Deborah Kendrick
October 13, 1951 – May 12, 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of Deborah Kendrick, announces her passing due to cancer treatment complications on May 12, 2021 in California.

Debbie was born and raised in Richmond, California but considered Alaska her true home where she had lived for almost 50 years since first moving to the state in 1972.

Debbie worked on the Alyeska Pipeline as an Operations Technician before going to work in 1979 for the Mining and Petroleum Training service for the University of Alaska, where she worked for 34 years. Debbie was in charge with implementing the new federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) State Grants program assuming authority for all MSHA training in Alaska. She managed the MSHA program from an initial enrollment of 107 students which grew to 2600 statewide. During her tenure as the University's MSHA training administrator she became the first woman to become fully certified as an MSHA instructor in both surface and underground mining. She was the first woman elected to chair the National Safety Council's Mining Division and during her chairmanship organized and won the highest NSC award; the Diamond Cameron Award. This was the first time the Mining Division won that award. She spent over two years training at the National Mine Safety Academy on both business and training management to the MSHA standards. She was recognized by Assistant Undersecretary for MSHA Jeff Duncan for her 30 years exemplary service to MSHA and the Alaska mining community. She organized and participated in mine safety training not only across Alaska but in Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Aruba and the Russian Far East.

As one of her best friends said "Successful people have a passion for what they are doing and why they are doing it. Debbie worked for the students and their future, and that was one of her greatest passions".

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Betty Rose and sister, Eva "Punkie" Rose. She is survived by family and dear friends who will miss her tremendously.

Published by Peninsula Clarion on Jun. 30, 2021