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Brent Whitmore Obituary
He joined the Navy in 1962 and served as a radioman on aircraft, flying all over the world.
His quest for knowledge led him from Weber State University in Utah to the University of Oregon and then to the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
He later moved to Hawaii, where he attended the University of Hawaii. He received his BBA at UH Hilo, and his MBA in International Business and Management at UH Manoa. He obtained his pilot's license and his ham radio license, known worldwide as KL7FLO.
He had a varied career that included being the voice of KRXA in Seward, professional photographer, Alaska Airlines ticket agent in Seward, retail sales and theater manager. He worked in remote locations on the White Alice System. He did economic research and analysis for many tourism related businesses throughout the state of Alaska.
In 2004 he became a Qualified Certified Interpretive Guide with the Alaska SeaLife Center. Since 2006 he was an outfitter for Princess Tours in Whittier. He worked both jobs until his passing.
He is survived by his sisters, Janice Jackson, of Olympia, Washington; Arden Miller of Wasilla; Ann Whitmore-Painter of Moose Pass; nieces and nephews Travis Jackson, Toni Bylsma, Andrea Painter, Kristan Charles, Stephanie Latimer; eight great-nephews and great-nieces and a multitude of friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alaska SeaLife Center rescue animal fund, P.O. Box 1329, Seward 99664 or the Seward Elks Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 426, Seward. These represent Brent's passion for education and the Alaska sea life.
KL7FLO signing off.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brent Whitmore
Bryan Koeff
April 27, 2023
I knew Brent back in the seventies while working at AVTEC. He was truly a wonderful man...
Marilyn, co-author Thomas Gangale, and Congressman Don Young in D.C. in 2006
Dr. Marilyn Dudley-Flores
May 30, 2011
Brent and I first hooked up working for Radio KRXA-Seward where I was the seasonal news director in 1977 and 1978. With our co-worker, Rick Tillman, we had many adventures chasing and reporting the news. Notably, we were instrumental to bringing attention the triple avalanche that took out the road link between Seward and Moose Pass and getting it repaired.
Then, Brent and I sort of lost touch with each other when I moved to Fairbanks for the best of 11 years and got engrossed in my own work, projects, and studies. But, sometime after I moved up to Chena Ridge, during or right after he began his studies in Hawai’i, we began to correspond again when Brent managed to track down my address. I was very happy to hear from my old friend.
Then, I moved again, to my doctoral program at The University of South Carolina. Correspondence between us was fairly sparse until we both got armed with e-mail and began comparing the people we knew from our days together in Seward to the characters on the television show NORTHERN EXPOSURE. Before I earned my PhD, I came to Alaska and Eastern Russia on a research trip and made a side trip to Seward where I spent a few pleasant days with Brent and his Mom in July 1998. I felt as if I had come home. Because of Brent and the KRXA experience, I always regarded Seward as my hometown, although, in truth, it was the hometown I never truly had.
Brent and I continued to correspond and in March 2007 or thereabouts, he made a trip to California and stayed with me for a couple of days where I enjoyed cooking for and feting him. How I wish we could lift many more sake martinis! We continued to correspond as I trained up and went to work with a controversial Army program as a civilian counterinsurgency operative-analyst over 2008-2009. We continued to correspond until a few months before I caught word of his illness. We had sort of fallen off of our in-depth e-chats and had devolved to where we were trading e-humor. The humor was appreciated since I did not have the most optimal of experiences in Afghanistan and the return home. We tried to pick it up again, but by then I had come to work in the Kingdom of Tonga with the poorest Internet that I have ever experienced anywhere. I followed his illness and his e-thoughts, but I did not get word of Brent’s death until I asked about him. Then, when I found out, I could not respond, the Internet being back up only now.
The span of our relationship saw me seeing Brent evolve from a cocky young man with a contrarian opinion on just about everything into a scholar with valuable insights. I admired him for many reasons, but especially because the more adversity he met, the more of an optimist he became. That must have been the case right up till close to the end.
He was probably the only friend I have had who was my friend the longest throughout my lifespan, sharing with me the ups and downs of our lives. I loved him very much and I will not be the same without him.
Marilyn Dudley-Flores, PhD
‘Atenisi University
Kingdom of Tonga
Mike Mazy
May 14, 2011
I will surely mis Brent. We first met while in the Navy. He flew as a crewman with one crew and I flew as a crewman in another crew. After our various flights we usually got together with other crewman for a drink and tell "war stories." His e-mails, phone calls and conversations will be missed by me.
Noreen Steinbrecher
May 9, 2011
I read each and every entry that was posted on E-mail and Brent was in my daily prayers. I kept hoping that he would be one to beat it. I lost my husband to head & neck cancer and know first hand the agony of this disease. I worked ASLC and Princess with Brent and considered him a good friend. He always brought me a bouquet of lilacs from his yard each spring. I will miss him.
