The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

On February 17, Kim Tyner (House) passed away unexpectedly. Her absence leaves a gaping hole in the hearts of the countless people she touched.

Born July 25, 1951, in Wrangell, Alaska to Donald and Margaret House, she was a restless spirit right from the get-go. To the horror of her father, she bought a Honda 90 motorcycle as soon as she was old enough. Later, sold it and acquired a 150 model. After taking her dad for a nerve-wracking ride, he remarked, "She gets it from her grandfather!" who also rode motorcycles.

After graduating from Wrangell High in 1969 Kim flew the coop. She took flying lessons, and acquired a private pilot's license and later added multi-engine and float ratings. Kim attended Green River Community College in Auburn, Washington, achieving an AS degree in Air Traffic Control. She went on to receive an Air Traffic Control Certification from the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1975. Kim performed air traffic and flight service functions at Merrill Field in Anchorage, Juneau FSS, and Homer FSS. She received numerous commendations, awards and recognitions for exceptional work and devotion to the aviation profession.

Kim switched gears in 1982 and became the Executive Director of the Valdez Convention and Visitors Bureau and later the Director of the Juneau Convention and Visitors​ Bureau. She excelled at her newfound career, putting her endless creative talents to use marketing tourism.

She returned to air traffic controlling and retired from the FAA in 2003. Then Kim immersed herself in the study of residential building technology at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona, achieving an associate degree in 2006.

She subsequently moved to the Bend/Sisters area.

In 1982, Kim married Bill Tyner, living in Juneau and Homer, Alaska, and divorcing after 10 years.

Throughout her life Kim had numerous dogs; both AKC registered and lovable mutts. She spent many years participating in dog shows, where she and her dogs won an abundance of ribbons and enjoyed the company of fellow dog enthusiasts.

Kim was a remarkably outgoing person with a great sense of humor, maintaining countless friendships with people far and wide. She volunteered for many good causes including her favorite, the Sisters Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store.

Kim is preceded in death by her father and mother, Donald House and Margaret House.

She is survived by her stepmother, Shirley House, Great Falls, Montana; brother, John House, Bellingham, Washington; sister, Jennifer House, Fairbanks, Alaska; niece, Alexandra Jas House, Phoenix, Arizona; and her devoted companion, Jake (dog).

Donations in Kim's memory can be made to the Sisters Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store or the Humane Society of Central Oregon in Bend. A celebration of Kim's life will be announced at a later date.