Gunnar Ildhuso Sr.

Gunnar Ildhuso, Sr.

Gunnar peacefully headed back to Sea to be with his heavenly Father on May 30, 2018. The day before his passing he was surrounded by family and was reaching towards the sky. We believe he was reaching for his loving wife and daughter who he would soon join. Gunnar was born on December 2, 1924 to Ingvald and Josfine Ildhuso in the village of Bremsness on the island of Averoy, Norway.

Gunnar had many jobs in his younger years and they all involved the sea. He immigrated to the United States in 1950. He was a fortunate man because he was able to make his absolute passion for fishing into his career. He started his fishing career halibut fishing out of Seattle. Later he bought his first boat the Traveler with partner Sig Aarvik and then later bought his own boat the Georgenne. In the 1970's he headed to Alaska on his new fishing vessel the Mar-Gun, and later the Gun-Mar, and was among the group of men who pioneered the Alaska fisheries. Gunnar met the love of his life, Marian, at a dance at the Sons of Norway Club in Seattle. They married on October 20, 1957 and celebrated fifty-one wonderful years together. They raised three children in Ballard. Gunnar enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, picnicking, traveling, dancing, and of course fishing. After his retirement, his passion for fishing continued with sports fishing. Gunnar was frequent visitor in the early morning hours to where his boat was moored in order to catch the "big one".

Gunnar leaves behind not only a strong legacy of hard work and commitment to his family and friends, but his son Gunnar Jr. (Heidi), daughter Randi Fattizzi, and seven grandchildren, Gunnar III, Kiana, Helle, Dominic, Selea, Allie, and Karisa. Gunnar was preceded in death by his wife Marian, daughter Karen Klepper, and sister Karen Utheim.

Gunnar will be remembered by his dedication to his family, for the fishing legacy he left behind, and his unselfish and humble manner. He was our role model and a strong man on which we all relied.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 17th, 2018, starting at 1:00 pm (reception to follow service) at the

Nordic Museum, 2655 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in his name may be made to the Seattle Fisherman's Memorial, P.O. Box 17356, Seattle WA 98107.

Bless you loving husband, father, bestafar and friend.

We love and miss you.