Tag Archives: Obituary
Commercial Fisherman Roscoe (Rocky) C. Chase III, of Harwich has passed away
Rocky was born on June 26, 1958 in Hyannis to Roscoe and Mary Chase. Rocky grew up in Harwich, attending the Harwich schools. He graduated from Harwich High School in 1976. Rocky then enlisted in the Marine Corps with three of his buddies from high school. Rocky returned home to Harwich in 1980 and began his career as a commercial fisherman. This would include deep sea lobster fishing, cod fishing, and eventually working his own lobster boat and business. It is difficult to find someone who could outwork Rocky Chase. Rocky will be missed tremendously by all those who knew and loved him. >click to read< 12:07
Captain Kenny Charles “Ken” Martin May 2, 1949 – June 17, 2022 of Bella Bella
To a lot of people, Ken was a fisherman, lovingly known as “The Captain.” But to others, he was Ken, the father, the husband, the friend. Ken was predeceased by his parents, Brian and Shirley (Leeman) Martin. He is survived by his loving wife, Theresa (nee Scanlan); their three children, At 21, Ken introduced the first fibreglass brine packer ever built. He named her the “Northern Princess,” built at Shearwater Marine (across the channel from Bella Bella). Ken went to work for Jack Elsey of Millbank Industries in 1970. It was the start of an outstanding career in the commercial fishing business. Meanwhile, a 21-year-old nurse from Toronto named Theresa Scanlan made the brave decision to begin her career at R.W. Large Memorial Hospital in Bella Bella. Ken took one look at her and knew he had found his true “Northern Princess.” This was the start of a 49-year journey. >click to read< 21:39
Commercial Fisherman Robert Wayne Day of Waldoboro, Maine, has passed away
Robert “Robi” Wayne Day, 57, of Waldoboro, passed away unexpectedly at Miles Memorial Hospital on May 26, 2022, from a pulmonary embolism. Born on September 27, 1964, in Rockland, he was the son of Robert Day and Mary (Studley) Lund. After serving in the military, Robi worked as a commercial scalloper in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He often recounted the time he was swept overboard by a wave; he thought he would never see his family again but miraculously drifted back towards the boat and lived to tell the tale. He loved bringing scallops and fish home for family and friends. Most recently, he worked as a sternman with his son, Dustin. >click to read< 20:01
Commercial Lobsterman Donald A. Devine of Rhode Island has passed away
Donald A. Devine, 64, a Charlestown resident for many years, passed away unexpectedly on March 7, 2022, in Florida. He was born on April 24,1957. He was the son of Lorraine (Boulanger) Devine and the late George Devine. He worked on many lobster boats in Point Judith, before becoming Captain on the F/V Prudence for over 20 years. He had many friends that he enjoyed spending time with in RI, NY, and FL. He was always called Don or Donny, as Donald was reserved for his best friend “Donald” Houle. The two words that best described him were humble and kind. >click to read< 15:16
Captain Salvatore (Sam) Ciolino of Gloucester has passed away
Salvatore Ciolino (Sam) of Gloucester MA, passed away peacefully on May 27th at Beverly Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Gloucester MA, on November 10, 1936. Sam was the son of the late Girolamo Ciolino and Antoinette (Scola). Sam was a lifelong fisherman and the captain of The Baby Jerry. He loved to be with his family and enjoyed making Sunday dinner for us to all be together. As he grew older, he enjoyed watching sports in his favorite chair and lived for his grandchildren to walk through the door. Sam will be remembered for his contagious smile and all the love he gave to anyone in his presence. >click to read< 10:26
Commercial Fishing Captain Malvin Kvilhaug of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, has passed away
Malvin Kvilhaug, 83, of Fairhaven passed away peacefully on May 26, 2022 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was at home surrounded by his family. Malvin was born in Aakrehamn, Karmoy, Norway, and was the son of the late Martin and Hulda (Grodem) Kvilhaug. Malvin began his life in Fairhaven in 1961 and made a large impact on the tight-knit Norwegian community. Captain Kvilhaug was a successful scallop captain and fishing was a major part of his life. Malvin made his way in the fishing industry through hard work, determination, and a ‘never give up’ mentality. Malvin was a captain for many years and enjoyed time on his boats – FV Michigan, FV Contender, FV Concordia and the FV Sandra Jane all out of Fairhaven. In addition, he was one of the five co-founders of the Fishery Survival Fund. >click to read< 11:53
Commercial Fisherman Michael Alan Doyle of Wakefield, R.I. has passed away
Michael Alan Doyle, 64, of Wakefield, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 22, 2022 surrounded by his adoring family. Mike loved and respected the ocean with a deep passion. He started lobstering as an early teenager and began fishing commercially soon after. Mike was the proud owner of the F/V Seafarer and the F/V Charlie’s Pride for over 30 years, leaving behind his friend and Captain Scott Smith. His family knows he is happy to be reunited with his best friend and Captain Charlie Niles. Mike Doyle was the salt of the Earth. He was a kindhearted, loyal, and selfless man. He built a longer table instead of a higher fence. There was always room for everyone at Mike’s table and in his enormous heart. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike’s name to the Point Judith Fisherman’s Scholarship Fund: PO Box 386, Narragansett, RI, 02882. >click to read< 07:30
Kyle Craig of Deadliest Catch Death: The Family and Fans of a Deceased Artist Are Shocked.
