Tag Archives: father
Helicopter Logger/Commercial Fisherman James Michael Modderman, of Brownsville Oregon has passed away
James Michael Modderman, 72, of Brownsville Oregon passed away peacefully in hospice care at Helping Hearts, Saturday, October 5, 2024. He was born November 7, 1951 at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea, MN to Russell and JoAnn (Floyd) Modderman. In 1975, James and wife Marian moved to the Oregon coast and raised two children. James was one of the 1st in the Helicopter Logging Industry cutting cedar. He owned and operated a commercial bay crabbing boat and worked on commercial fishing boats off the Oregon coast. In 1989 James and his family moved back to Albert Lea to be closer to family. James then moved back to the Oregon coast in 2007 and in 2021 moved to Brownsville, Oregon. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 15:56
Retired Commercial Fisherman Reginald Carl Knowles of Winter Harbor, Maine, has passed away
Reginald Carl Knowles entered eternity and found the peace he had longed for on Sept. 28, 2024. His last week was spent surrounded by family and goodbyes after having a stroke. He was born in Machiasport, Maine, as the firstborn son of Carl and Grace Knowles on “6/22/42” — the one thing he always remembered despite the vascular dementia. During his grade school years, Carl Bryant had given Regie a handful of traps that he hauled from a punt. He had been bitten by the lobster fishing bug in those early years! So, after returning from Germany and a short stint driving a truck for McQuinn’s, he set out be a successful lobsterman. He also went scalloping, shrimping and fish dragging, but lobstering was always his passion. It was a trade he took pride in teaching his sons. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:14
Lifelong Lobsterman Cary Burton Lunt of Bass Harbor, Me. has passed away
Cary Burton Lunt, 77, passed away on Aug. 11, 2024, at the Bangor Nursing Home from complications from diabetes. He was born May 30, 1947, in Bar Harbor, the son of Clarence L. and Elsie R. Lunt. What can you say about a brother that saved your life when he was only 7, supported you his whole life through school, college, my career and was loved by all that met him? Cary was a born lobsterman. He hauled his first lobster trap at age 4, and continued until he couldn’t stand due to his diabetes. He was a long-time member/supporter of the Maine Lobsterman’s Association. He and his first wife, Marie Gray, were married on his boat, the Elsie V, and they had three children; Benjamin, Gabriel and Roseanna. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:30
Commercial Fisherman Gainhart (Bud) Samuelson Junior, 77, of Petersburg has passed away
Bud was born on February 13, 1947, to Gainhart Samuelson, Senior, and Mildred (Massey) Samuelson. A lifelong resident of Petersburg, he grew up living with his mother and siblings on Hammer Slough. Summers were spent with his father at Portage Bay, where he loved fishing and hunting and grew determined to one day run a commercial fishing vessel of his own and to be a good provider for his family. After graduating from Petersburg High School in 1965, Bud landed a job on Andy Wikan’s boat, crabbing, longlining and seining aboard the wooden fishing vessel Pacific Sea. Before long, his dream future began to clarify around the captain’s lovely daughter, Audrey Wikan. Determined to impress, Bud’s fishing career accelerated until he was crabbing, seining, tendering and longlining throughout Southeast Alaska, the Gulf of Alaska, and the Bering Sea. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 20:23
Retired Commercial Fisherman Mark Lee Roberts of Tillamook, Oregon, has passed away
After a long battle with cancer, we lost our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Mark Lee Roberts. Mark was born in Portland, Oregon in 1952 to Harley and Irene Roberts. Mark grew up in SW Portland and attended St. Clare’s Catholic School and graduated from Central Catholic H.S. in 1970. He started commercial dory fishing with his father out of Pacific City in the Old Soak and Ragtag. He owned several dories including Shark Bait, Fish Assassin and Accomplice before acquiring a larger boat, the Pacific Mistress, which he commercial fished out of Depoe Bay. Mark was also part of the ODFW Marine Reserves Community Team, the Depoe Bay Near Shore Action Team, OSU Wave Energy participant, Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission member, and a longtime member of the Pacific City Dorymen’s Association. >>click to read<< 14:49
