Fishermen's Memorial
Seattle Fishermen’s Memorial Annual Dedication - May 7, 2023, 2 pm
Each year, on the first Sunday in May, the Seattle fishing community gathers to remember those that have gone before us. During our dedication, we acknowledge those that have had tiles installed (industry-related loss) or have been added to the Memorial Wall (lost at sea).
The sculpture, bronze name plaques, and granite memory tiles at its base have become a place of reverence, recognition, and healing for the families of local commercial fishermen and women who have lost their lives pursuing their livelihood since the turn of the century.
More than a tribute to an industry and the lives of its men and women, the monument fills a special need for commercial fishing families. In many instances, those who are lost at sea simply vanish, leaving their loved ones without a word or a trace. The construction of this monument has provided their memory a residence, a site for family and friends to visit, to place flowers, to reflect and to heal.
The Seattle Fishermen's Memorial is a charitable organization devoted to promoting safety in the fishing fleets and easing the emotional struggles and financial burden of education for surviving family members of fishermen lost at sea.
The memorial has established two scholarship programs:
The Memorial Fund Scholarship provides scholarships to the surviving members of fishermen lost at sea.
The Gunnar Ildhuso Memorial Scholarship provides support to those in the fishing industry seeking to improve their maritime skills, qualifications, or safety credentials.
The Seattle Fishermen's Memorial will host a Fishermen's Safety Fair to teach fishermen practical skills to save their boats and their lives on Tuesday, May 23rd from 9a-3p in Fishermen’s Terminal. Together with our trainers and sponsors, we hope to promote and educate fishermen on the importance of safety.
Here’s a link to last year’s event: 2022 SFM Safety Fair
Each Fall, during the Pacific Marine Expo - aka Fish Expo, the Seattle Fishermen’s Memorial holds a benefit auction to raise funds to support the memorial and its charitable scholarship programs. If you would like further information or to donate, please contact SFM Board Member, Kristian Uri.
Here’s a link to last year’s event: 2022 Benefit Auction & Dinner