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Louis Petrasich Obituary
(1914-2006)
"He always stood for what was right and good.
And for this we shall forever cherish his memory."
Renowned shipbuilder, member of The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, and Past Master of the San Pedro, Calif. Masonic Lodge, Louis A. Petrasich was born Oct. 22, 1914 in Bellingham, Washington. In 1920, his family moved to San Pedro. In 1929, he began his illustrious career in shipbuilding with San Pedro Boat Building Co. at the tender age of 15. As a teenager, Louis also sailed on a freighter to China and operated a water taxi service in Los Angeles harbor. At age 20 he became an officer on a steamship that carried passengers and cargo between Los Angeles and Panama. At 23 he was licensed by the U.S. Department of Commerce as a Ship's Master and Pilot. During WWII he was Chief Hull Planner for Bethlehem Steel's San Pedro shipyard, overseeing the work of 10,000 employees. He later held General Manager's positions with Wilmington Boat Works, Harbor Boat Building Co., Calif. Shipbuilding & Dry Dock (CALSHIP), and Campbell Industries' San Diego shipyard, where he also served as Vice President. Along the way Louis personally oversaw the construction of 21 destroyers, 8 minesweepers, a hospital ship and a myriad of other vessels. He also designed and built the Windward Yacht & Repair facility in Marina Del Rey. Louis built the submarine for the hit movie, "The Hunt for Red October" - at 600 ft. in length, believed at the time to be the largest movie prop ever built. He also built the famous racing yacht, Kamalii, for millionaire sportsman Larry Doheny. Mr. Petrasich died peacefully of natural causes on July 28, 2006 at the age of 91 and leaves behind 3 sons, Frank, John and William; 7 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren. His sons stated that "everyone who knew our Dad respected and admired him both personally and professionally." He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed. Please sign the guest book at: www.dailybreeze.com/obits.
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Memories and Condolences
for Louis Petrasich
Sponsored by William Petrasich.
carol Petrasich
April 29, 2007
Grandpa,
I miss you so much. I miss our talks on the phone and hearing your voice, I found the card you sent me my last birthday and it was so special to me. I have also found some pictures that Auntie Emeline had sent me and looked at each one showing Anthony all of them. This Birthday was really hard for me I miss you so much and you werent there to talk to. It has been so hard for me not having you there. I miss you so much. I know you are with Nuna, my Dad and my baby Christopher taking care of them all for me, but it doesnt make missing all of you so much any easier. I have the pictures of us from your 90th Birthday where i can see them every day and Anthony has one with just you and him. He keeps that picture close because he misses you too. We talked so much on the phone threw the years since I moved so far from you, sometimes i regret not moving back to have spent more time with you, I know we talked every few weeks but it just doesnt seem like enough now. I miss your advice and kind words of encouragement you always had for me. You were always there to bring me up when i was feeling down. I know you are watching over us, but that still doest fill the void of you not being here. Anthony is now reading your book you wrote and telling his teachers and friends how awsome his Great Grandpa is, I wish he had gotten to see you more because he admires you so much. Tell Nuna, my Daddy and baby Christopher I love and miss them too. This page really helps it feels like i am writing you a real letter. Always know you are my Hero and I miss you and love you so much. Anthony is almost a teenager now and God help me he is just like me. Attitude and all. He is getting so big he is only an inch shorter then me now I cant believe how big he got so fast. I love and miss you Grandpa, and will keep seeing you in my dreams and in forever in my heart. I love you forever. Carol
Christina Griffin Hull
October 25, 2006
Even though I am a former Petrasich, my heart is still with you all. I am so incredibly proud that Grandpa's legacy will live on in my children and that my son will continue to carry on the Petrasich name. I will never forget all his stories. I think that at many family functions I was a fresh ear to Grandpa because I had only heard the stories 5 or 6 times each. I am so glad that I listened every time. The stories never lost their passion and that's what I loved most about them. I can only pray that my children grow up with the same passion for life.
Phoebe relaxes with her Great-Grampa
Jackie Hancock (Petrasich)
September 6, 2006
Grampa, I have learned much by your spirit and character. The stories you’ve told and the life you lived amazes me. I’ve always been fascinated by you; from the fading tattoo on your arm, to the tiny model boats you used to build, and to the way you could recount so many stories linked to Nuna’s dolls. Your sense of humor and wittiness has always been so alluring to me. You taught me that no situation you find yourself in can be so serious that nothing can be made light of. You taught me the value of a strong work ethic and the success it can bring. You taught me there was a world beyond the suburb I grew up in when you took me to you’re sister’s house in Croatia. You taught me tolerance in how much you still loved me despite the fact I was an “environmentalist”! I will miss everything about you. I am sorry Phoebe won’t have the chance to know her great-grandfather, but I will do all that I can to impress upon her all the values you have taught me; I will carry the spirit of your memory on to her. I love you, Grampa!
