Kirk Douglas Watson, 58, passed away at Providence Alaska Medical Center on January 22, 2020 at 8:25 pm surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Kirk was born on June 14, 1962, a native from Redding, California. During his high school years, Kirk developed an interest in aviation. After graduating from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah with a bachelor of science degree Kirk earned all his commercial ratings at Spartan College of Aeronautics in Oklahoma. He was able to combine two of his earliest passions, flying for a Doctor out to ranches while tending to and riding horses.

After building his hours and flight instructing in Los Angeles, California Kirk moved to Alaska in 1993 where he would first work in Naknek and Dillingham flying to the Alaska villages for Yute Air Alaska and Kings Flying Service. In 1995 Kirk joined PenAir for the next 25 years where he would serve as a Captain, Airline Pilot Examiner, Instructor, Director of Training and Flight Standards.

While Kirk was an avid outdoorsman and an adventurer who loved exploring the world, hunting, fishing, skiing, mountain biking, and hiking, his biggest impact was in the aviation community. He was loved and known by others for his commitment to aviation safety as a mentor and instructor creating a new generation of skilled pilots. Kirk was a talented instructor, keenly aware of emergency procedures and common pilot errors. He knew your weaknesses and presented a scenario where you would make a mistake. But, as in life when you made those mistakes, Kirk would show you through action and words without gloating where you mistepped, while reassuring you that in the grand scheme of things that there was room to improve and an opportunity to learn.

Kirk is survived by his partner, Sherwin Pe Benito of 23 years whom he met on Cinco De Mayo through mutual friends; mother Michelle Ackerman; siblings, Marc and Chad; several nieces, nephews, and many friends. Kirk is preceded in death by his father; Douglas Watson.

A Celebration of his Life and Adventures was held from 1:00-4:00pm at PenAir Hangar, 6000 Boeing Ave., Anchorage, AK 99502 on Saturday, January 25th. The Burial was held at 4:30pm at Angelus Memorial Park, 440 E. Klatt Rd., Anchorage, AK 99515.

Memorial donations may be sent to Sherwin Pebenito, 8315 Eleusis Drive, Anchorage, AK 99502.

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

Published by Anchorage Daily News on Feb. 2, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Kirk Watson

12 Entries

Zennon McNeill

January 27, 2025

True Gentleman!! Forever in our hearts!!!

Chuck

November 22, 2020

I met Kirk when he, myself and other family members were having dinner together. His mother Michelle and my Papa Robert had married. I was 14 at the time and shy around all these new people so I was playing a computer game. Kirk noticed and started asking me about the game and I could tell he was actually interested and we chatted as he watched me play. I thought it was awesome that 'one of the grown ups' was so cool!

As I turned into 'a grown up' myself I was always in awe at the amazing positive energy that he brought with him. We didn't spend much time together but I was, and will always be, honored that I could call him Uncle Captain Kirk.

Pilar, Andreas, Max and Moritz Wienke

February 6, 2020

Missing you everyday Cousin Capt. Kirk, your smile and humor will be with us forever ! We looked around at our families and you were by far the most loving , happy and funny family member we have and my heart ❤ hast not recover yet your departure. I hope you are not freezing out there... this is why we send you lots of love ❤ to keep you warm ❤ ! We are planting vines in your honor !!!

February 5, 2020

May God's promise found in John 6:40, of the hope to see our loved ones again, comfort your heart and give you peace, strength, and hope in the days ahead.

Wayne Alsworth

January 30, 2020

Kirk's effervescent demeanor, positive attitude, beaming smile and booming laughter shall be missed! No one was a stranger and he was a pleasure to work with. Clear skies and tailwinds my friend.

Crystal Girdner

January 25, 2020

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. On to your eternal mission Uncle

Crystal Girdner

January 25, 2020

You were one of the biggest parts of my life Uncle. I love you so much and please keep your continual guidance on us all.

Captain J. Hoffman

January 25, 2020

Thanks for the memories, and the laughter. You'll be missed.

Grady Thomas

January 25, 2020

I always looked forward to a day flying with Kirk. A reliable team mate in the cockpit. Good and bad wx days at DUT and other places were always up beat . A true professional pilot with skill and calmness. Considerate to others and patient with me. He had fun stories to tell. His mom could be just as fun. He had loving stories to tell about her. I sold him a condo when being a Realtor part time. Yet that was so long ago good memories with friends never fade. Read the poem " High Flight " by John Mcgee. Kirk fits the story. God Bless. Grady T.

Ryan Apodaca

January 25, 2020

Captain Kirk, you were always such a pleasure to fly with. I really enjoyed the time that I had the privilege of knowing you! Rest easy!

Zennon McNeill

January 25, 2020

Thank you for your always present wisdom, kindness, expertise and humor. I will always cherish the memories while hangin on the ground, and flying the vast skies with you Kirk!! You are the true gentleman aviator in my eyes. Fly High Sir!!

Kathy Eva and Mya Henc

January 25, 2020

He was always a bright star who would light up any person he came across
He will be deeply missed
We are sending our deepest condolences to all the family and friends

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