Tag Archives: Obituary
Community mourns longtime Gouldsboro harbormaster, Select Board member
A native son who survived polio and decades of negotiating fisheries legislation, town politics and managing the town’s six harbors died April 9. Dana Rice Sr., husband, father, longtime Gouldsboro Select Board member and harbormaster, was born in 1947. “He was a wonderful man,” said Ray Jones. “We miss him a horrible lot.” “He was an amazingly respectable man, and he adored his wife, family and community. We were so lucky to have him lead Gouldsboro,” said Eve Wilkinson, former town manager and town clerk. Rice served in a number of roles including Board of Advisers for the Lobster Institute, a member of the MLA and the Down East Lobsterman’s Association, a member of the Import/Export Dealers Association, a representative to the Lobster Conservation Management Team and a member of the Lobster Advisory Council. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:24
Captain Joseph S. Giacalone of Gloucester, Massachusetts has passed away
Captain Joseph S. Giacalone, 91, of Gloucester, husband of Marie G. (Pallazola) Giacalone, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, MA, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Gloucester on January 10, 1934, he was the son of the late Vito and Jennie (Militello) Giacalone. A proud graduate of Gloucester High School’s Class of 1951-where he held the rank of First Lieutenant in ROTC and participated in the school band-Joe began his lifelong vocation as a commercial fisherman. Following in the footsteps of his childhood friends, his father, and his brothers-in-law, he served in various roles from deckhand to mate and hold man aboard the offshore trawlers of New England’s booming fishing industry in the late 1950s and 1960s. This was during the height of Gloucester’s prominence as New England’s dominant groundfish fleet, working the productive fishing grounds of the Gulf of Maine, Georges and Browns Banks, and the Bay of Fundy. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:11
Lobsterman Michael Joseph “Skip” Alessi of Saugus, Mass. has passed away
It is with deepest sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected and abrupt passing of Michael Joseph “Skip” Alessi, age 60, of Saugus. He was born in Lynn at Union Hospital on June 7, 1964, to the late Joseph and Barbara Alessi. Michael grew up in Nahant and was an avid sportsman. Upon graduating High School, he turned down a full football scholarship to Connecticut College and thumbed home to follow his true passion of lobstering. Michael was a revered lobsterman, going out when others said the seas were too dangerous and on more than one occasion was told he thought like a lobster. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:31
Retired Commercial Lobsterman Arthur Francis Smith of Charlestown, R.I. has passed away
Arthur Francis Smith (81) passed away on March 22, 2025, in Charlestown, Rhode Island. Arthur was born on April 8, 1943, in Providence, Rhode Island. Arthur attended LaSalle Academy and Hope High School before embarking on a career as a machinist at Brown & Sharpe. In 1979, he transitioned to commercial lobster fishing, a profession that became his life’s work until his retirement ten years ago. His time on the water reflected both his skill and deep connection to the sea. Arthur is survived by his devoted wife, Solveig B. Smith, who lovingly cared for him at home during the last 16 months of his life. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 08:14
William Leslie Hebard, fondly known by friends and family as Burgie Bill, has passed away
William Leslie Hebard, fondly known by friends and family as Burgie Bill, passed away suddenly at his home in Southern Humboldt County on January 29, 2025. Bill was born in Roseburg, Oregon on July 10, 1950 to William Leslie Hebard Sr. and Pat-Calista Hebard At an early age, his family moved to Eureka, where he became a fisherman and a bass player. In the early 1970s, Bill became a member of the Shelter Cove “Mosquito Fleet,” commercial fishing for salmon, tuna and crab on his boat the Burgie, from which he got his name, Burgie Bill. He fished the Cove for over 45 years until he retired in 2022. Bill’s life was one of profound love, adventure, laughter and freewheeling. He was kind, caring, articulate and funny. He was always willing to help out a friend or neighbor in need and wouldn’t hesitate to give a hitchhiker a ride or pull over to help someone with car trouble. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:34
