Bellingham Fishermen's Memorial

This Guest Book is a place for you to share a memory of any of those listed on the memorial, or perhaps comment on the memorial itself. The main goal of this website was to “give the names a face” with your help and contributions we can accomplish this and by doing so keep their memory alive for generations to come.

To add a comment to our Guest Book or to nominate someone to be added to the memorial Nomination Form

Contributions to the Squalicum Harbor Fishermen’s Memorial Fund may be sent to:
Fishermen’s Memorial
c/o Whatcom Maritime Historical Society
P.O. Box 5157
Bellingham, WA.
98227

Guest Book Comments:

Hello

I lost my father when I was 10 years old. He had faith in everyone and gave them a chance. I felt cheated and lost after his death. My family changed drastically after his death as well. I go to the memorial when I have something on my mind. I feel like it is a means of communication to him. As I grow I feel he has been there for me my whole life but invisible. I miss him greatly and I wish he was here to watch me grow. I know he would be proud of the son he miss grow up. His name was Stan Erickson and is missed by many people not just family members.

Timothy Erickson
Bellingham, Washington

Hello
I was one of the many people who lost their father and best friends at sea, I was 7 at the time when i had lost my father but the memory still lives in my mind and heart. At times when i am sad or feel lonely i think of this statue and it provides inspiration and courage to me. Even though he is gone, when i look at this statue and remember my good memories of him. His name was James M Kennedy and i will always miss him.

Sincerely
Jacob

Hello from Finland.

I found an old journal (Vasabladet) from 1952 that my grandfather Herman Kamis had sent Christmas greetings to "Frank Renlie Meridian Rd Bellingham Washington" and to" Carl Johnson Wentworth Wisconsin"

When searching on the web I found this address. My grandfather was in the States in the beginning of 1900-???.

Can someone give me a mail address to some relatives of the Renlies????

hans-eric.kamis@netikka.fi

Hans-Eric Kamis,
Finland

My father died nineteen years ago when I was one. I never got to know him the way I would have liked. But I believe he was there....My first day of school, The day I met my Husband, The day my baby girl was born.....I felt his hand guiding me through life. I will always be daddys little girl. I have no information on my father and his family, only his name was Marshall Patrick and his boat, The Endevor, went down here in Alaska September 1983.

Amber L. Nay
Anchorage, Alaska

My father died at sea 32 years ago, I was 10 years old. No one has ever asked me how I felt about that, then or during the years. If they did I could not answer, it is a loss that can never be measured , that can never be understood. So I keep it silent in my heart. Until now. My deepest thanks, for the creation of the Bellingham Fisher's Memorial. I did not know it existed until very recently. As I have just moved to Redmond Wa, it will surely be something I visit , admire and stand thankful for. Thank you, Bellingham, for the chance to say goodbye to my wonderful father.

Michele Kuljis

Redmond Washington

To all of you who have contributed to the creation of the Bellingham Fisher's Memorial, and to those who continue to honor and maintain it; a well deserved pat on the back and thank you. You have created something that the community can feel a solemn sense of pride in. It's a fitting memorial to those of Whatcom Co. who were lost at sea, and a testament to the importance of the fishing industry in the area. Some of the men listed on the memorial have touched the lives of myself and others who live and work here in Prince William Sound. You have helped to ensure they won't be forgotten.

Bill Lindow,
Cordova, Alaska

This concept, and the unwavering dedication to its cause that resulted in this fine memorial is truly awe inspiring. You do great honor to the memories of the fallen fishermen, ALL fishermen, and the community of Bellingham, with its installation. Bravo, and a hearty thank you to all involved for your energy, drive and selfless spirit.

Matt Treat,
Bellingham, Washington

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To add a comment to our Guest Book

Our View (the editorial board) The Bellingham Herald Newspaper June 17th, 1999

COMMUNITY: “Safe return” pays respects to lost fishers as well as community’s fishing traditions.

Memories of parents, spouses, siblings, friends who have died are always carried in the heart, but imagine the emptiness of knowing someone you loved will truly be forever lost somewhere in the ocean.

Those whose loved ones were lost at sea have a new and special place to go to mourn and to remember. And it’s only fitting.

The sea is part of the heart of Whatcom County and fishing has long been part of this community’s cultural heritage and economic success.

Those who helped to make the “Safe Return” monument possible deserve our collective gratitude. We only hope it can help serve as a place of comfort to those who have suffered losses.

From the turnout - (for it’s dedication ceremony) 2,000 people – the Squalicum Harbor statue obviously touched many lives.

The designer, Dr. Eugene Fairbanks, is also the father of a commercial fisher. This editorial board joins with the rest of the community in praising his fine work.

The positive expression of the memorial, a fisher returning from a successful voyage, not only commemorates the dead, but sends an uplifting message to the many men and women who head out of our ports to fish.