Tag Archives: Obituary
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
Developer/Highliner Kaye A. Williams of Bridgeport, Connecticut, has passed away
Kaye A. Williams, 95, beloved husband of Barbara (DeBreceny) Williams passed away peacefully in his home Saturday, November 16, 2024. Kaye was the son of the late Frederick I. Williams and Margaret Keefe Williams Dudas. Eventually returning to Bridgeport, Kaye established his first marine store, Fayerweather Marine Supply on Fairfield Avenue in Black Rock. In 1968, he sold Fayerweather Marine and launched a new career as a commercial lobsterman. During his decade long career as a lobsterman, he became known as a “high liner”, a term used in the trade to describe the most successful and productive fisherman. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:38
Commercial Fisherman Donald A. Harlacher of Quaker Hill, Connecticut, has passed away
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald A. Harlacher, known fondly as “Donny,” who left us Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at the age of 58. Donny’s passing was a devastating loss, but he departed this world doing what he loved most: living and working on the ocean. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After completing his service, Donny returned to his home state of Connecticut, where he would eventually make his mark. His love for the ocean only grew stronger, leading him to pursue a career in commercial fishing. Starting from the bottom, he worked his way up through hard work and determination, ultimately becoming the beloved “Captain Don.” more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 13:22
Adventurer/Commercial Fisherman Carla Jean Milburn has passed away peacefully in her sleep in Homer, Ak.
Carla Jean Milburn, born June 24, 1955, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of November 2, 2024 in Homer, Alaska. Born in Spokane, WA to Jeannine Fay (McLaren) Milburn and Don Devereaux Milburn, Carla attended Manson schools in Lake Chelan. After graduation in 1973 she was ready for …. adventure! Living in a fishing town Carla was lured to the water and soon took jobs on seiners and drift commercial boats in the Cook Inlet. Loving to work with fibers she then picked up the skill of mending and building nets. In short order she built a big shop on her property for fitting the long nets in. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:18
Career Lobsterman/ Korean War Vet Carroll W. Lunt Sr. of Bass Harbor, Maine has passed away
Carroll W. Lunt Sr., 90, died Nov. 2, 2024, at his daughter’s home surrounded by his family. He was born Nov. 20, 1933, in Frenchboro, the son of Wallace and Lenora (Higgins) Lunt. Carroll was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Korean War. He spent his career as a lobsterman. He captained his own boats “The Carroll Jr.” and “The Miss Robin” and truly enjoyed his time on the sea. He loved going to camp at Branch Pond with his grandchildren and family. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a past member of the Southwest Harbor/Tremont Masonic Lodge No. 77 A.F. & A.M. and the Anah Shrine. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:40
Lifelong Commercial Fisherman Jonas R. Porter of Woodville, Florida, has passed away
Jonas R. Porter, 86, of Woodville, passed away November 3, 2024. Jonas was born in Sopchoppy and remained a life-long resident of this area. He was a Commercial Fisherman all of his life and was a true fishing storyteller; you never knew if it was the truth or not and he always got a good laugh. Jonas has always been a voice for all fishermen; he stood for what he believed in. He also was a Handyman and enjoyed building things, also enjoyed music, singing and playing the guitar. Jonas loved his family and friends and spoiled his grandkids; he loved people. He would want you to know that he supported Trump. more, >>CCLICK TO READ<< 05:56
Lifelong Commercial Fisherman Army Veteran Theodore “Ted” Reed Merrell III, of Juneau, has passed away
Theodore “Ted” Reed Merrell III, 76, died at his Fritz Cove home on October 16, 2024 after a long struggle with Progressive Supranuc Palsy (PSP). Ted and Lucy were engaged while Ted was on R&R in Hawaii and after discharge, they were married in Minnesota. They headed to Juneau as soon as Lucy graduated, driving Ted’s hot orange 1970 stick-shift Dodge Charger R/T. Ted soon got his own boat–an open 19-footer –and began a lifelong career in commercial fishing. Other boats followed: Diamondtooth (an ancient wooden gillnetter), Onni (a fast bowpicker with troublesome twin Volvo engines), Invictus, and for most of his career, the 45-foot Dundas. Ted had permits in many fisheries and tried crab, herring, and salmon gillnetting and finally settled into longlining and trolling, often accompanied by his son, Nelson. He fished all over the Northern Panhandle and especially liked downtime with friends in the fishing village, Elfin Cove. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 15:44
Lifelong Commercial Fisherman Loyd Alan “Lanny” Reposa has passed away in Maine
Loyd Alan “Lanny” Reposa, 75, passed away on October 6th, 2024 peacefully at his farm in Maine joining his heavenly family. Born in Wakefield, RI, he was the son of the late Arthur Reposa and Claire Binns, stepson of the late Ruth A Reposa. He was the loving husband of the late Sally Reposa. Lanny was a lifelong resident of South County and commercial fisherman in Point Judith, RI where he owned and operated several boats of the Point Judith fleet. He also fished in Alaska even getting the chance to pass the Titanic discovery and was one of the first captains to introduce freezer fishing to the industry. He embarked to the Grand Banks for a lot of his fishing, remarkably under some of the most brutal and treacherously dangerous conditions (including hurricane Gloria), Lanny always got his vessel and crew back to a safe port without ever losing a crew member. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:14
Lifelong Commercial Fisherman David McCrone Pack of Bodega Bay, Ca. has passed away
David McCrone Pack, born October 5,1957, passed peacefully to the great beyond on August 2nd, 2024, surrounded by his family and the music of the Grateful Dead. He will be remembered as a hard-working man, a friend to all animals, and a loving father. He was 66 years old. A native Californian, Dave was born to parents Jim and Beth in the redwood forest of Larkspur, California. He attended Redwood High School and soon thereafter began his life as a commercial fisherman in the San Francisco Bay, where he would eventually captain his own boat, The Blind Faith. For Dave, though, fishing wasn’t just a hobby – it was something he enjoyed alone or with friends and family and had an active fishing license every year of his adulthood. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 08:20
