Twine Loft – January 2015

Passed On: Marcel Comeau — President and CEO of Comeau’s Sea Foods.

The Comeau family, the residents of Clare and the business community are deeply saddened by the sudden and untimely death of Marcel Comeau on November 20, 2014. As President and CEO of Comeau’s Sea Foods, Marcel worked tirelessly all his life, building and maintaining the success of the family business. For over 50 years he followed the footsteps of his father, Bernardin, who was his mentor and teacher. Gradually, Marcel assumed the role of mentor for his staff and other entrepreneurs who sought his advice. Along with his father, he played a principal role in maintaining a vibrant business that became a cornerstone of the regional economy. Marcel joined Comeau’s Sea Foods in 1973 and became its President in 1981. Throughout his years with the company, he participated on numerous fisheries-related committees and served on many boards including Assomption Vie. Following his family’s tradition, Marcel was always proud of his Acadian heritage and culture. He generously supported numerous organizations and individuals in need. His contributions have benefitted the church, hospitals, two Acadian universities as well as charitable and other organizations related to Acadian culture and youth education.

Passed On: Bernardin Comeau — Founder of Comeau’s Sea Foods.

Just a few days after his son Marcel’s death, a heart-broken Bernardin Comeau, 95, left his beloved wife Thérèse and his Acadian homeland where he lived a fulfilling life spanning almost a full century. Born into a family of 10 children, at a very early age he developed the work ethic required to “bring bread to the table.” From a humble beginning as a lobster fisherman, he expanded his work into multiple ventures processing herring, ground fish and scallops. In 1946, along with his brother Clarence, he founded Comeau Sea Foods, a company that thrived through the ups and downs of the fishing industry offering his community a stable source of employment and playing an important role in the regional economy. Bernardin was a hard-working visionary with an innovative spirit. Through his masterful understanding of market trends, loyal employees and marine resources, he succeeded in producing a vast array of processed seafood sold around the world. Schooled by life and life’s challenges, Bernardin developed a watchful eye over all aspects of his business, a necessary trait for guiding a company through challenging times. Wanting to maintain the integrity and status of a family business, he welcomed his son Marcel and other members of his family in key positions. Bernardin was one of the last surviving members of a generation of Acadian men who, in the 1950s, launched various initiatives for the promotion and survival of Acadian heritage and culture. He was known for his generous contributions to the church, hospitals, and Sainte-Anne and Moncton universities. He received an honorary business doctorate from Université Sainte-Anne in 1983 after which a new administration building was named in his honour. In 1987, he was named a member of the Order of Canada.

Passed On: Richard Doucette — Wedgeport Fishermen.

Doucette, 69, of Wedgeport, Yarmouth Co., passed away unexpectedly at home on November 22, 2014. Born April 16, 1945 in Wedgeport, he was a son of the late Laurent and Tracey (Pothier) Doucette. Richard was a well-known retired fisherman and was currently working at helping other fishermen with their gear, always ready to lend them a hand whenever they needed it. It is worth mentioning that Richard enjoyed his time with the local “Fishermen’s Liars Club. ” He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 6505 Wedgeport and loved bluefin tuna and mackerel fishing. He was also a big fan of Nascar and the Montreal Canadiens.

Passed On: Capt. Thomas Goodyear — Retired Harbour Pilot

Capt. Goodyear, 94, was a member of the Merchant Navy and retired St. John’s Harbour Pilot. He passed peacefully away in the presence of his family at the Caribou Veterans Pavillion on November 21, 2014. Predeceased by his wife Jessie, and brother Albert. Leaving to mourn sons Bill (Anna), Geoff (Barb) and daughter Jennifer (Joe), grandchildren Kim (Chris Day), Jennifer Kendrick (Duncan) and Allison Tucker (Matt Boland), great-grandchildren Lilly Jane, Thomas Geoffrey and Molly, brothers Bill (Lorna), Doug (Vi), sister Vic Luscombe (Bill), brothers-in-law Doug Windsor, Stan Windsor (Barb), Frank Windsor (Jeanette), sisters-in-law Sara Finn and Jean Hayre, and cousin Tom Hallett, as well as many other relatives and friends.

Appointed: Mark Lane — Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) Executive Director.

NAIA recently announced the appointment of Lane to the position of Executive Director. He brings with him extensive experience in business development, project management, government relations, public engagement, and communications. Lane holds a BSc in Biology, a post-graduate diploma in aquaculture and a Diploma in Applied Business and Information Technology. Working with the Board, Mark will take a leadership role in the Association to enhance member services, liaise with relevant government bodies, create awareness of the industry, and advocate on behalf of industry at regional, national and international levels. NAIA is the voice of the aquaculture industry in the province, representing over 90 per cent of farm production valued in excess of $200 million to the provincial economy in 2013.

Retiring: Tom Hall — Spartan Industrial Marine.

After more than 47 years of service, Hall is officially retiring from Spartan Industrial Marine on December 24, 2014. For several generations of fishermen, Hall was the face of Spartan. He was the knowledgeable and dependable person they went to for their marine supplies. The 67-year-old native of Newtown, Bonavista Bay, first joined the organization in August 1967 and the most rewarding part of the job was meeting and interacting with the customers. Hall said he has no immediate retirement plans, other than to relax and take it easy.