Lifelong lobsterman Elmer R. Witham of Owls Head, Maine, has passed away
Elmer R. Witham passed away on March 3, 2025, at his home in Owls Head, surrounded by family. Elmer was born on Feb. 16, 1940, to the late Clayton R. Witham and Constance M. Gardner. He grew up in Rockland, attended local schools, and enjoyed a full social life until his later years. He began working as a lobsterman at a young age, and remained a lobsterman all of his working life, fishing the grounds around Large Green Island until health issues forced him into retirement. He never lost his drive and passion for lobstering. Even when his health no longer permitted him to work, he always followed the local lobster trade, catching up with the news of fellow lobstermen, and keeping an eye on the weather. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:015
Commercial Fisherman Wilbert “Ben” Danos of Larose, Louisiana, has passed away
Wilbert “Ben” Danos, 95, a native and resident of Larose, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Ben spent his life on the water first as a tugboat captain then became a commercial fisherman. He, with his wife Ruth as his deckhand, trawled for many years proudly creating their legacy of 3 generations of fishermen. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply as they did him. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 17:22
Commercial Fisherman Steven “Steve” Claude Bailey, 64, of Pensacola, Florida, has passed away
Steven “Steve” Claude Bailey, 64, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on February 21, 2025. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 24, 1960 to Winston Claude Bailey and Geraldine Bailey. He was married to Merlene Bailey for 35 years. Steve had a career in commercial fishing. He was the owner and captain of the Me Too 662410. He was a member of Heritage Baptist Church and had a passion for hunting and fishing. Steve was preceded in death by his father, Winston Claude Bailey; mother, Geraldine Bailey; sister, Dayna Broxson. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia Merlene Bailey; son, Nicholas Cain (Kristen) Bailey; daughter, Star Savannah Bailey Super; step daughter, Cayce (Robert) Forte. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 19:17
Commercial Fisherman Thomas “Tom” Michael Doak of Virginia has passed away
Thomas “Tom” Michael Doak passed away on the morning of March 1, 2025, at the age of 68. He was born on November 22, 1956 in Norfolk, VA. Tom worked as a commercial fisherman for most of his life fishing all along the eastern coast from ports of New Bedford, MA, Newport, RI, Virginia, and Wanchese, NC. Tom grew up in Virginia Beach, VA, and graduated from Kempsville High School in 1975. After high school, he moved to the Outer Banks and found work in the commercial fishing business which he loved doing the most. In his youth, he also lived in Long Beach, CA, where his father was stationed in the US Navy. Tom also lived in Seminole, FL; Boston, MA; Newport, RI, and New Hampshire, where he did lots of skiing and hiking. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:12
Remembering Mason Evich: GoFundMe set up for Fairhaven man killed in head-on crash
Friends and family of 28-year-old Mason Evich remember him as someone who will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. The commercial fisherman tragically lost his life in a head-on crash on the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge on Feb. 20, and heartfelt tributes are flooding in to honor his memory. A GoFundMe, Honoring Mason’s Life with Love, was started by Ryley Santos as a tribute to Evich. To date it has raised more than $58,000, exceeding the initial $25,000 goal. A group of friends got together and wrote a tribute to Evich on GoFundMe. Links, more, >>CLICK TO READ 06:53
Commercial Fisherman Mason C. Evich, 28, of Fairhaven died February 20, 2025. He was a devoted son, brother, and loyal friend.