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pam shea-grunert
May 7, 2011
Brent is one of those unique people where you have so much to say your words run together. As i have tried 3 times to express myself. Brent was a kind soul. with a giving smile and always kind words. I personally will miss you at the post office and all your great words and advice and caring ways to people. rest in peace my friend
Adios my friend, see you on the other side.
Larry Jones
May 7, 2011
Doug Capra
May 5, 2011
I first met Brent in 1972. We worked together as announcers on KRXA Radio, Seward. That was the beginning of a long friendship. We had many great debates and discussions over dinner, coffee and drinks. I miss him already.
Jon (Chris) Deisher
May 5, 2011
Hello Whitmores All ... especially Janice, Arden and Ann ... Very sorry about Brent, as you know. Since I was with you and Brent for several hours prior to his passing, I know his last hours were laborious and difficult. I share your sadness. Having experienced a similar loss, I know there is little one can say in moments like this that compensate for the loss of an iconic presence like Brent's. As neighbors, I remember him during frequent visits back and forth between our houses during childhood, during our boy scout adventures, our shared Radiomen stories of Navy experiences and his voice over the air waves. We are shaped by the people who we've known through our lives, no doubt that Brent was one of the sculptors for the many who knew him. The world is the better for his having been here, and we are the lesser for his having passed. Be at peace, Brent.
KL7FLO QRU.
nnnn
Jim & Selena Marsh
May 5, 2011
Brent topped off his impressive and varied education here at the University of Hawaii where he was an excellent student and soon became a good friend. He was with me when I met Selena who later became my wife; hard to believe that was 23 years ago. Brent took very good care of us when we visited Alaska. Too vast to see much in a short visit, but Brent made sure that what was important was on our agenda. We shared a lot of political and economic ideas, but also our mutual love of living marine resources.
We will miss him.
Jim & Selena
Ed Williams
May 5, 2011
Although I only knew Brent a very short time, those memories of our talks about his work that he loved so deeply and his passion for people and community reside with me. A true gentleman.
Teresa Sellards
May 4, 2011
I remember Brent fondly for he was my photographer at my wedding back in 1983 there in Seward but just a year prior I got to be a teachers aid for his moms class. Seward was so lucky to have had both Brent and his mom and they well be greatly missed. I was shocked to read his Obituary and his passing I never knew he was battling throat cancer.May his family have peace in this hard time. He and his mom lived just 23 houses down from my parents and I did visit at one time. Teresa Sellards- Anchorage
Kay Strobel
May 3, 2011
Dear Ann & family
So sorry to hear of Brent's passing. I always enjoyed listtening to his stories, especially about Seward history. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Larry Jones
May 2, 2011
Brent and I met in 1963. We flew with VP-19's crew 3. We became good friends and flew many missions together. He was an excellent tech and great radioman. We went our separate ways after our discharges but remained in touch for over 45 years by mail and e-mail. He was a wonderful guy and accomplished many things in his life. I will miss him very much. Bravo Zulu my friend...RIP.
Mona Painter
May 2, 2011
Brent was part of our extended family; we always enjoyed his company. Didn't know the breadth of his accomplishments until reading his obituary. He was blessed with devoted sisters.
Helen (Richey) Larsen
May 2, 2011
I can actually call Brent a good friend. We attended school together for many years in Seward. All through school actually. After moving away I would only come back to Seward so would only see him once a year. Loved our conversations. He will be missed and to Janice, Arden and Ann you are in my prayers. it is so hard to lose a brother but, in time you heal.
God Bless
May 2, 2011
We are so sorry to hear of Brent's passing. It was a pleasure knowing him. Our thoughts are will all you girls and your families.
David and Margaret Brossow
May 2, 2011
Sorry to see you go Brent, many happy memories from growing up in Seward, Tramping through the woods behind our house or climbing Little Bear mountain was always fun. Many are starting to go as we enter this stage of our lives, say hi to my sister Judy. Love ya man.
Chuck Moore
Kurt Dunbar
May 1, 2011
I knew Brent from my time in Seward. However, I got know him well enough to call him a friend after I moved to Hilo, Hawaii to attend UHH. As a fellow Sewardite he went out of his way to help me adjust to the tropics and university life. Together, we got to know many if not most of the Asian restaurants of Hilo. My family and I attended Brent's graduation from UHH. I remember how happy he was and how you could barely see his beaming smile because of the flower leis piled up to his chin. We stayed in touch over the years and I was always glad to see a familiar face and a friend from Seward when Princess ships I worked on would pull into Seward or Whittier. I am particularly glad I got to see him shortly before he returned to Alaska after his most recent treatments in Seattle. It is comforting to me to think that after all his years on the air with KRXA his words are still beaming out into universe.
Carole Marshall Tallman
May 1, 2011
Rest in Peace Brent...A man of strong convictions and many passions. You will be missed by many. I will always remember your twinkling smile.
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