David E. Fish, 77

David E. Fish, 77, a resident of Port Townsend WA for 35 years (formerly of Woodstock, Illinois) passed away on April 25, 2024 from cancer, at Life Care Center of Port Townsend with his sister by his side.

He was born in Woodstock, Illinois in 1946, to Edwin H. and Mildred L. (Persson, Fish) Luallen. David was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock. He graduated from Woodstock Community High School and served 4 years in the Navy. Later, he attended McHenry County College, Wenatchee Valley College and went to the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building in Port Townsend Washington.

David was an incredible artist and a professed “Handyman”. He could fix just about anything and do it very well. He had many varied jobs including The Woodstock Opera House, Outdoor Recreation in Woodstock, John Neff Orchards in Pateros, WA, maintenance for Unisea in Dutch Harbor, AK, Mission Ridge Ski Area in Wenatchee, WA, until moving to Port Townsend for Boat School in 1989. He worked quite a variety of jobs in and around the boat business for many years for many wonderful people. 

He was a Ham Radio Operator since 2019 regularly checking in to the Northwest Boater’s Net. In recent years he took up Metal Detecting and was happiest when he could return ‘finds’ to their owners. In earlier years, he enjoyed hiking, camping, bicycling, rock climbing and skiing. Lately, it was YouTubes, movies and music.

David was preceded in death by his father, Edwin H. Fish, Stepfather William J. Luallen, many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins & Grandparents. He is survived by his Mother, Mildred Luallen, his Sister, Mary Ann Fish (both new residents of Port Townsend), Stepbrother Steve (Maggie) Luallen, Stepsister Kris (Joe) Thurow, Nephew Jason (Suzanne) Biel, Niece Rebecca (Erik) Berg, Great Nieces and Nephews, many cousins, and so many loving and amazing friends.

It’s difficult to capture, in a few words, the life of an amazing, kind, generous, talented, loving man, son, brother and friend. He will be sorely missed, loved and remembered always.

Many thanks to the entire staff at Life Care Center of Port Townsend for the fine, kind care he received, as well as Jefferson Healthcare Hospice and Jefferson Healthcare Medical Center. 

Memorials can be made to the charity of your choice. Often, even though David sometimes had little money, he would send donations to World Vision and other charities for those less fortunate or suffering from disasters. That’s just who he was. 

Cremation arrangements were made with Bradley-Kosec Funeral Home & Crematory and his obituary is available on their website and on The Port Townsend Leader website.