Tag Archives: Obituary
Obituary: Commercial Fisherman Anthony “Joe” Mattera, Jr
Anthony Joseph Mattera, Jr. “Joe”, 55, of North Kingstown, formerly of Cranston, passed away Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at Philip Hulitar Hospice Inpatient Center in Providence surrounded by his loving family. Born in Providence, he was the devoted son of the late Anthony J. and Florence C. (DeRise) Mattera. Anthony was a commercial fisherman for many years and was a proud member of the fishing industry. A celebration of his life will take place at a later date. >click to read< 07:10
US Marine Corp Vet, Commercial Fisherman, Paul Bettencourt, Dies at 80
Paul “The Baitman” Bettencourt, 80, of Pawtucket, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Saturday, April 10, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Barbara R. (Stuart) Bettencourt for forty-three years. Born in Providence, Paul was one of twenty-one children of the late John and Emelia (Pacheco) Bettencourt. He resided the majority of his adult life in Pawtucket. Paul was a United States Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam Era and went on to a lifelong career in the commercial fishing industry, where he gained the nickname and call sign, “The Baitman”. Paul was totally devoted to God, his family, and his community. >click to read< 12:10
Obituary: Nevin Stanley May, Ketchikan, Alaska – Commercial Fisherman
Born in Prentice, WI, Nevin came to Ketchikan in 1967. In his words, “I thought it was the greatest place you could imagine. It was wide open, you could do just about anything you wanted.,,, Nevin began his storied career as a commercial troller soon thereafter and continued for more than 40 years, selling the F/V Cheryl in 2012. Through his years fishing, he made friends (and probably some enemies too!) with local, state, and federal politicians, and helped to shape some of today’s fishing regulations. He co-founded the Alaska Trollers Association and was a board member for several years. He was also a member of the Seafood Producers Co-Op, and served as chairman of the board from 2001-2002. Nevin was an avid hunter, both locally and nationally. >click to read< 10:05
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
Ronald David “Captain Ronnie” Bingley, of Fisherman’s Harbour has passed away
Ronald David “Captain Ronnie” Bingley,63, Fisherman’s Harbour, Guysborough Co., passed away on Friday, March 19, 2021, in Fisherman’s Harbour. Born in Sherbrooke, he was a son of the late George and Dorothy (Lloyd) Bingley. He was an active fisherman, a former boat builder, an avid carpenter, plumber, electrician, and an amazing father. These wonderful skills, he passed on to his children. He taught them to grow up to be strong and independent. Ronald is survived by 5 children, and 11 grandchildren. >click to read< 13:24
Obituary: Reno Red Leaf
Reno Red Leaf, 31, our beloved son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend, was called home, to his eternal resting place on March 10, 2021, while living in Seattle Washington, just 1 week shy of his 32nd birthday. He entered this world on March 17, 1989, St. Patrick’s Day, in Ponca City, OK, born to Tony Red Leaf and Lynne Kitchell and he had 2 older brothers at the time of his birth, Toby and Roman. Reno will be truly missed by all who loved him and by those who have met him. Recently Reno was living in Seattle Washington working as a commercial fisherman out of Sitka, Alaska and Dutch Harbor during his untimely death. >click to read< 22:06
Commercial Fisherman Norwood Kline Frost, 77, of Salter Path N.C., has passed away
Norwood was born Dec. 10, 1943, in Morehead City to the late Floyd Staton Frost and Berna Marie Willis Frost. He spent his life on the water as a commercial fisherman and was the captain of the Frost fishing crew. It was through this he came to be the owner of Frost Seafood Market and Frost Seafood House Restaurant. He was proud of being able to serve fresh, local seafood to the Crystal Coast community for more than 50 years. >click to read< 17:55
Obituary – Scott Michael Kent of Nome, Alaska, has passed away
Scott Michael Kent, a resident of the Nome area for 20 years, and well known for his professional career, his community involvement, and his colorful personality, passed away on Monday, March 1, 2021, of an unexpected heart attack. He was 45 years old. Scott grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on the shores of Lake Superior. Ultimately, he decided to make Nome his home and worked in commercial salmon and summer crab fisheries and spent time at various field projects and test fishing from southern Norton Sound to above the Artic Circle,,, >click to read< 19:21