Mark Petrasich
August 23, 2006
There are so many memories of Grandpa, but the most memorable are of him and his boat. I remember going to San Diego to visit him and Nuna. At that time Grandpa had a small fishing boat that he used to take us out on. Grandpa would let us sit on his lap and drive. This one time, now mind you I was probably eight or nine at the time, my little brother Adam had hooked a yellow fish and had been reeling him in for a good ten minutes. When the fish got close enough to the boat so my dad (Frank) could get a net on him a huge walrus came underneath the boat and swallowed up my brothers fish. That was the only thing my brother had caught all day and I laughed. I also remember when the family bought him what he called a dingy of a boat. This was after he soled his boat and just before they moved back to San Pedro.
Grandpa,
We love you and we know that you are in a better place now looking over all of us. We miss you and God Bless!
Jason Petrasich
August 21, 2006
It was wonderful to read everyone's kind comments. I am proud to have known my grandfather - he was blessed with a long full life. When my son was little, he said something that stuck as a nickname. We will always have fond memories of "great grandpa in the gray pants". -Jason, Brenton & Alina
Katica & Vedran Vukman
August 17, 2006
We are happy that he was in our family.
Frank Petrasich
August 16, 2006
My father
There is no way to adequately describe the deep love and affection I have in my heart for you. Even though we have lived hundreds of miles apart for the last twenty years, I thought of you daily. Although you are now in another world, and a little farther apart, nothing will ever change that. You will always be in my mind.
The love, inspiration and guidance you provided as I grew up molded me into the type of person I’m proud to be. It also set the stage and helped me raise three great children that I’m extremely proud of as well.
I guess that is what fatherhood is all about. You were the best.
In loving memory,
Your son Frank
Edward La Fouge
August 15, 2006
Dear Bill, my condolences and prayers go out to you and your family at this very sad time. I have fond memories dating back to the 50's & 60's of your dad taking me to Dodger games and doing things for Aunt Hermogene. May he rest in peace.
Bill
August 15, 2006
Dad, you stirred my imagination with your tales of fishing as a young man with your Uncle Pete in Alaska's Bering Sea, traveling along the coast of Central America (look out little Jackie Cooper - - you met your match when you decided to tangle with my father and thought it would be fun to dump a bucket of water on his freshly pressed uniform!) and sailing up the Yangtze River into China during the '30's and getting shanghaied in one of the ports with your buddies along the way. I always marvel at how you managed to make it back to the ship by combination of rickshaw, Chinese junk and sheer determination with absolutley no money and not a stitch of clothing. You made me laugh with your dry sense of humor and inspired me with your intelligence and integrity. But most of all, you nurtured me with your boundless love and were always there when I needed a few kind words of encouragement. You live on in each of your sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren and everyone else who was fortunate to cross your path. And don't worry, I'll continue to let you know each Friday how I did bowling the night before.
I miss you!!
Love,
Chris Maxwell
August 14, 2006
Dear Frank, Bill and John,
I never had the honor of meeting your dad, but from what Bill has told me over the years, he was a wonderful man, and he certainly lived a full and fascinating life. As sad this is, always remember how lucky you were to have had a man like this as your father.
Chris Brock
August 14, 2006
Yes, indeed, this is a lovely tribute.
Viola Collins
August 14, 2006
This is a lovely tribute.
Tracey Landa
August 13, 2006
God Bless You and Rest In Peace in a better place you are Great Uncle Louie! I miss you lots already and always enjoyed our phone calls and staying connected!When I lived in Long Beach, California and my Aunt Mable would visit we would go to see Louie and Myrtle and then Louie and Bill and the standing luncheon was "Louie's famous and good Tuna Sandwhices". Always interesting listening to Louie and all his stories, travels and ship yard
adventures. As well as his neat sense of humor and love of current events to challenge and discuss them from all points of view! Other times Louie, Myrtle, then Louie and Bill would come to our home and I would cook for them recipes Great Aunt Myrtle gave me from the neat San Pedro Cookbook! Many happy memories and times of Great Uncle Louie and family who are all so special and dear. Blessings to all the family,peace and lots of love!!!
Greg Rados
August 13, 2006
An exceptionally gifted and multil-talented shipbuilder.
Patricia ("P. Anne") Deacon
August 13, 2006
Having been a friend of Bill's for over 20 years, my heart goes out to the entire family. I only met "Louie" a couple of times, but the stories Bill would relay to me were always terribly amusing. We'd share stories of our parents and laugh at how bright and witty they were, and how fortunate we were to have them in our lives. I hope those stories and wonderful memories will comfort all of you. He certainly was a character and quite a gentle soul who really loved his wife and handsome family.