He was everything wonderful. If you were lucky enough to know Mason, you LOVED him. A beacon of kindness, with a gentle soul that touched everyone he met, the pain we feel in losing him is indescribable. Born in Seattle, Washington, Mason was the loving son of Dagne (Sovik) Evich and the late Adam Evich. Mason’s love for fishing was passed down from his father, a lifelong commercial fisherman. Each summer, Mason accompanied his dad to Bristol Bay, Alaska, where they salmon fished together on the family’s fishing vessel. After graduating from Fairhaven High School, Mason attended the Northeast Maritime Institute, where he earned his associate degree and captain’s license. He later worked as a mate on commercial fishing vessels out of Cape May, NJ, and New Bedford, MA. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 14:28
Lobsterman/Harbormaster David Albert Herrick Sr. of Lamoine, Maine has passed away
David Albert Herrick Sr., 67, died unexpectedly, Feb. 20, 2025, outside of his “forever home” in Lamoine. He was born May 10, 1957, in Blue Hill, the son of Albert & Hildred Herrick. David graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1975 and continued his education at Washington County Vocational School studying wood harvesting. Shortly after, he married the love of his life, Julie, settling in Lamoine next to the home he grew up. After many years as a wood harvester, he switched careers to lobstering. He was a volunteer for the Fire Department, and the harbor master for the town of Lamoine. more, >>CLICK TO READ<<20:35
Career Commercial Fisherman Richard Paterson has passed away
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Richard Paterson, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on Feb 5 at Inglewood Care Centre in North Van. He was deeply loved and will be missed. He spent several years with the North Van Fire Dept, where he also worked as a paramedic and ambulance driver, before embarking on a long & fulfilling career as a commercial fisherman. In 1966, Richard & Rhea moved their young family to Qualicum Beach, where they built their cherished Pan-Abode home and second troller, Plus III, in their backyard. From 1975 Richard and his family spent 8 yrs homesteading on Read Island, embracing a life of resilience and self-sufficiency. In 1989 he remarried, and by 1993, he had returned to his family estate in Lynn Valley. He continued fishing and kept the Plus III in False Creek until 2011. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 17:11
Massachusetts: Retired Commercial Fisherman Raoul (Ray) D. Ross has passed away
Raoul (Ray) D. Ross died on February 17 at Cape Cod Hospital after a brief illness. Early in his life, Ray was drawn to the ocean and from the age of 14, except for his stint in the military, he worked as a commercial fisherman. He was a physically vital man and worked many long hours fishing in the waters off southern New England on one of his boats: the Rosalie R (which he helped design and build), the Carole R, the Jessica and Susan, and the Colleen and Melissa. After settling on Cape Cod in 1965, Ray was for years a fixture at the Ocean Street docks in Hyannis, a devoted friend and supportive member of the commercial fishing community. His advocacy and leadership included a term as President of the Massachusetts Inshore Daggerman’s Association, where he worked with regulators and legislators to represent the interests of Cape Cod fisherman. Well into his seventies, Ray was still rising at 4:00 a.m. to happily captain a boat and crew to catch squid and scup in the waters of Nantucket Sound. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 08:07
Commercial Fisherman Norman E. Carter, better known as “Pepa” of Waldoboro, Maine. has passed away
Norman E. Carter, better known as “Pepa,” passed away Jan. 18, 2025, in Bremen from his battle with cancer. He was born in Damariscotta on Nov. 19, 1961, the son of Fernald and Carrie Sanborn Carter. He was a lifelong resident of Waldoboro and attended Waldoboro schools; he began his career as a fisherman. Norman went to New Bedford, Mass. and worked on a scallop boat. He made many trips there. When he was home, he was a hard worker and took care of his family as a clamdigger, lobsterman, shrimping, elvering, and other jobs. He cut his own wood and hauled it to keep his family warm; family was everything to him. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:12
A Life Remembered: Captain John Allen Baker,1955 2025
I
