Hammond's death a loss, but legacy a gain

Alaska lost a bona fide legend Tuesday when Jay Hammond died at his remote home on Lake Clark. Over the course of his 83 years of life, he saw many changes come to his state, and some of the most noteworthy were ones he was instrumental in bringing about. So large a figure was Hammond that newspapers around the country - and world - carried notice of his death.

A self-confessed reluctant politician, Hammond entered public life right after statehood, serving six years in the state House and five in the Senate. After leaving the Legislature, he went on to serve a term as mayor of the Bristol Bay Borough, from 1972-74, and two terms as governor.

It was during his eight years in the Governor's Mansion that oil began flowing in the trans-Alaska oil pipeline, fishery stocks were revived and the state's tourism industry began to thrive. He is best remembered, though - and revered - as the father of the Alaska Permanent Fund.

His part in these milestones on the timeline of the state's history is significant enough to cement Hammond's lofty status. But his true legend is born of more intangible factors.

After serving as a Marine fighter pilot in World War II, he arrived in Alaska and worked as a bush pilot, trapper and hunting and fishing guide. Like others who came to Alaska in pre-statehood days and stayed to carve their existence out of the untamed wilderness, Hammond was at home in the outdoors. So much was the land a part of him that, after leaving public office, he returned to Bush life in an area he homesteaded in the early '50s.

Alaska's singular magnificence sets it apart from the other 49 states. Likewise the way of life here. And Hammond was the perfect embodiment of everything Alaskan.

Even out of public office, Hammond never really left public service and continued to touch the lives of ordinary Alaskans in extraordinary ways. A tireless defender of the permanent fund he helped establish, and a fierce advocate of both conservation and fiscal responsibility at the state level, he often submitted opinion pieces to newspapers around the state, and politicians from both sides of the aisle sought his guidance and support.

Politically, Hammond leaves a legacy of statesmanship that prized loyalty to Alaska's welfare over loyalty to party. His personal legacy is one of respect for the land and the natural bounties it supplies.

Speaking through her grief earlier this week, Bella, Hammond's wife of more than 50 years, said of him: "He was bright and outstanding in every way. He was my husband and my good friend … It has just been overwhelming. We cannot comprehend the loss."

But as we mourn that loss, we need also to remember all that we can gain by honoring Hammond's legacy.