David Henley Obituary

Longtime Alaskan David Woodburn Henley, 90, died Dec. 6, 2010, in Apache Junction, Ariz., of natural causes. He was born July 11, 1920, in Belle Fourche, S.D. He left home at a very young age to become a cowboy in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. On an April day, on a ranch in Boulder, Utah, he met Shirley H. Jepsen. They married in Flagstaff, Ariz., in June 1940.

That year, David joined the Army. He and was stationed in England with the 353rd Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, as a P-51 pilot. After 23 missions, he was shot down and spent the next year in a German prisoner of war camp. David was liberated in April 1945, and returned to the United States. In some ways, this flying experience may have been David's most important for his dedication as a patriot and pilot. However, those 23 missions were hardly his last loyalty and skilled finesse in the aviation industry. He was an accomplished, capable and skilled Alaska bush pilot.

After David was released from the Army, he traveled to Alaska in April 1946. Shirley and their daughter Patricia arrived on June 6, 1946. Thus began this family's Alaska adventure, an adventure that cannot be duplicated, reproduced or copied.

David, Shirley and Patricia homesteaded 160 acres four miles north of Kenai during the winter of 1946-1947. The Henley family owned and operated the Flying H Ranch at Kalsin Bay on Kodiak Island.

David possessed a cowboy's philosophy. A handshake meant more than a written contract. He did not talk much and adhered to the importance of the viewpoint that "lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier'n puttin' it back" and "never miss a good chance to shut up."

In 1963, the Henley's sold the ranch. David continued to fly.

He died peacefully. He lived an adventurous, unique, exceptional, respectable and distinctive life.

He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Jean Henley, and his sons, David Michael Henley and Troy Christian Henley. Other family members survive him in Alaska, Washington and Arizona.

David was cremated and his ashes buried in southern Utah.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Apr. 29 to May 2, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for David Henley

7 Entries

H.J. "Syd" Sydnam

May 3, 2011

Rest easy, Dave. I expect that I'll be there before long and maybe we can schedule another Thanksgiving deer hunt when Bob joins us. I don't know if God has much use for aircraft but if he has a Goose in his hanger I know that you will be back on 'patrol'!

Velda Brown

May 1, 2011

We have many great memories of days spent visiting the Henley family at their Ranch when we were kids. Dave also flew with our dad. On behalf of all the McKinley Siblings, please accept our condolences.

kenneth Woldstad

April 29, 2011

I spent many hours with Dave paroling in the Grumman Goose for FWP out of Kodiak and he was one of the best pilots, I have had the privilege to fly with. He could make that goose do things I never thought any one could do. We were once flying over a string of King crab pot buoys that we needed to identify the ADF&G vessel numbers and after the second pass when I was not able to read the number, I swore he put the goose right on its side within a few feet perfectly over that buoy. I was able to get the numbers that time and every buoy number there after. Dave was a hell of a pilot and a FWP officer. It was my honor and privilege to have worked with Dave. I will always have fond memories of Dave and will never forget the times we spent flying and boating together. Rest well my friend.

Best, Kenneth Woldstad,

Bernita Purdy

April 29, 2011

Dave was in my class at the academy, and kept me from being the oldest recruit. I was always the last to finish running the mile, but I could beat a couple of the younger ones in short dashes. Dave was always ahead of me there, too. One of the nicest men I have ever met! And as Joe said, "A true gentleman". Bernita Purdy

Jon Dunham

April 29, 2011

I am sorry to hear of his passing; I knew your father as Corporal Henley when he flew the Grumman Goose for Alaska Fish and Wildlife Protection. It was during the summer of 1981 and I was a Fish and Wildlife Aide (and a college student during the Fall, Winter and Spring months) and he was our primary pilot for that summer. We never felt safer than when we flew with your father and we bought him a nice Kershaw pocket knife to show our appreciation for all that he had done for us that summer.

We enjoyed his flying skills, especially when we wanted to surprise fisherman we had under surveillance - we would usually fly low and pass the fishermen at about 50' above the deck. land at the line and start to check permits from there. We imagined he flew the old Goose like his fighter in WWII. I am sorry to hear of Dave's passing.

Joe DeTemple

April 29, 2011

Dave was a dedicated game warden, a great pilot as well. It was my honor to have known him. A true gentleman.

Steve Reynolds

April 29, 2011

Dave was a man who sought out adventure, found it, lived it, and survived in spite of it. Yet, he never boasted of any accomplishment. He was a Grumman Goose pilot for the Alaska Department of Public Safety for several years, among other things, and was the oldest recruit in history to complete the State Trooper Academy, while excelling in his class by finishing in the top for physical fitness. Rest well, Dave. We love the memory of you.

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