Legendary Alaskan and long-time Kenai Peninsula stalwart Clem Tillion died on Wednesday, October 13th at the age of 96.
Clem Tillion arrived in Alaska in 1947 aboard the SS Aleutian and established his long-time family home in Halibut Cove, on the Kachemak Bay.
Tillion served nine-terms in the Alaska State Legislature, in both the House and Senate, first elected as a Republican to the Alaska Legislature in 1962. Serving in the 9th Alaska Legislature, Tillion was instrumental in modifying Governor Jay Hammond’s legislation to establish Alaska’s Permanent Fund helping formulate legislation which was approved in the 1976 General Election, forming the Alaska Permanent Fund.
His final act in the Alaska Legislature in 1980 was to cast the lone vote against the elimination of the Alaska state income tax.
Tillion was a charter member of the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council and influenced state fisheries policy for nearly six decades. He was a major player in the drafting and enactment of numerous early fisheries laws after statehood.
Alaska political leaders pronounced their admiration for Clem Tillion.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy…
“The First Lady and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of former Senate President Clem Tillion, He embodied the Alaskan spirit through his tireless work as a state legislator, as a commercial fisherman and as a family man. Clem paved the way for the Permanent Fund Dividend and created a pivotal future for Alaska. I enjoyed my many conversations with Clem as we worked through Alaska’s issues together. Our state is great because of men like Clem and he will be missed by many.”
US Senator Lisa Murkowski…
“I am so sad to learn of the passing of my friend Clem Tillion. Clem was a legend in the world of Alaska fisheries policy, a nine-term Alaska State Legislator, & just a great guy. I’ll miss visiting with Clem at his house in Halibut Cove, talking history and politics.”
Alaska Senate President Peter Micciche…
“Clem Tillion dedicated his life to public service. A WWII Veteran, Clem served nine terms in the Alaska State Legislature and remained active in public life until the very end. He was a great friend, a fellow Senate President, co-creator and defender of the Permanent Fund and the Permanent Fund Dividend, and a great Alaskan. Clem served as the fish czar under Governor Hickel and proved to be the scrappiest of ‘fish fighters’ for many decades in defense of Alaska’s fisheries. His unwavering love for our state, his monumental impact on the trajectory of its history, and his commitment to the people of Alaska will keep his memory alive.”
Governor Dunleavy has ordered that Alaska state flags and the United States flags fly at half-staff sunrise to sunset on Monday, October 18, 2021 in honor of former Senate President Clem Tillion.
