I started working at the Hotel Captain Cook when I was 19 and being that young you don’t think too  much of politics or what else is going on the in world but because of Governor Hickel, I began to care.  I started as a cook at the HCC and I remember the first time I meet him.  Governor was walking through the kitchen talking to everyone, addressing them by their first name.  He then came up to me and when I introduced myself to him and shook his hand he said ”Looks good, Betty, keep it up.” and continued his walk-through.   When he walked away I instantly asked, who was that?  Of course, I found out THAT was Governor Walter J. Hickel.  Everyone was shocked I didn’t know he was the boss and especially what he’d done, or who HE was.  And feeling so sheepish about NOT knowing who he was, I instantly Googled him and read everything I could about who this man was. 

A few years later I switched from cooking to being the hostess at the Crow’s Nest Restaurant; he still remembered me and would always ask “Betty, do you think you can squeeze us in?”  Yes! of course would always be my answer, and of course it would be at his favorite table, no matter what I had planned for the evening, I would always re-arrange everything for him and Ermalee to sit at “their table”.  The occasion always called for green tea for Ermalee and a glass of Chardonay with a side of ice for Governor.  Most importantly, though,  I would always let the kitchen know, get those raw tomatoes and onions on the side ready.  After their meal, the Governor would say on his way out, “That’s was almost as good as the Crow’s Nest!”.  

Working at the Crow’s Nest, Governor and Ermalee always had a super sweet approach to everyone.  He shared stories and gave an update on their health.  I will miss those “walk-throughs” and the way he made sure to appreciate everyone one of us.  The incredible part is, he did that not just by talking to everyone and saying it but, he built a fabulous hotel, one of which has union jobs, medical benefits, 401K, and a pension plan.  So a simple hostess could, help pay for bills while her husband recovered from two car accidents, go to school, then have two boys, all while providing medical coverage for her whole family and then became a sucessful Webmaster, but also know my pension plan will help me in the future.  

Thank you, Governor, for laying the foundation for future Alaskans to stay in Alaska so that this great state can be a place for a family and the future generation of Alaskans.  And as you read this, I hope my sincere respect and thanks are communicated, even though I know I can never truly convey what he’s done for me and my family by just a simple post. 

With Governor Hickel’s passing it is the end of an era and he will be greatly missed.  Rest in peace Governor, your table will always be waiting for you.

Betty Brownson
90yearsofvision.com Webmaster

Governor Walter J. Hickel lived a life of greatness in his words and deeds. I will remember both. I will remember him most, however, for that which he inspires in me. I think for all of those who knew him, and of him, the idea of Walter J. Hickel will live on in who they aspire to be.

I don’t mean aspiration in terms of career or positions. Instead, it is the values we aspire to live up to, so many of which he embodied. The ones that will live on in my memory, and those that I will try to share with others, are those of fearlessness and an indomitable imagination; an unswerving passion for and commitment to the people of Alaska; and the belief that we really can change the world with an idea.

I’m a relative newcomer to the world of Governor Hickel, immersed in the history of what came before me, getting a glimpse of who he was and what he asked of others, and inspired by the very idea of his memory. In a very short time, his lessons on life became embedded into my idea of who I wanted to be and how I think Alaskans should be. His words inspire and demand of me, and of all Alaskans, greatness.

Maybe that’s how he passed on his little guy. His memory will help guide our way, as we are faced with the many critical issues facing the state. He will ask more of us, and demand from us greatness. And we should be asking more from ourselves, because we’re not entitled in any way to the greatness of this land. Alaska is a state that we must care for. If we do, it will care for us. That’s a promise that resonates with me.

Governor Hickel, rest assured that when decisions are difficult and times are tough, we will call upon you. I remember you saying that you would shout orders down from heaven after you died, and I believe you. I’ll be listening.

Have a wonderful birthday and if you do decide to spend the next 90 years downunder, we would love to have you!

Warm regards,
Julie Bowden