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
Remembering John Picinich, 1949-2021
John Picinich, 71, a longtime resident of West Seattle who retired to Las Vegas, passed away on February 23, 2021. He was born December 19, 1949 in Tacoma to John and Johanna Picinich. He found the love of his life at the age of 20 in West Seattle, when he married Carol Ewing. John attended West Seattle High School. He went on to become a marine pipefitter and commercial fisherman. John was a member of Local 32 Plumbers & Pipefitters Union and worked at various shipyards in Seattle for many years. He fished for salmon in Alaska and the San Juans. and was the co-owner of the F/V Joanna. >click to read< 14:50
Commercial Fishing Captain Gregorio Rodriguez – Lived the American Dream
Captain Gregorio Rodriguez, a commercial fisherman in Key West of nearly 50 years, went home to the Lord peacefully in his home on Monday, March 1, 2021, in Key West, Florida at the age of 75. Gregory (Goyo to those who knew and loved him) was born in Mariel, Cuba in 1945 and came to the U.S. in 1961. In 1971 he started a life of fishing and never looked back. He loved his career and his boat F/V Trinity with all of his heart. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Maria Rodriguez, whose strength and care in his last days was remarkable. The love he had for his wife and the bond they shared was unheard of and the envy of many. >click to read< 17:36
Obituary: Todd Arlen Chase
Todd Chase, 51, passed away Feb. 20, 2021, in a tragic commercial boating accident, aboard the F/V Coastal Reign, on the bar of Tillamook Bay and Garibaldi. Todd was born in Portland on Jan. 9, 1970. He spent his teenage years in Tillamook County. His surviving parents are Frank and Charlotte Chase, of Warrenton. Todd was always known for his strong work ethic and a love and appreciation of the water. From the age of 14, Todd was working on commercial fishing boats, in canneries and in construction. At the age of 21, he met Angeline Steinman at a Christian event. From that moment the chase was on. In August 1991, they married. There will be a funeral service to honor his life and what it stood for. >click to read< 22:43
Obituary: Commercial Fisherman Edwin Lee Owings, 1958-2021
Eddie passed away peacefully on February 23, 2021, at 62 years old, in Crescent City. He was born in Fort Bragg to Thelma and Joel Owings. He made many lifelong friends through his fishing adventures. Being a commercial fisherman and eventually Captain of the F/V Carmelia Maria was his livelihood for many years. He leaves behind his two children Cara Owings and Emily Reed (Thomas). He also leaves behind his fiancee Angelina of 15 years. He will be deeply missed by all those that knew him. >click to read< 18:53
Wanda Carol Jentry – A Fisherman’s Wife
Surrounded by family, Wanda Carol Jentry, went to her forever home to be with our Lord after a brief battle with cancer. Wanda was born on November 5, 1945 in Birmingham, Alabama,,, Wanda married her high school sweetheart, David Jentry. Wanda and David joined her dad, Miller, in the commercial fishing industry that eventually led them to Washington and then on to Kodiak, Alaska in the late 70’s. Her passion for helping people, as well as, her love for being a fisherman’s wife led her to join Kodiak’s Fishermen’s Wives & Associates when she moved to Kodiak. She is survived by her husband of 55 years David Jentry, her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. >click to read< 21:03
Maine Commercial Fisherman Paul G. Johnson of Waldoboro has passed away
Paul G. Johnson, 60, died unexpectedly on February 8, 2021 at his home in Waldoboro. He was born September 8, 1960 in Rockland to Jesse Johnson and Winona Miller Johnson. After high school he worked for the Poiriers of Massachusetts in the salt factory at Upton Fuel Company for a short time. Soon after, Paul returned to work on the water as a fisherman back home. He dug clams, built traps and lobstered with his father and brothers, even hauled his own gear by hand out of a wooden flat bottom skiff built by his father, Jesse, and Fernald Carter. Paul was an elver fisherman, went pogie seining, was an urchin tender for many cold winters,,, He had a big heart, and he would give you the shirt off his back, a place to stay, and his last dollar if you needed it. >click to read< 13:43
Roy ‘Admiral’ Waller tributes as king of Hull trawler skippers dies aged 90, went to sea at age15
