Passed on: Gerard Whelan – Torbay, N.L. mariner
Whelan, 63, passed away on May 16. He was a conscientious and knowledgeable sea captain with Canship Ugland for 25 years, working on the tugboat Placentia Hope. He guided large oil tankers in and out of Placentia Bay and to and from Come by Chance. He will truly be missed by his colleagues and friends.
Passed on: Harvey Peyton – St. Lunaire-Griquet, N.L. fisherman
Peyton, 94, passed away on May 19. He was always a hard worker. At a young age he fished alongside his father, worked in the lumber woods and carried mail. Later he bought and operated his own truck, working construction with Lundrigans for 25 years. Afterwards, he continued working as a fisherman until his retirement.
Passed on: Robert Burden – St. Lunaire-Griquet, N.L. fisherman
Burden, 71, passed away on May 10. He was born in St. Lunaire-Griquet, Newfoundland on January 23, 1954, to Gordon and Evelyn Burden. He lived a life rooted in love, hard work and a connection to his community. A dedicated fisherman, Robert spent much of his life on the sea, embracing a career that reflected both his strength and deep bond with the land and waters of Newfoundland.
Passed on: Eldred Mclean – Green Island Cove, N.L. fisherman
Mclean, 86, passed away on April 27. He was a devoted fisherman who worked tirelessly to provide the best life he could for his family. After retiring from fishing, Eldred spent most of his time in the country, whether it was cutting wood, berry picking or gardening.
Passed on: Albert Kepping – Ramea, N.L. lighthouse keeper
Keeping, 88, passed away on May 8. He was a retired lighthouse keeper and chartered member of the Lion’s Club. He was an avid hunter, small engine repair guru and creative handyman who could cobble together a fix for anything around the house.
Passed on: William Cottreau – Wedgeport, N.S. fisherman
Cottreau, 77, passed away on May 23. He was a lobster fisherman for 54 years and a volunteer firefighter for almost 50 years in the Wedgeport and District Fire Department. He was also a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. Billy was a simple man who enjoyed the simple things in life, he enjoyed camping and working outdoors. He loved to go deer hunting with his brothers and sons. Billy mowed lawns for the seniors for many years and loved fiddling in his shed. He was never one to sit still and was always willing to lend a hand.
Passed on: Leonard Surette – Surette’s Island, N.S. fisherman
Surette, 68, passed away on May 2. Born on June 10, 1956, he was the son of the late Leonard and Rose-Marie (Muise) Surette. He made a living as a lobster fisherman, loved the ocean and spent as much time as possible on the water. His favorite place on Earth was his shanty where he collected antique items and shared fishing yarns. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Passed on: Wordlow Nickerson – Woods Harbour, N.S. fisherman
Nickerson, 83, passed away on April 27. He had a deep passion for the sea where he spent most of his days working hard as a fisherman, which included swordfishing, lobster fishing and hand lining.
Passed on: James Swim – Clark’s Harbour, N.S. fisherman
Swim, 84, passed away on April 22. James was born in Clark’s Harbour, N.S. on July 23, 1940 and was the son of the late Sheldon and Gertrude (Atkinson) Swim. Most of his life was spent on the water. He was a lobster fisherman and in the summer would rake Irish moss. He continued raking moss well into his 70s. He was an avid duck hunter in his younger years and was known for being a good shot. One of his enjoyments was getting in his outboard boat to go for a sail to the Cape.
Passed on: Donald MacLellan – Judique, N.S. fisherman
MacLellan, 81, passed away on May 18. He was born in Judique in 1944 to the late Alec Dan and Marie MacLellan, the eighth of 12 children. He was a lobster fisherman’s helper, a lumberman, a trapper, a fisherman and a hunter.
Passed on: Francine Blakely – Baie-Sainte-Anne, N.B. fish plant worker
Blakely, 72, passed away on May 22. Born in Chatham, N.B., on August 18, 1952, she grew up in Baie-Sainte-Anne. She was the daughter of the late Edouard and Imelda Martin. Kay was a factory worker, working most of her life at the fish plant.
Passed on: Christopher Williston – Bay du Vin, N.B. fisherman
Williston, 43, passed away on May 12. Born in Miramichi, New Brunswick, on April 17, 1982, he was the son of Gerald and Sandy (MacDonald) Williston. Chris was a lobster fisherman since 2007. In his spare time, he was a jack of all trades and very quick to help someone in need. He was a member of the Cursillo Movement.
Passed on: Albert Martin – Miramichi, N.B. fisherman
Martin, 72, passed away on April 30. Born in Baie-Sainte-Anne, New Brunswick, on March 22, 1953, he was the son of the late Maurice and Albertine Martin. Albert was a fisherman by trade. He loved bowling, playing cribbage, baseball and boxing in his younger days. He also enjoyed hunting.
Passed on: Stanley Williams – South West Port Mouton, N.S. fisherman
Williams passed away on May 22. Born in South West Port Mouton, Stanley was a son of the late Charles and Nina Williams. He was a fisherman most of his younger life and then worked at fish plants until his retirement
Passed on: Michael Symmonds – Conche, N.L. fisherman
Symmonds, 77, passed away on June 23, 2024. He started fishing at an early age and remained devoted to it until his health kept him ashore. He served and volunteered on many committees from the fisherman’s committee to Harbour Authority, community recreation and the FFAW. Affectionately known as the accordion man, his passion for music, fishing and a never quit attitude gained him a lot of friends in the industry. He loved seeing the boats going and coming in port, especially his own in later years, and he spent a lot of time around the wharf.