It was great to see all of the pictures Bill assembled for this site -- his love of the sea was obvious.
I wish Louie and all of you peace and comfort.
With love,
Patricia
Janie Freedman
August 12, 2006
It was truly an honor to know Louis and spend time with him and though not related by blood, in my heart I will always consider him part of my family. I'll never forget the truly amazing stories about all of his wild journeys and will think of him when I visit exotic locales. Thank you Bill for taking me to visit last month - I will always have a warm feeling when I think of that visit. Hope you're collecting some new stories, Louis!
Love, Janie
August 12, 2006
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006
Carol Petrasich
August 12, 2006
There are so many excellent memories of my Grandpa and Nuna, I spent most of my time on school breaks and vacations with My Grandparents. They were always the best people in the world and I loved spending all the time I could with them. When Nuna Passed away it was a hard time for me because of the closeness we shared and My Grandpa was always there to help me through the hard time and help me pick up the pieces to go on. My favorite Memories of Grandpa were him always taking me on his boat to go fishing. I wasn't one much for fishing considering I was always getting sea sick, but I was always there with him, he always had such wonderful stories to share and I remember just sitting and listening and would love to hear them over and over. I am going to miss you Grandpa and you will be forever in my heart. You are in a good place now and reunited with your true love Nuna and my Daddy. This is an enormous loss for me and i am sure it is for the rest of our family because Grandpa Petrasich was the most wonderful man anyone could have ever met or known. He was my HERO! I love you Grandpa and will miss you so much. And I am sending my love to the rest of the rest of the family who I am sure everyone misses him as much as I do. I only have one regret and thats my current family never got to know my Grandpa
Love Always Carol, Terry, Anthony and Morgan
Louis with Bill's dog, Dakota (1993)
August 12, 2006
Louis & Myrtle's 25th Wedding Anniversary (1973)
August 12, 2006
Louis & Myrtle at the launching of the Kamalii (1958)
August 12, 2006
Dan Potts
August 12, 2006
Mr. Petrasich that I knew, lived on Paseo Del Mar street in San Pedro in the 1950's and 1960's. His son is Frank Petrasich. I didn't know that Frank had two brothers, so I hope that I have the correct Petrasich family. If so, please accept my condolences. An old admirer. Dan Potts
Louis with his grandson Adam
August 12, 2006
Louis celebrating his 90th birthday
August 12, 2006
Louis with his great grandson Anthony
August 12, 2006
Louis & Myrtle in Washington D.C.
August 12, 2006
Louis at San Pedro Harbor
August 12, 2006
Kris Brust, RN Pulmonary Nurse Specialist
August 12, 2006
Not sure why I checked the obituaries this morning, but funny, I had been thinking about Louie for some time and had reminded myself to send a card this week... I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I knew him for several years through the exercise program at LCM San Pedro hospital, Lively Lungs. He ALWAYS had jokes for me, always a kind (and smarty pants!) word. We compared our San Pedro histories, and he had a million wonderful stories. Very sharp, very intelligent fellow. He was well beloved by us all, and I am very glad I got a chance to work with him and know him a little. He wasn't very mushy about it, but it was clear he adored all his family -- very proud of you all and your many accomplishments.
My sincerest condolences to you all -- Louie was a wonderful fellow.
Louis with son William, granddaughter Carol and great grandson Anthony (2004)
August 12, 2006
Louis & Myrtle at home in San Pedro (1988)
August 12, 2006
Myrtle & Louis at home in San Pedro (1972)
August 12, 2006
Work Badges (Chief Hull Planner 1944, Wilmington Boat Works 1951, Calif. Shipbuilding 1968, Campbell Industries 1974)
August 12, 2006
Louis at Windward Yacht & Repair in Marina Del Rey (1965)
August 12, 2006
Louis & Myrtle (3rd & 4th from right in 1st row) at launching of a Navy vessel built by Louis
August 12, 2006
Myrtle & Louis at the Fisherman's Fiesta in San Pedro on board their boat "Sunset" in 1949
August 12, 2006
Louis as Master of the San Pedro Masonic Lodge in 1960
August 12, 2006
Louis & family at his 90th birthday party
August 12, 2006
Louis on his 90th birthday on October 22, 2004
August 12, 2006
Stacy Berry
August 12, 2006
One of my favorite memories of being with Grandpa is when we were out on his boat and the pod of whales came up right under us. He cut the boat motors and sent us into the galley. I could hear the whale songs. It was over 20 years ago and I still hear the whale song. Thank you Grandpa. I miss you. Stacy
Marie Jabuka-Dunn
August 12, 2006
Dear John, Frank and Bill,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your families. I will always remember "Uncle Louie" as a kind and gentle man. Deepest sympathies for your loss.
Love,
Cousin Marie
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