Andy Babich

Andrew (Andy) Paul Babich passed away peacefully at home in Gig Harbor, WA, surrounded by loved ones, on November 16, 2024, at the age of 58. He was born May 16, 1966, to Nick and Delia (DeeDee) Babich in Tacoma, WA. He remained a lifelong third-generation resident and commercial fisherman of Gig Harbor.
Andy spent his childhood years on Chinook Avenue with brothers, friends, and cousins, and never missed an opportunity to spend time with his Dad on the F/V Sonia, and later the F/V Maria. After his Dad passed in 1985, 19-year-old Andy, alongside his brother, Nick, took over the family fishing operation in Alaska and on Puget Sound, becoming one of the youngest captains in the fleet. In 1997, he purchased the F/V Ocean Dream, fishing salmon, squid, sardines, and Dungeness crab with his younger brother, Mike, who crewed with him for many years.
In 2001, he married Erin Haltiner, and together raised two wonderful daughters, Bergen and Ingrid. The three girls spent several years working alongside Andy, carrying on family fishing traditions. In 2010, Andy purchased the F/V Point Made, renaming it the Ocean Leader. With great talent and determination, Andy rebuilt many aspects of the Ocean Leader and crabbed out of Westport, WA during the winter months.
Andy was proud of his Croatian heritage and enjoyed visiting his family in Sumartin, on the island of Brac, where he shared his love of family and the fishing industry.
Throughout his career as a commercial fisherman, Andy remained an active board member of the Purse Seine Vessel Owners Association. He served as the vice president of the Gig Harbor Commercial Fishermen's Club, and was a board member and former president of the Skansie Netshed Foundation.
Andy has left behind a legacy of hard work and dedication. He took great pride in keeping his boats well-maintained and running a safe operation. He will be well remembered for his kind heart, patience, and quick-witted humor, but most importantly, his role as a loving dad, husband, brother, son, and friend. Andy is survived by his wife of 23 years, Erin; daughters Bergen and Ingrid; his mother, DeeDee; brothers, Nick Jr. and Mike (Amanda); in-laws, Bob and Signe Haltiner; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his Dad, Nick Babich. Andy's Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 11:00am at St. Nicholas Catholic Church. Following Mass, a Celebration of Life will take place at the Gig Harbor Eagles Club.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to the Andy Babich Memorial Scholarship at Keybank. This scholarship will support graduating seniors of Peninsula High School who are continuing their education in the trades.