t is with broken hearts that we share the passing of our precious brother, Captain John Allen Baker, age 69 who lost his life at sea February 7, 2025. John was born December 9, 1955, in Canso, Nova Scotia to Calvin Howard Baker and Virginia Margaret O’Hearn. Having no biological children, we wish to acknowledge his commitment to his stepchildren, step-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He loved them all, would wrap them in a wonderful hug and generously shared all his resources (including free fish) with them. John’s career and entire life was devoted to the Commercial Offshore Fishery. There is so much more about John that most will never know. He shared his talents, knowledge and passion with anyone who was interested and mentored many fishermen during his life. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:05
U.S. Army Veteran/Self-employed Commercial Fisherman James B. Kaminsky of Mattituck N.Y. has passed away
James B. Kaminsky of Mattituck passed away Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. He was 82 years old. James was born March 16, 1942, in Brooklyn to Loretta (Greiner) and Bernard Kaminsky. He was the eldest of two children and was raised in Brooklyn with his sister Janet. He graduated high school aboard the S.S. John W. Brown School Ship, which was part of the New York City school system at the time. After high school, James served in the U.S. Army aboard a landing craft, moving materials up and down the coast of France from 1961 until his honorable discharge in 1964. In 1964, in Queens Village, he married the love of his life, Cynthia Huneke. Together, they had three children and made their home in Mattituck, where they have resided for the past 60 years. In his professional career, Jimmy worked alongside his entire family as a self-employed commercial fisherman, on Long Island Sound. He’s had many boats but was most known for the iconic wooden (fishing vessel) F/V Tide II. He was also a member of the Long Island Commercial Fishing Association. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 13:09
William Henry Daniels, Captain Henry of North Carolina, has passed away
William Henry Daniels, Captain Henry, passed from this life early Saturday morning; he was 87 years old. He went peacefully at home with his family surrounding him. In 1976 he was able to buy and build the 57-foot wood trawler, and named it Bryan D. This was the beginning of the family business. When Bryan graduated, the boat became his full-time job alongside his daddy. In 1979, the Bryan D was sold, and Henry bought a 76-foot steel hull trawler, which he named the Joyce D after his wife and partner. The boat has been redesigned over the years as the family business continued. In 1993, Henry’s son Bryan became Captain and took over the boat while Henry “retired” to his hobbies and home. Henry continued to work a small boat, the Brittany Faye, and oystered around the creek and rivers. Henry’s expertise concerning shrimping, fishing, and the water has always been Henry’s expertise concerning shrimping, fishing, and the water has always been appreciated and known throughout the community. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:19
Lobsterman/Army Veteran Emerson Fobes Spurling Jr., known to all as “Tucker,” of Southwest Harbor has passed away
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Emerson Fobes Spurling Jr., known to all as “Tucker,” on January 20, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on December 7, 1935, in Ellsworth, Maine, Tucker spent much of his life on the coast of Maine, first in Manset and later in Windham. He was a hardworking man with a big heart, a quick wit, and a generosity that made everyone who met him feel like family. After his military service, Tucker returned home to Mount Desert Island, the island he loved so much. He continued to work the waters off of Southwest Harbor for decades on his lobster boats, first the wooden boat he built with the help of his father and Ralph Stanley, the Bette S. Into his seventies he decided a wooden boat was a lot to maintain, instead of retiring he bought his brother’s fiberglass boat. She was a sturdy vessel he proudly renamed after his only granddaughter the Evi Lynn and fished until his retirement at the age of 82. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:15
Career Commercial Fisherman Terrance Lloyd “Terry” Kilbreath of Edmonds, WA. has passed away
Terrance Lloyd Kilbreath (“Terry”), loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on January 8, 2025, with his wife Janice, by his side. Terry was born July 31, 1943, in Vancouver, Canada, and grew up in Anacortes, Washington with his parents, Irvine and Kay Kilbreath, and sister Lynn (Collson). As an 18 year old teenager, Terry started working in the summers as a commercial fisherman in Alaska. He later purchased his own commercial fishing boat and had a long and successful 50 plus year career fishing for herring and salmon in Kodiak, Prince William Sound, and Sitka, Alaska. Terry loved his profession and retired at the age of 75. His last boat, the Ayakulik, means Red River, his favorite place to fish on the west side of Kodiak Island. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:16