As a deckhand on the F/V Brenna A., Kyle Craig put in long hours. Who Was Kyle Craig? An Ocean Springs, Mississippi man named Kyle Craig is 26 years old. December 21, 1994, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, was the date of his birth. Craig Enterprises was owned and operated by Kyle. He became enamored with ATVs and boats, and he enjoyed buying and selling both. He was also capable of repairing a motor while keeping his eyes shut. We posted >his obituary here on August 1, 2021<. He loved the sea, his work, and appreciated his crewmates. There wasn’t a lot of detail on what had 
happened to Kyle. Watching the statistics the other day, we noticed a big spike in traffic with no explanation, but it led back to Kyles obituary. Then we stumbled onto this article which brings the tragic end of his life to light. The cause of Kyle Craig’s tragic death is detailed below. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and his shipmates. >click to read< 17:17
Tullus Gordon remembered for contributions to fishing and construction industries
Tullus Gordon, a longtime Seattle-area general contractor, died Dec. 29 at the age of 95. A celebration of his life will be held next month in Ballard. Gordon operated Tullus Gordon Construction for 40 years. After WWII, he joined his brother in the commercial fishing industry. During this time, from 1947 to 1956, he fished up and down the West Coast, from Alaska to California. He later developed the power warping crab block, which helped revolutionize the fishing industry, according to his son. Todd said his dad transitioned from fishing to construction after Tullus was swept overboard while fishing in a storm off the Oregon coast and nearly died. That’s when Tullus’ first wife, Millie Vermillion, gave him the ultimatum “It’s either fishing or family,” according to Todd. >click to read< 18:26
Fish Wholesaler/Processor Dana F. Besecker of Bellevue, Washington has passed away
Dana F. Besecker, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully with his wife Jill and sons Jeff and Tyler by his side due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. He founded the Dana F. Besecker Company in 1989 which is located on Mercer Island, WA with additional offices in Bellingham, WA. As a fish wholesaler and processor, his company buys seafood from fishermen in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, and Canada. His company now sells seafood in 58 countries. He was well-known and highly respected within the industry as a leader, innovative businessman and mentor to many, as well as an honest professional–his word was his bond! Dana was a trustee of Halibut Association of North America, a sponsor and longtime supporter of Fishing Vessel Owner’s Association, and an active participant in the International Pacific Halibut Commission. >click to read< 11:30
Commercial Fisherman Clifford M. Sambrook, Jr., of Narragansett, R.I. has passed away
Clifford M. Sambrook, Jr., 66, of Narragansett, passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at home surrounded by his family. Born in Derby, CT, he was the son of Harriet E. Sambrook and the late Clifford M. Sambrook, Sr. Besides his mother, he is survived by his partner Susan Chandler of Narragansett RI, and his two sons Kenneth Sambrook of Georgetown TX and Clifford and Elizabeth Sambrook of Boynton Beach FL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, May 7th, 2022, at 10 AM in St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 864 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett. Military Honors will follow. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Clifford’s memory may be made to The Point Judith Fisherman’s Memorial Foundation, Attention Kathryn Manning Butler (Treasurer PJFMF), PO BOX 3315, Narragansett RI. 02882. >click to read< 12:12
Commercial Fisherman Gary Haynes of Ketchikan, Alaska has passed away