William D. Stinson, Sr., of Owls Head, Maine has passed away
William D. “Bill” Stinson, Sr., 78, died peacefully at home with his beloved wife and daughter by his side. Born in Stonington, August 8, 1943, he was the son of Norman and Gladys Smith Stinson. Bill lived his whole life in Owls Head, Following graduation, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Providence. Returning home, Bill married the love of his life, Mary Myrick in 1972. Throughout his life, Bill worked tirelessly to provide for his family so that his wife could stay at home and raise their two beautiful children. He had a love of the ocean, and worked for many years, fishing for FJ O’Hara’s aboard the vessel captained by his father Norman Stinson. When not out on the water, he worked for a lobster buying business, a bait business and as a night watchman. >click to read< 20:51
He was the best of us. Kenneth Dale Burns,1954-2021 has passed away
On September 6, four days after his 67th birthday, Kenneth Dale Burns passed in the night. He was the best of us. Whether donned in neoprene in the crashing waves, or atop of his fishing boat off Humboldt Bay, he was the best of us. He loved his wife with a sincerity and devotion that only a man with his capacity for love could achieve. He was the best of us. He had a quiet soul and a stoic presence that made us all feel safe. He was the best of us. His boys adored him and his grandchildren loved him because he was the best of us. He was a captain, a husband, a father, and a grandfather. >click to read< 14:09
Lobsterman Paul T. Farrin of South Bristol has passed away
Paul T. Farrin, 85, of South Bristol, died peacefully at home on his birthday, Sept. 5, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Born on Sept. 5, 1936, in Damariscotta, he was the son of Afton and Annie May Farrin. At the age of 15, he began his long career as a lobsterman off the coast of South Bristol, retiring in 1986. During that time, he caught a lot of his own bait and built his own wooden traps each winter. He spent 13 years seining/trapping mackerel and herring with his brothers. He went shrimping with his brother David many winters, fished for crabs in the Damariscotta River, and rarely missed a season dragging for scallops. He was also one of the founding members of the South Bristol Fisherman’s Co-op, serving as the first president in 1972. Paul had a wonderful and active life. He loved the outdoors and spent more time outside, than inside. >click to read< 22:31
50-year commercial fisherman Mike Lane has passed away
Michael Don Lane, a long-time Bandon resident, passed away in his home during the Perseid meteor shower on August 14, 2021, Mike graduated from Auburn HS in 1967 and went to work for Northern Pacific Railroad before enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard,,, After the Coast Guard, Mike briefly returned to Washington and his railroad job before giving in to his love of the sea and returning to Charleston. Thus began his 50-year career as a commercial fisherman. In addition to attending his children’s activities and commercially fishing Dungeness crab and salmon, Mike served his community in many ways. He was a member of the Oregon Dungeness Crab Advisory Committee, a commissioner on the Oregon Salmon Commission from 1992–2002, a member of the Rules Advisory Committee for ODA and ODFW, involved with the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission,,, >click to read< 18:55
Frank Teague, Storyteller, Trucker, Commercial Fisherman, has passed away in Bend, Oregon
“It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Edward Franklin Teague, beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather who passed away in Bend, Oregon, surrounded by family, on June 6, 2021,” He spent the first half of his life as a truck driver at Weaver Brothers, working for his father-in-law, Russell Weaver. When Frank retired from trucking, he realized a lifelong dream of buying a boat and becoming a commercial fisherman. “With his wife at his side, Frank and Janet moved to Wrangell, spending the next 30 years plying the waters of Southeast Alaska. Their days were spent sometimes fishing, sometimes sightseeing, but always together and that was what mattered most.” “Frank is once again with Janet.” >click to read< 09:36
