Randall D. (Chuck) Jensen

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Randall D. (Chuck) Jensen passed away peacefully on Nov. 1, 2013 in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was 100 years old. He was born in Emery, Utah on Sept. 19, 1913 to Homer and Mabel Jensen. He learned everything about cattle ranching and his excellent horsemanship, from his father. Randall’s father owned a team of horses, which he rented out to other farmers. At the age of three, Randall thought it was his job to take care of the horses, and went with the team wherever it was hired out. During high school he lived and worked at his grandparent’s hotel, restaurant and general store. He attended two years of college at Utah State University.
In 1942, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, which brought him to Ketchikan, Alaska. He served as captain of a patrol boat, which was assigned to document every person living in the remote outlying areas of Southeast Alaska. While stationed in Ketchikan, he met and married Eleanor Jorgenson. After the war, they owned Ketchikan Instrument Company, selling marine instruments and adjusting ships compasses.
In 1953, he and his partner, Wally Christiansen, started Alaska’s first cable television, KATV, in Ketchikan, Alaska. It was unique because all the programming had to be originated in their own studio. They later expanded to Sitka, Alaska with cable television. They went on to be partners in the Midnight Sun Broadcasters, Inc., which owned radio and television stations throughout the state of Alaska. They were true pioneers in the history of cable television. His wife, Eleanor, passed away in 1971.
In 1975 he married Belva Trahan, and in 1980 he retired and they moved to Scottsdale, Ariz., where he and Belva enjoyed many years of golf and traveling. He always loved Alaska and returned every summer to spend time with family and friends. He served on the Ketchikan School Board, the Ketchikan City Council, and on several state committees. He enjoyed serving on the board of directors for First Bank for over 50 years.
He is survived by his wife, Belva; daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Mike Fleenor; son, David J. Addley; sister, Delana Close; Nieces, Debbie Close, Michelle Close; nephew, Danny Close; grandchildren, Randy Fleenor, Cheri Trudeau, Philip Pizzuto, Douglas Pizzuto, Paula Snarr, Cathlene Potter, and seven great-grandchildren.
His burial will be held in Emery Town Cemetery on Nov. 7, 2013. His family will always cherish the memories of his fascinating and entertaining life stories, and his ever loving and caring ways.
Graveside services will be held Thursday Nov. 7, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the Emery Town Cemetery. Services are in the care of Fausett Mortuary. Family and friends may sign the guestbook and share memories of Randall at www.fausettmortuay.com.