Gary Lin Haynes was born to Joyce and Ole Haynes October 12, 1954 in Ketchikan, Alaska. He was the third of three boys. Gary was born into a commercial fishing family. He and his brothers went out with their dad from a young age. It truly was his passion and he never wanted to do anything else. He married his high school sweetheart, Liz on March 22, 1975. They soon had three children, Amber, Ole, and Brad. All of his children would later fish with him. His daughter worked with him for 22 years. The boys both broke off on their own earlier and currently have their own boats and operations. Gary commercially fished salmon, halibut, black cod, herring and would later pack geo ducks and sea cucumbers. >click to read< 15:32
Commercial Fisherman Peter Buompensiero of San Diego has passed away
Peter Buompensiero passed away peacefully in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 2nd, 2021. Peter was one of three children and the oldest son of John Buompensiero and Nina Venezia Buompensiero. Peter grew up in San Diego’s Little Italy. He loved to go down to his dad’s small fishing boat, the F/V Rosalia Madre and developed a love for the sea. He spent many years as a cook in the United States tuna fleet. He worked with Champ Brenha on the F/V Viking, with Frank Souza on the bait boat F/V Mary S, with George Souza on the seiners F/V Lusitania and F/V Mary S, and with Joe Finete on the M/V Jeanette Diana. In his later years, Pete worked with his long-time shipmate and cousin Joe Anfuso on the F/V Acoustic Explorer before retiring and relocating to Las Vegas. >click to read< 12:55
Retired Commercial Fisherman Jerome Lee “Jerry” Green Sr., of Westport has passed away
Jerome Lee “Jerry” Green Sr., 83, longtime Westport resident and former commercial fisherman, passed away on March 9, 2022, at his home in Westport, Washington. Jerry was born on Feb. 3, 1939, in Hayward, Wisconsin, the first boy born in the Hayward Indian Hospital and the eldest of seven children. In 1971, Jerry married the love of his life Joyce Johnson. They enjoyed working together in the commercial fishing industry and spending time in Alaska during fishing season. They built a beautiful life together, that included large family gatherings and spoiling all of the grandkids. Joyce passed away in 2007. Jerry built and owned several boats including Jer’s Joy, Lady Joyce and Early Dawn. >click to read< 15:04
Washington: Commercial Fisherman Kenneth Elliott Layfield has passed away
Ken was born April 7, 1959, in Oak Harbor, Washington to Mary Ann and Clarence Elliott Layfield, preceded in death by his mother, father, sister Anita, daughter Chelsea, and nephew Allen. He peacefully passed away at the age of 62, surrounded by his loved ones, on March 16, 2022, in Spokane, Washington. Soon after graduating, he got into commercial fishing and bought his own commercial fishing boat (The Midnight Charger) in 1987 at the age of 28. His legendary and well-respected career of commercial fishing spanned from San Francisco all the way to Togiak, Alaska, ultimately spending 34 years of his career in Kodiak, Alaska. Ken’s love of fishing grew even more when his two sons started going up to Alaska to fish with him. He took much pride and joy in teaching Elliott, Caleb, and Jillian the ins and outs of fishing, combining his love of his children with his passion of fishing. >click to read< 20:35
Everett ‘Sonny’ Traynor, 94, of Portland has passed away
In his early years, Everett “Sonny” Traynor would paddle his rowboat out on Casco Bay and haul lobster traps to help provide for his family. He worked as a sternman on a lobster boat and helped process fish for distribution. “He was a wharf rat,” said his nephew Bob Niles. “He did whatever was needed.” Traynor, a fixture on Portland’s waterfront, died on April 5 from heart failure. He was 94. He was a successful businessman and part owner of the former Willard-Daggett Co., once the largest distributor of fish and lobster in New England. He was a salesman, who bought directly from fishermen and sold to local restaurants and grocery stores for three decades. Niles said he was highly respected by fishermen. >click to read< 09:58
Barry A. Nelson – The Sea Captain boarded his Vessel for his final Voyage after his last set.