David L. Lunt of Frenchboro, Maine, has passed away
David L. Lunt, a lobsterman, entrepreneur, patriarch, optimist, and lover of the open road who emerged from humble beginnings to become an iconic coastal figure and powerful voice for Frenchboro, the remote island fishing village where generations of his family worked the sea, has died. He was 86. David was born on an island mired in post-Depression poverty that lacked basic conveniences such as running water, electric lights, and telephones, but worked steadily to pull the community into the modern era, while also pushing forward-thinking programs to keep it alive. He took a lead role in nearly every island decision for roughly six decades, working by gut instinct in a quiet, confident manner-he never flashed anger or frustration. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:47
Jonathan Robert Gonzalez of Santa Barbara, Calif. has passed away
Jonathan Robert Gonzalez passed away suddenly on Tuesday, September 24, at the age of 44. Born on April 21, 1979, at Goleta Valley Hospital in Santa Barbara, Calif., Jon was known for his big heart, dedication to his faith, and relentless passion for advocating for what’s right. Jon is survived by his beloved wife, Bronte, and their one-year-old daughter, Beretta—the light of his life and his greatest joy as a first-time father. He also promoted U.S.-sourced seafood through his website, EatUSSeafood.com, where he shared recipes alongside his advocacy. Jon’s passion ultimately led him to his “dream job” as Government Affairs Manager at Pacific Seafood. Engaged in efforts across the West Coast, Gulf of Mexico, and in Washington, D.C., Jon became one of the most well-known fisheries advocates in the United States. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 20:15
Commercial Fisherman Benny Floyd Chestnut of Newport, Oregon, has passed away
Benny Floyd Chestnut passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025. He was 82 years old. Benny served in the Navy Reserves from 1961-63. After that, he started Commercial Fishing in Eureka California and from then on….a fisherman at heart he was. He moved his family to Newport, Oregon in 1975 and here he stayed. He fished from the West Coast to the Bering Sea. He started 3 generations of fishermen, a son and grandson to follow in the same footsteps…and very proud of them he was. Newport was his home for a very long time, he loved it here. Newport is where he raised his family, finished his career and made many friends. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 19:32
Commercial Fisherman Karsten David Larsen of Oaks Bluffs, Massachusetts, has passed away
One of a Kind, Karsten David Larsen, 57 passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 27, less than a third of a mile from the home where he was raised and within “The Community” he loved so much. He was born in Oak Bluffs to Dagbard & Carole Larsen on April 8, 1967. His life was largely spent as a Commercial Fisherman. He began his love of fishing at a very early age on the docks in Menemsha. Later on, he became the captain of many boats, including his own. He was passionate about everything he did. He was an extremely talented fisherman, artist, hunter, and family member. While possessing the various skills needed by a fisherman, his talent as a self-taught marine artist was remarkable. His subject matter was the boats and fish from his own memories. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 12:06
Retired Commercial Fisherman/Navy Veteran Marshall Alexander of Biddeford, Maine, has passed away
Marshall Alexander, 78, of Biddeford, died peacefully on December 22, 2024 at Gosnell Hospice in Scarborough, Maine after a 3 ½ year battle with dementia and aphasia. Born to Bernice Brackett and Walter Alexander, he grew up on Old Pool Road with his sister, Donna. The sea was his first love. He started what would become his lifelong career of commercial fishing at the age of 14 with a skiff, a pair of oars and a work ethic surpassed by none. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he returned to the sea, first lobstering then ultimately dragging aboard the F/V De-Dee-Mae II, his fifth and last boat, a 54-foot stern trawler. Marshall was a fierce advocate for the commercial fishing industry serving on numerous committees and councils. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 07:55
Retired Lobsterman Arnold “Joe” Alvin Nickerson III of Kennebunkport, Me. has passed away
