Fred William Fayette Jr., 79, died by suicide in his home in Sitka, Alaska, on July 15, 2025.
He was born to Fred and Vera (Unick) Fayette in Blaine, Washington,, on September 10, 1945. He grew up as a three-sport athlete in Blaine, and was most proud of the Blaine basketball's victories over their sworn enemy, Lynden.
He began his fishing career in high school seining with Cecil Pfundt, whose kindness he never forgot. Fishing was the true love of his life. He was proud of being a troller, and he was one of the first fisherman to take his daughter on as crew. His dad helped make his first boat, the Shan. That was followed by the Freedom, and finally the Miracle. (It truly took a miracle to get him off the Freedom.)
He was known for surprise deliveries of date pinwheel cookies, smoked salmon, canned salmon, fresh salmon, and the occasional art piece. He was dedicated to supporting Sitka artists and artisans. He loved the Sitka library, though he still mourned the original seating area with the best view of any library in the world.
Fred firmly believed that "Any day spent fishing didn't count against the days of your life."
A memorial will be held in Sitka 5-7 p.m. September 10, 2025, at the See House at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Light snacks will be served, and people are invited to bring salmon and a story about Fred to share.
He is survived by his daughter, Shelly Fayette; two grandchildren, Moses, 8, and Maria, 1; his brother Ron Fayette (Judy); and his sister Valerie (Ed) Byrne. Memorial donations may be made to Moses and Maria's college funds through GoFundMe at https://bit.ly/3JmVhaX or to the Sitka Conservation Society for their Fish to Schools program.
Memorial For Fisherman Fred W. Fayette Jr. is Set