He was born in Oakland, California to Clarence and Virginia Nelson. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Peg (Margaret) Nelson. His career spanned yacht clubs, his and Peg’s deeply beloved sailboat, Pathfinder, his own yacht maintenance and repair business, fisheries wholesale and retail at Peg’s Fish Market, their own fishing vessels – the F/V JJ, the F/V Atlas, and the F/V Mystic. Barry and his beloved wife, Peg touched many lives and dedicated much of their lives in service to the commercial fishing industry. Although they did not have children of their own, many have felt they simply adopted the West Coast. Their regard and respect for the hard-working men and women of the West Coast ran deep, Barry served as a Director to the WFOA (Western Fishboat Owner’s Association), was an Oregon Salmon Commissioner for 25 years, as well as a Port Commissioner for Wichester Bay, >click to read< 21;32
Commercial Fisherman William Van Druten, Jr. of Frisco, NC has passed away
Bill was born in Passaic, NJ on March 11, 1942 to William and Trina Van Druten. His life was driven by his love for the sea. The depth of his life was immense; from playing basketball at Rider College, to pursuing his career as an educator, and ultimately moving to Frisco, NC to achieve his lifelong dream of being a commercial fisherman. It is the sea that called to him throughout his life and he instilled a love for it in so many. Realizing this dream was one of many pearls in his life. Being known as “Tall Bill” in the fishing community delighted him and brought him great contentment. >click to read< 10:40
Captain Michael John Morgan of Newport, Oregon has passed away
Michael John Morgan, 68, of Newport, Oregon passed away on March 26, 2022 after his fishing vessel, F/V White Swan III, capsized in the Pacific Ocean. Mike was born in Oakland, California in 1953 to US Coast Guard Lt. Col. Jack Morgan and Beth (both deceased). He would become the oldest of three siblings, followed by Douglas (deceased) and Patricia. At age 12, Mike’s family moved to Newport, when his father was stationed with the Yaquina Bay Coast Guard. Twelve year old Mike took to fishing immediately upon moving to Newport. Mike’s final resting place is at sea with his F/V White Swan III. >click to read< 11:14
Commercial Fisherman Captain Jason Ian Nevel of Ohio has passed away
Jason came into this life on November 19, 1977, in Hamilton, Ohio. As early as age 6 he was drawing pictures of fish and boats and said he wanted to be a fisherman when he grew up. He became a crewmember on a commercial fishing boat and over the years worked his way up and passed the test to obtain his Commercial Captain License, something he was very proud of. Like most commercial fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico, Captain Jason worked hard and played hard. In the past couple of years, he returned to Hamilton but would travel back to Florida to work on fishing boats. He was at home on the ocean, he said that is where he found peace and tranquility. >click to read< 11:09
Beloved NJ Fisherman Dies Suddenly From ‘Massive’ Brain Bleed
Beloved New Jersey native and local fisherman Eric Charles Kelly died from a “massive” brain bleed on Friday, March 11. He was 24. Kelly was passionate about his work as a commercial fisherman. He started as a clammer on the Melissa K. and then worked his way up to scalloping for Cold Spring Fish and Supply Co. (Lobster House), according to his obituary. Kelly also enjoyed antiques and motorsports, especially his cherished 1988 Blazer. >click to read<, Read Eric’s obituary >here< 10:12
Michael L. Linquata of Gloucester, Massachusetts, has passed away
Michael L. Linquata, 96, of Magnolia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 6, 2022, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Lillian Rose (Ciulla) Linquata who passed away just recently. Michael was born in Gloucester on July 5, 1925, son of the late Leonard and Anne (Favaloro) Linquata. Michael was an early graduate of Gloucester High School class of 1944 and was inducted into the army at Fort Devens on January 12, 1944. He was a combat medic and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. When Michael finished college, he worked with his father and managed Progressive Fish Company. >click to read< 22:08
Marine Biologist Spencer Apollonio of Boothbay Harbor, has passed away
Spencer Apollonio passed away unexpectedly on March 8, 2022 at his Boothbay Harbor home at age 88. He was born in Camden to parents Dr. Howard L. and Helen T. (Martin) Apollonio. A marine biologist and Fellow of the Arctic Institute of North America (AINA), Spencer made 14 trips to the Arctic. Spencer served as Commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR), chairperson of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and executive director of the New England Regional Fisheries Management Council. He started his career researching shrimp (Pandalus borealis) and other marine life, and later focused on fisheries management in the Gulf of Maine. A graduate of Bowdoin College, he received a master’s degree from Yale University. >click to read< 21:23
