Starting in August 2016, I worked for an Alaska Part 135 Operator in Homer, Alaska. The routes were quite short, and flying seemed incidental to loading and unloading the airplane. Every hour we would launch from PAHO and make up to five stops accross Kachemak Bay in the villages of Seldovia, Port Graham, and English Bay (Nanwalek).

Using Cessna 206 and 207 aircraft we delivered mail, hauled freight on supply runs, and ferried villagers to and from the road system that ends in Homer. It was hard work, but the view from the office windows was breathtaking. During the colder months our flights were often immersed in hour long sunrises and sunsets.

The people and community in Homer are second to none. Our friends from church would meet every week in a small group: sharing meals, fellowship, and exploring spiritual truths from the Bible. Our host, and my good friend Daniel Bunker wanted to learn to fly; he worked as an aide in the school system and guided bear tours in the summer. Taking my place at Smokey Bay Air was his dream, and a few years after my family had moved on from Homer he was hired and loving it. Last year he was even featured in a campaign for Randolph Sunglasses.

However, tragedy struck last month when Daniel lost his life attempting a go-around at the notorious Nanwalek airport. Formerly known as English Bay, almost half of the runway is officially closed: the gravel is fairly rough and uneven, with water on either side and hills and mountains at each end. The runway also forms somewhat of a cresent rather than the conventional straight line. On Monday April 28th, 2025 around 2pm a dog came onto the runway as Daniel was rounding out his turn to land; he radioed a company pilot in line behind him that he was going around to give it another try… He leaves behind a wonderful wife and two amazing sons. We love you Bunker family.