Sunday, June 6, 2010

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.







DICK PROENNEKE, ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS