and later director of the Juneau Convention and Visitors Bureau.

She returned to air traffic control and retired from the FAA in 2003. She then immersed herself in studying residential building technology at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona, earning an associate degree in 2006. She subsequently moved to the Bend/Sisters area of Oregon.

In 1982, Kim married Bill Tyner, living in Juneau and Homer, divorcing after 10 years. Throughout her life Kim had numerous dogs, "both American Kennel Club-registered and lovable mutts." She spent many years participating in dog shows, where she and her dogs won an abundance of ribbons.

"Kim was a remarkably outgoing person with a great sense of humor, maintaining countless friendships with people far and wide. She volunteered for many good causes including her favorite, the Sisters Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store."

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Donald and Margaret House. She is survived by her stepmother, Shirley House, of Great Falls, Montana; brother John House, of Bellingham, Washington; sister Jennifer House, of Fairbanks; niece, Alexandra Jas House of Phoenix; and her devoted companion, Jake (dog).

Donations in Kim's memory can be made to the Sisters Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store in Sisters, Oregon, or the Humane Society of Central Oregon in Bend.