Marilynn Heddell, former council board member, passed away on November 18, 2016.
Heddell represented Whittier on the board from 1996 until 2013. She held several positions during her 17 years on the council. She was first elected as member-at-large in 1996. She served as secretary from 1997 to 2001, as vice-president from 2002 to 2004, again as secretary from 2004 to 2008, and was elected to the position of treasurer in 2012.
Heddell was an active member of the council’s finance committee. This committee helps the board to oversee the council’s financial affairs and ensure a balanced budget each year.
Heddell and her husband, Pete, operated a marine charter service, Honey Charters, and a gift shop in Whittier for 22 years. Pete continues to serve as a member of the Port Operations and Vessel Traffic System Committee.
Heddell was very involved in the community of Whittier. She helped start the Greater Whittier Chamber of Commerce and Whittier’s Prince William Sound Museum with exhibits on the history of Whittier and World War II in Alaska. She also represented Whittier on the Prince William Sound Economic Development Council. In 2013, she and Pete were presented with a “Spirit of Alaska” award from the Alaska Travel Industry Association for demonstrating exceptional efforts to support a local community, charity, or other organization outside the travel industry.
“Marilynn always entered the room with a smile and a hug,” remembered council volunteer and former outreach coordinator Linda Robinson. “When working the booth at Pacific Marine Expo, you could always count on Marilynn and Pete coming by, dropping their coats, and visiting with guests. I never saw her without a warm greeting for everyone,” added Robinson.