Douglas Whitten Allan III of Wakefield R.I. has passed away
Douglas Whitten Allan, III (51) of Wakefield passed away on March 14th, 2022 after a short and difficult illness. He was the son of the late Douglas W Allan, Jr and Barbara F Allan (Wakefield). He leaves his daughters Caitlyn Marie (Exeter), Meagan Lynn (Wakefield), and Sara Skye (Florida), his sister Catherine Allan Robinson (Wakefield) & family, his life partner and best friend Stacey Hannaford (Stafford Springs, CT) and his beloved cat Pearl. Douglas was born in Westerly, RI and a graduate of South Kingstown High School. He was a “lumper”, aka Commercial Fishing Vessel Off-Loading Technician in Point Judith for 34 years. >click to read< 08:02
Retired Commercial Fisherman/Dr. Roland August Hublou has passed away in Everett
Dr. Roland Hublou, 88, known affectionately by his many friends as “Doc” and “Hub”, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2022 in Everett, Washington. Roland was born on October 6, 1933 to his parents, Francis and Blanche Hublou, in Minot, North Dakota. Roland was an excellent dentist, practicing at the Everett Medical Dental Building until his retirement in 1997. Roland’s other love was fishing, which led him to his second career in the commercial fishing industry. He was an active and successful commercial fisherman with his sons, from 1973-2007, building three commercial gillnetters over the years; “Persistence”, the “Eagle Jack” and his final boat, “Doc’s Eagle”. He was elected President of the Puget Sound Gillnetters Association in 1980, and spent many years in all aspects of the fishing industry,,, >click to read< 21:35
Stephen W. Walima of Rockport, Mass, has passed away
Stephen W. Walima, 62, of Rockport, passed away on Friday, March 4, 2022, following a brief illness. Born in Gloucester, son of Ann S. (Budnovitch) Walima and the late William W. Walima. He was a graduate of Rockport High School, class of 1977. He later graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology, receiving his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Steve worked for many years as a commercial fisherman on various boats out of Rockport and Gloucester and loved tuna fishing too. He was predeceased by his father, William W. Walima; and his pug, Bart who was his best buddy. >click to read< 09:21
Commercial Fisherman Ronnie Lee White has passed away in New Bedford
Ronnie Lee White, age 63, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 10, 2022 in New Bedford. He was born in Charleston, West Virginia to Cecil Ronald White and the late Shirley Estep on April 26, 1958. Ronnie’s love for the ocean started at the young age of 16. For almost 50 years he was a commercial fisherman who served on many fishing vessels in Newport, RI. For the past 15 years, he served on multiple vessels out of New Bedford, MA. He was truly one of the best at what he did and worked extremely hard throughout his life spending weeks at sea doing what he knew best and loved the most. >click to read< 10:57
Retired Commercial Fisherman Dale A. Dorsey of Newport Oregon has passed away
Dale A Dorsey was born in Oakland, CA on January 20th, 1945 to Dale and Josephine Dorsey. He died on February 6th, 2022 surrounded by and in the loving arms of the people that meant the most to him, his family. He started king crab fishing in Alaska for his Father-in-Law and moved his family back and forth from their home in Newport to their home in Unalaska based on his fishing schedule. His family did this for years, his goal was always to have his family close. He spent the next 30 years as crew or the Captain of King Crab Fishing Vessels, side by side with his father-in-law Clifford Hall, brother-in-law Stephen Hall, his son Timothy, many nephews, cousins, and for a short time his daughter Taunette. May he Rest in Peace. >click to read< 13:09
WWII Veteran, Commercial Fisherman Stanley J. Dykovitz of Southampton has passed away
Born on Christmas Eve 1921 to parents Stanley and Sophie Dykovitz, Stanley was raised in East Marion. He graduated from Greenport High School and liked to tell people he attended “Corn Cob College.” He was a proud U.S. Navy veteran and could vividly recall stories of his time in the Seabees during World War II (or as he called it, “The Big One”). He was a commercial lobsterman on his boat, the F/V Hazel E out of Montauk. He transitioned to conch fishing on the F/V Miss Stephanie in the Peconic Bay, though he was always a lobsterman at heart. >click to read< 16:43
Jeffrey Hutchings, advocate for independent fisheries science, dies at age 63
A Canadian ecologist and fisheries scientist who criticized political interference in scientific advice on declining fish populations, particularly the northern cod, has died at the age of 63. Colleagues at Dalhousie University’s department of biology said Jeffrey Hutchings, a longtime professor at the Halifax school, died at his home during the weekend. The cause of death was not released. >click to read< 19:22
