THINK BACK, PILGRIM VI
dick proenneke
Richard Louis "Dick" Proenneke was a very handy Iowa boy born in 1916 and gone after a fascinating life in 2003.
His place on earth can be visited today in Twin Lakes, Alaska, a rugged and isolated spot where he 'retired' at age 51 after decades working as a mechanic, salmon fisherman and other duties. He stuck to this spot for 30 years. To see the location on the map:
60°38′59″N 153°48′38″W.
With a keen intelligence and sure with his hands, plus owning a rock bottom
work ethic all made Proenneke a crackerjack mechanic, carpenter and jack-of-all-trades = homesteader complete.
Sam Keith wrote an excellent portrait about Dick Proenneke in his book One Man's Wilderness. I'm showing a clip from the film Alone in the Wilderness below.
After working like a mighty mouse all his life (and enjoying it!) the good man passed away from a stroke at age 86. He had only recently moved out of the sticks and to California to be with family.
His place on earth can be visited today in Twin Lakes, Alaska, a rugged and isolated spot where he 'retired' at age 51 after decades working as a mechanic, salmon fisherman and other duties. He stuck to this spot for 30 years. To see the location on the map:
60°38′59″N 153°48′38″W.
With a keen intelligence and sure with his hands, plus owning a rock bottom
work ethic all made Proenneke a crackerjack mechanic, carpenter and jack-of-all-trades = homesteader complete.
Sam Keith wrote an excellent portrait about Dick Proenneke in his book One Man's Wilderness. I'm showing a clip from the film Alone in the Wilderness below.
After working like a mighty mouse all his life (and enjoying it!) the good man passed away from a stroke at age 86. He had only recently moved out of the sticks and to California to be with family.
DICK PROENNEKE, ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS
