Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Jack Mckechnie Obituary
Jack grew up in the area and graduated Palmer High in 1953. In his senior year Jack was a quarter back on the very first high school football team in the state where he played along with numerous other notorious Valley names. They played games that were organized against military teams from Anchorage. He attended UAF, worked numerous jobs until he settled on a career with the USGS. Jack worked there many years as a Hydrologist until his retirement. His career put him in nearly every corner of the state surveying waterways as a premier boatman and river runner. Jack's career consisted in part with building trams, running boats or flying in with some legendary bush pilots by which they monitored and serviced the numerous gaging stations throughout the state. We are pretty sure collecting and processing all the data wasn't his favorite part. In 1974 Jack was awarded a Citation of Valor by the head of the Dept. of the Interior in Washington D.C. for "Courageous Acton" in trying to save a co-workers life. Jacks stories of his endeavors, were quite interesting and plentiful. His career also folded into his passions for hunting, fishing, rock hounding, and just being outdoors in general. Jack was truly a rugged Alaskan with a keen sense of humor and infectious laugh. Jack and his wife Sue lived in Anchorage during their lives of raising children. They eventually retired to Palmer in the Butte area close to the original family farm where they lived out their lives enjoying each other's company along with family and friends. Jack was a member of the Palmer Moose Lodge, Palmer Elks Lodge, and the Pioneers of Alaska.
Jack is survived by brother Russ (Cheryl) Mckechnie; sister-in-law Sharon Mckechnie; sons Darrell (Maresa) McAllister, Marty (Brandi) Seiler; daughters, Linda Seiler, Cindy (Gordy) Richmond, Liz Whaley, Dale Ann (Eric) Gates; 15 grand children and 10 great grand children all of Alaska; aunt Helen Jarivinen; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins both in Alaska and outside.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents Ray and Dianna; wife Sue; brothers, Jerry and Dennis and a whole lot of others he cared for.
Jack requested his ashes to be spread on the Butte along with his fathers. A celebration of life will be held at the Palmer Moose Lodge on June 15th 2 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jack Mckechnie
Jerod Sieler
March 31, 2023
Jack was my grandfather I´m one of the son´s of Marty Sieler and my grandfather was one of the toughest guys I have ever known. He was one of a kind and truly is missed. I was lucky enough to take care of my grandma Sue Mckechnie the last 6 months of her life. I actually got laid off for the winter at a company I use to work for. So I was able to be there everyday with both of them for last parts of their life´s and I am truly grateful for that. I miss them dearly everyday I think about my grandparents and wish that my Grandma sue was here to give me her one of a kind, amazing, never wrong advice I need. I Love and miss you guys sooo much until we see each other again rest easy!
Margaret Melnick
June 11, 2013
Jack and his wife Sue were so very kind to me, I will always be greatfull and remember them as the nicest people I ever knew.
May 25, 2013
Remembering an old Palmer high school buddy from the late 1940's. Rest well my friend.
Donn J. Moyer
Tacoma, Washington
May 25, 2013
Remembering an old Plamer school buddy from the late 1940's. May he rest in Peace.
Donn J. Moyer
Tacoma, Washington
Jeanne Dunkin
May 19, 2013
Dale, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mariesa McAllister
May 18, 2013
I'm so greatful to Sue for calling me on the phone 15 yrs' ago suggesting Darrell & I come to your home for Christmas . Far too many years went by without you two guys knowing eachother . I hope you know how very much it ment to Darrell to finally get to spend time with you , getting to know you as his Father . I just wish we had more time ... You were quite a Fello Jack McKechnie .It was an honor to have known you . I'll miss you , R.I.P. from your daughter - in - law Mariesa p.s. say Hello to Sue form me . love you Jack xo
North slope of the Talkeetnas
Millard Hiner
May 16, 2013
We shared some super adventures togeather in the USGS and I treasure our memories
Taz Caddle
May 16, 2013
May this light shine upon you as you meet your wife in heaven, One Love! R.I.P.
Taz Caddle
May 16, 2013
Rest in peace Mr. McKechnie. Dale Ann, my condolences and prayers to you and your family in this time of sorrow. Love ya my friend.
Lela Sieler
May 15, 2013
Dear Jack,
I only got to know you for a little over a decade, but it feels like I have known you my whole life. The stories I have heard of your exploits are the stuff of legends, and will continue to be so, as they are passed on to Josh and my children, and their children as well. Your life in frontier Alaska is an inspiration, and we will remember you forever anytime we travel to Nenana and countless other Alaskan places in which your mark remains. I wish we could have had more time together, but I am secure in the fact that you are reunited with your loved ones. In your own words Jack we are, "glad you could meet me" and know that we'll meet you again.
Josh Sieler
May 15, 2013
Where to begin Grandpa, well i don't know that I can start and finish all of the memories and witty wisdom that you gave me over the years on just a few pages but what I can say is that every grandchild should have somebody like you in their life. The inspiration that was given by you and grandma in my short life will live forever through my children and their children because people like you are very few and far between. I want to leave you with a question my Grandpa asked me when I was about 7 yrs. old"Grandpa my mom wants to know if we can borrow an egg?" Grandpa Jack; "sure Josh but when are you going to bring it back?". Thats the Grandpa I will forever miss!!!! Alaska and our family will never be the same, you will never be forgotten. Thanks for everything Grandpa give Grandma my love.
May 15, 2013
My dear Uncle Jack... So generous and supportive to me all of my years. So happy and welcoming to our family during visits to your home. Thank you for being the best Uncle Ever! Rip with the love of your life. Kristieanna
Dale (McKechnie) Gates
May 15, 2013
If Roses grow in Heaven,
Lord please pick a bunch for me,
Place them in my Father's arms,
and tell him they're from me.
Tell him I love him and miss him,
and when he turns and smiles,
place a kiss upon his cheek,
and hold him for a while.
Because remembering him is easy,
I do it every day,
but there's an ache within my heart,
that will never go away.
May 15, 2013
TO THE FAMILY OF Jack MCKechnie: I am Jack Hale's son-in-law. Jack and Jack worked together for many years at the USGS in Anchorage. I remember Jack very well as well as his wife Sue. We met on several occasions while hunting and fishing in the Mat-Su Valley. I respected Jack very much and give my condolences on his passing. Dale R. Merrell
May 15, 2013
Uncle Jack, I have always called you " Jack Baby" and you were a precious Uncle to me, always a very happy and uplifting man! Always a grin from ear to ear. Go on now and be with your wife and my Aunt! Love Always,
Shelley Babe!
deb naylor
May 15, 2013
Uncle Jack we will miss you always.
Ron Rickman
May 15, 2013
Jack, you always gave good advice such as "Never drive the boat where the birds are standing!". Working with you was always fun. Many thanks.
Kathy Roark Laing
May 15, 2013
Jack will be forever missed. May loving memories of him help during this difficult and sad time.
May 15, 2013
I Love You "Captain" - Man did we have a lot of fun - I miss you already. Peace and Love.
One Guy - Dale R Sandvik
May 15, 2013
We remember fondly from our childhood Jack & Sue - both were wonderful people. Jack was one of our dad's (Monte Larsh) best friends growing up in Palmer. Our love and sympathy goes out to the family during this difficult time.
All the best, Melissa, Paula, & Deb.
Elden Sandvik
May 15, 2013
Rest in peace my good friend. We had good times together, I will remember those times forever.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in Jack Mckechnie's name
Memorial Events
for Jack Mckechnie
How to support Jack's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jack Mckechnie's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