Tributes have been paid to Roy Waller, one of the giants of Hull’s post-war fishing industry, who has died following a short illness aged 90. He was a trawler skipper for 40 years, eventually retiring in 1995. During his career at sea, he twice won the prestigious Silver Cod Trophy awarded annually by the British Trawler Federation to the skipper, crew and vessel landing the greatest quantity of fish within the year. He became a skipper at the age of 25, having started out as a deckie learner. He was one of the youngest ever skippers. “In the 1970s, he was even given the nickname of ‘The Admiral’ because that’s how everyone saw him. He was hugely respected in the industry.” >click to read< 07:22
Peterhead community and famed fishing family mourn loss of ex-skipper James West
James West, a father-of-five, was born, raised and married into fishing families, leaving little surprise that he went straight to sea aged 15,, Mr. West, who died suddenly aged 70, will be remembered for his wealth of knowledge and passion for the North Sea and its fishing industry and for his dedication to his family. The youngest son of Alex and Elsie West, of Gamrie, he was born with fishing in his blood as his father was skipper of Be Ready then Golden Sceptre, making it little surprise that he too began a career at sea after leaving Bracoden School, aged 15. >click to read< 08:38
Lake Michigan Commercial Fisherman Robert E. Strege has passed away
Robert E. Strege, age 90, passed away on January 1, 2021. He was born on November 8, 1930 to parents Richard and Amelia (nee. Schultz) Strege in Jacksonport, WI. Robert proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War, and for his honorable service, was awarded the Purple Heart. Following his military service, Robert owned and operated his own commercial fishing company, called Robert Strege Fish Co., for many years. He caught chubs, perch, and whitefish, on his boat, >“The Palmer”<, on Lake Michigan. Robert will be remembered, as a loving, hardworking man that took care of his family and will be dearly missed. >click to read< 14:47
Stanley Clarence Hasbrouck of Tillamook, Oregon, has passed away
Stanley C. Hasbrouck, loving father of six, passed away on Jan. 7, 2021 at the age of 88. Stan was born on May 3, 1932 to Fred and May Hasbrouck, he was the youngest of 5 children. He joined the army in 1952 and served his country during the Korean War. Stanley was a commercial fisherman most of his life. He was also a mechanic, heavy equipment operator and the airport manager in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. >click to read< 09:55
Capt. Douglas M. Swain, 78, of New Bedford has passed away
Captain Douglas M. Swain, 78, of New Bedford died January 12, 2021 peacefully at home. He was the husband of Claudette E. (Verville) Swain. Born in New Bedford, son of the late Robert J. and Helen F. (Goss) Swain, he lived in New Bedford all of his life. He was formerly employed as a fisherman for many years retiring as captain of F/V Ambassador. Doug had a great relationship with his crew and the owner Geir Tonnessen. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Doug received the Purple Heart and the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 bronze stars. >click to read< 10:40
Obituary: Grant Thompson, 40+ years owner operator of commercial fishing vessels, industry innovator in Bristol Bay
Grant Thompson, 73, passed away on September 14, 2020, while playing tennis with friends at Zephyr Cove, Nevada. He grew up in Seattle, and at age 15 was invited by neighbor Erling Thomason to work on purse seiner Betty in Petersburg, which proved to be a life-changing experience. He spent the next 40+ years owning and operating commercial fishing vessels, became a founding partner of Norquest Seafoods in 1982, and contributed to revolutionizing the commercial fishing industry in Bristol Bay. >click to read< 15:15
Louis A. Spencer of South Dartmouth Ma., Commercial Fisherman, Businessman, Innovator, has passed away
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Louis and Ruth (Bernard) Spencer, he lived most of his life in Dartmouth and on the waterfront of New Bedford. Louis came from a long line of whalemen and commercial fisherman based out of Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and New Bedford. He also fished on various Spencer family draggers and quahog skiffs with his father in high school as well as through college. After graduation, Louis used his love of the sea and his mechanical abilities to secure a job working as chief engineer on several offshore crab processing vessels,,, In the late 90’s he cofounded his own company, Advanced Marine Technologies with his brother-in-law,,, Lou was well known on the New Bedford waterfront and loved by everyone. His employees were especially fond of him and his generosity and kindness. He was the President of the company up until his death. >click to read< 13:05