John “Jack” Horan, of Newport, RI, Commercial Fisherman, has passed away
John “Jack” Horan, of Newport, RI, passed away Sunday, June 20, 2021, surrounded by family and friends. Born in Newport, Rhode Island on March 19, 1949, Jack was an active member of the community involved in Offshore Commercial Fishing and serving as a member of The Federal Fire Department. Jack also served in the First Calvary Infantry Division during the Vietnam War. He received an honorary Air Medal for his service during that time. After his service in Vietnam, Jack began offshore fishing lobstering and was known for his spear accuracy in harpooning large swordfish. Jack enjoyed fishing and lobstering throughout his entire life on his boat “FV Hanna”. He was generous, funny, and grateful for every day. Jack was a great storyteller, and he had many stories he loved sharing with friends and family. >click to read< 19:23
Obituary: Captain Travis L. Thorbjornson, beloved husband, father, grandfather and son
Travis Lee Thorbjornson, beloved husband, father, grandfather and son, perished at sea tragically Friday, March 26, 2021 in Port Clyde. Born in Rockland, August 12, 1966, he was the son of Edward and Jacqueline (Kaler) Thorbjornson. Once you met Travis, it did not take long to realize that he was just as beautiful on the inside as he was on the outside. Travis met the love of his life, Renée Olsavick. They were married,,, Together, they would go on to raise three beautiful children in their Thomaston home. As a young man, Travis began his fishing career working with his brothers on the family owned fishing fleet. >click to read< Travis Thorbjornson Family Support Fund – The funds collected will be given to Renee for funeral and living expenses to support her and Travis’s family as they mourn the loss of such an amazing man. >click to read< and please give if you can. 07:49
Obituary: Commercial Fisherman Marvin Edward Tolonen in Sequim, Washington
Marvin Edward Tolonen, fisherman extraordinaire, boat builder, woodworker, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away March 17, 2021, after a brave battle with mantle cell lymphoma. Previous to his marriage, Marvin served two years with the U.S. Army. In 1980, the family moved to Prunedale, California, but eventually moved back to Astoria, where Marvin continued his commercial fishing career. He built his own fishing boats, the Olympia, the Seabreeze and the Seawind. He fished for tuna, salmon and swordfish on the Washington state, Oregon and California coasts. In 1999, Marvin moved to Sequim, Washington, where he lived until his death. >click to read< 11:09
Obituary: Roger E. Libby – Port Clyde, Maine
Roger Edgar Libby, 88, died peacefully, following a period of declining health, Friday, March 5, 2021. Born in Thomaston, he was the son of Edgar and Dorothy Cramer Libby. Following high school Roger entered the U.S. Navy serving in the Mediterranean Sea on an Air Craft Carrier during the Korean War. Returning to the States, he married Betty Kobs on June 13, 1954. Roger spent much of his career as a truck driver. Starting as a “milk man,” he worked his way up,,,. Always called to the ocean, Rogers dream was to be a fishing captain. For many years he and Betty ran a successful commercial fishing fleet. He fished off and on through his life, and in recent years loved going out on the water with his sons. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. >click to read< 14:23
Michael G. Dearborn, Navy Veteran, Self-employed commercial lobster fisherman
Michael G. Dearborn, 76, of Gloucester, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 9, 2020. He continued to own and operate a lobster fishing business in Massachusetts for over 50 years. At the height of his career during the late 70s and early 80s, Michael was known as an innovator, pioneer, and industry leader. In addition to his experience on the water, Michael was an avid legislator, conservationist, and industry advocate. He served as a member of the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association, the Atlantic Lobstermen’s Co-Operative, and the MA Lobster Committee Management Team. Above all, Michael’s proudest accomplishment was that of being a father to his three children – Peter, Christopher, and Courtney – whom he loved dearly and spoke of in the highest regard. >click to read< 09:24
George E. Lineham of Sanbornville NH has passed away