Arnold “Joe” Alvin Nickerson III peacefully passed away on December 25, 2024, at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough. He was a loving father who cherished his grandchildren, a caring brother and uncle, and admired by all who knew him. Joe was born on December 8, 1934, in Amherst, MA, to Arnold and Anna (Ashman) Nickerson Jr. He grew up in North Amherst, MA, helping on the Ashman family farm. His Uncle Stanley nicknamed him “Hey Joe,” and the name stuck. He shared a special bond with his Lithuanian grandmother, Caroline “Bobute” Ashman. Summers often found him in Cape Porpoise, visiting his grandparents Arnold Sr. and Verna (Fisher), where his love for the ocean began. By age five, he was lobstering with his father and grandfather. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:50
Commercial Fisherman Andrew (Andy) Paul Babich of Gig Harbor, Wa. has passed away
Andrew (Andy) Paul Babich passed away peacefully at home in Gig Harbor, WA, surrounded by loved ones, on November 16, 2024, at the age of 58. He was born May 16, 1966, to Nick and Delia (DeeDee) Babich in Tacoma, WA. He remained a lifelong third-generation resident and commercial fisherman of Gig Harbor. Andy spent his childhood years on Chinook Avenue with brothers, friends, and cousins, and never missed an opportunity to spend time with his Dad on the F/V Sonia, and later the F/V Maria. After his Dad passed in 1985, 19-year-old Andy, alongside his brother, Nick, took over the family fishing operation in Alaska and on Puget Sound, becoming one of the youngest captains in the fleet. In 1997, he purchased the F/V Ocean Dream, fishing salmon, squid, sardines, and Dungeness crab with his younger brother, Mike, who crewed with him for many years. more, >>CLICK TO READ< 11:08
Point Pleasant fisherman James N. Mathews has passed away
James Nestor Mathews passed away on December 4th, 2024 after 80 years of living life to its fullest. Jimmy spent over 60 years doing what he enjoyed most, catching fish from his home port of Point Pleasant NJ. He was born on October 9 th , 1944 in East Orange NJ and moved with his parents and siblings to Point Pleasant, NJ in 1956. It was there that Jimmy’s life long love of fishing took root, as he started working with his dad on his party boat the Flying Fish in the early 1960’s. During those early years with his father, Jimmy became interested in the local commercial fishing scene, and learned how to gill net, along with his life long friend Joey Pierce on a small skiff operated by Adolph Lovgren. It wasn’t long before Jimmy and Joey bought their own Skiffs to pursue the American dream. After a few years Jimmy was ready to move into a bigger boat and bought the Five Devils in 1971, a 57-foot-long dragger that worked out of the Fisherman’s Dock Co-op. He renamed it the Chrissy James and soon developed a reputation of fearlessness by fishing in some extreme weather conditions. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 16:36
Commercial Fisherman/U. S. Army Veteran Jack Benton Cartwright of Oregon has passed away
Jack Benton Cartwright was well known for his kindness and enthusiasm for life. He was a force of nature, and many have described him as “one of a kind.” Jack was born March 16, 1944, to Charlie and Okema Cartwright. He was raised on the Seaside Golf Course, which his parents owned until 1971. Jack graduated from Seaside High School in 1962, and shortly after he joined the U.S. Army. When he returned, he began logging in Alaska before starting his career as a commercial fisherman. After a few years of fishing, he and David Kelly bought the Arrow, and were exceptional halibut longliners. In 1979 he met Jane, who was working in Seward, Alaska, and was interested in fishing. In 1986, they bought an 80-foot steel boat and named it Kema Sue, in honor of his late mother and sister. Jack and Jane were married in front of family and friends, at a fun-loving celebration at Little Beach in Gearhart. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 14:39
Commercial Fisherman/Vietnam Veteran Ronald Raymond Rust of Kenai, Alaska, has passed away
He spent his younger years living in Fairbanks. Ron and his wife Kathy moved their family to Kenai in 1981, where he lived until his passing on October 14, 2024 with his son Daniel at his side. Ron was a decorated Vietnam Veteran with an E-5 ranking in the Army. Ron was a commercial fisherman in the Cook Inlet for 59 years. His boys grew up fishing with him on his boat the “FV TIGER”. Ron also drove a school bus for over 10 years, while doing so he participated in many bus rodeos where he took championship awards for several of those years. He was an avid dart thrower. Rons greatest pleasure in his last years was to drive to the canneries and visit with his fisherman friends. and share pictures and generally sharing stories about the past with them. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:25