Obituary: Michael Tarasevich III, of South Kingstown, passed away unexpectedly
Born in Glen Cove, New York, he was the son of Michael Tarasevich, Jr. and the late Margaret (Peg) M. (Monahan) Tarasevich. He attended the University of Rhode Island earning his Bachelor of Science in Geology. After college Mike started working as a commercial fisherman and eventually became the captain and owner of the commercial vessel F/V Black Sheep. He spent 20 years working out of Point Judith, as well as Newport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael’s name to The Point Judith Fisherman Memorial Foundation. >click to read< 08:24
Commercial Fisherman Larry H. Robbins has passed away
Larry Harold Robbins, 45, left this world too soon Dec. 21, 2020. Your wings were ready, but our hearts were not; Heaven has gained an amazing soul and we love you big, big. He spent his entire life fishing, scalloping and spent this previous summer on a lobster boat with his son, Larry, who he loved more than life itself and took such great pride in him. Larry was able to share his love for the sea with Little Larry, which is now instilled in him. Larry has spent his adult life on many different boats, from Maine to Alaska, which was his love of life at sea. >click to read< 08:02
Jeffrey A. Jones of Owls Head has passed away
Jeffrey A. Jones, 50, passed away peacefully Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, after a year long battle with cancer. He leaves behind his sons Benjamin and Carter and their mother, Anne Edmands of Owls Head. During his illness, he lived with and was cared for by his mother, Frances Stone Jones of Owls Head. His beloved circle of close friends were inspired by his loyalty, tenacity and perseverance and offered him great support. Jeff learned to fish for lobster at a young age with his grandfather on the Rolling Stone. He fished full time from Criehaven on Top Chop. >click to read< 14:41
Obituary: Jeffery Matthews – He was a hard-working, old-school fisherman.
Jeffery Matthews, 55, sank with his crew and went to heaven as a legend fisherman on Nov. 23, 2020, while he was at sea, doing what he loved. Jeff, above all things was a family man. He lived and breathed for his three children and grandkids. He was the definition of selfless, always giving, helping and doing for others. If he wasn’t at sea fishing, he was with his family, whether it was helping to fix a car, teaching his grandchildren how to ride a bike, or giving his time to anyone who needed help. Jeff spent over 35 years as a commercial fisherman. Some people might say he enjoyed being on the water more than he did being on land. Fishing was his life and soul. He was a hard-working, old-school fisherman. He was always there to help his crew no matter what the circumstances were. >click to read< 09:49
Obituary: Rocky Winston Ross
Richmond – Rocky Winston Ross, 31, of 291 Front St., Richmond, Formerly Bath, passed away suddenly on October 31, 2020. He was born in Bath on March 2, 1989, son of Margaret Keenum and Gary Ross. He attended Bath schools and graduated from Morse High School. He spent many years as a lobsterman on Mattinicus Island and later off-shore with Shaft Master Lobster Co. He recently started his painting business, Perceptive Painting, as well as house flipping investments. He had an exceptional mind especially for business. He loved the art and details of making the next deal and his natural talent for this was remarkable. >click to read< 08:42
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
Commercial Fisherman Richard “Buffalo” B. Wetherell, Jr. of Jamestown, R.I has passed away
Richard “Buffalo” B. Wetherell, Jr., 70, of Jamestown, passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2020. Born at Quonset Point, he was the son of the late Richard B. Wetherell and Helen L. (Tucker) Wetherell. Richard worked as a commercial fisherman for over 50 years. He enjoyed surfing, skiing, boating, and being on the water. He leaves his brothers, Robert Wetherell, David Wetherell and his wife Susan; his nieces and nephews Chelsea Wetherell Ursillo, Gerek, Bryn, and Spencer Wetherell. Richard was also the uncle of the late Jarod Wetherell. All services will be private. >click to read< 08:17