On the Evening of Friday, Oct. 2, 2020, George Edward Lineham died quietly in his Sanbornville, N.H. home. He was surrounded by the presence and love of his family as he passed. In 1952, George entered the U.S. Army as a Paratrooper in the #187 Airborne Division, in the Korean War. After returning home to Rhode Island, from his dedicated time in the service, George married his sweetie, Lucy. Together, they brought three sons into this world. Stephen Edward “Beanie,” John Robert “Bobby,” and David Alan “Porky.” Through his hard work and experience, and the footsteps of his father, George earned his Masters Plumbing and Masters Electrician licenses at an uncommonly young age. George continued to thirst for new business ventures, this man grew no moss! He passed the septic business onto his sons. From there George decided to give the commercial fishing business a try with his oldest son Stephen as his first mate. >click to read< 11:43
Entrepreneur, Inventor, Lobster Industry Innovator Byron Andrew Crowe
Byron Andrew Crowe, 87, died peacefully in his summer home at Spruce Head on Nov. 19, 2019. He was born in Mt.Vernon, N.Y. and grew up in Coventry, R.I. He graduated from Dean Academy, Franklin, Mass. in 1949. In 1952 Byron married his first love, Ruth Broome. Together they raised three beautiful children,,. Following Ruth’s passing he met his second love, Betty Leach, spending two decades together .Byron helped revolutionize the lobster industry in Maine with the introduction of the first hydraulic pot haulers and synthetic rope to lobstermen up and down the coast. The Hydro Slave pot Hauler and Hydro Slave power steering units that he designed are still in use around the world. >click to read< 18:36
As Stonington’s fishermen age, a new effort to preserve their memories
Half of the people that walked into the tent at the Stonington Town Dock Sunday afternoon, it seemed, could point out a relative in one of the photos on the wall. A collection of snapshots of a centuries-old fishing tradition in Stonington brought back members of the traditional fishing families — and some newcomers — to the old days, and carried a message for the present. Walter John Roderick stood in front of a picture of his father, Geal “Bait” Roderick, and his seven brothers, reflecting on the shrinking family of fishermen. “There’s fewer people left in the industry,” he said, counting six living members of the Roderick family still fishing and comparing it to the 60 family members once working on boats in the 1940s. “We were the kids,” he said. “Now I’m going to be 70 next month.” click here to read the story 10:47
Luke L. Gurney- lived life to the fullest and was the “best’’ husband, father, son and friend
Luke Leonard Luscomb Gurney passed away on June 20, 2016. He lived life to the fullest and was the “best’’ husband, father, son and friend that anyone would want. Since 2009 he has fished commercially for whelk (conch), sea bass and scup in waters surrounding the Vineyard and Nantucket. He has lived on the Vineyard since 1994 but to anyone who knew him he was a “born and bred islander.” He had a passion for fishing and was the best at it according to his peers. However, more than fishing he loved his family with all his heart. His wife, Robyn Gurney and his two sons, Jacob and Sam loved him and will miss him dearly. He is also survived by his parents John and Linda Gurney, his sister Mary Gurney-Sylvia and her husband David Sylvia and their children, Grace, Luke, Meredith and Mairwen, his brother Joshua Gurney, his children Sophie and Elliot. With our deepest sympathy, Read the rest here Help Support Luke Gurney’s Family In The Days To Come, click here 19:37 This is a very nice article about Luke Gurney. Islanders Mourn Fisherman, Father and Beacon of Light click here 20:56
On November 18, 2012, we lost Captain Jean Frottier – beloved husband, father, and grandfather – About the Jean Frottier Family Fund
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Frottier Family Fund at Seaman’s Bank – information can be found here. All donations will go toward assisting Jean’s daughter Annalise, a freshman at UMass Amherst, in continuing her college education.
If you have a remembrance or anecdote about Jean, we invite you to share it in our guestbook here.
We also hope you’ll join Jean’s friends and family in remembering and celebrating his life at his memorial service at the HOT L bar and grille on December 16, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. More information can be found here.
