Obituary: Nicholai Eugene Martinsen

Born in the small Norwegian fishing village of Petersburg, on Mitkof Island, Southeast Alaska in 1943, Nick was one of 6 children born to the Martinsen family. Nick grew up working on the family-owned dairy farm, milking cows, loading them on to the barge for summer pastures up the creek, and delivering milk to local customers during his school lunch hours. It was in Petersburg where Nick met his wife to be, Anna, when they were skiing at the age of 4. Anna and Nick went to Petersburg High School together, graduated, married, had children, travelled the world, and retired to Vashon in 2003 to be closer to their daughter, Norine, and their grandchildren. Nick died at home on February 9th just 4 days short of his 82nd birthday, having spent the best part of 78 years together with his life partner and true soulmate, Anna Martinsen.

After graduating high school, Nick and Anna moved to Bellingham. Nick got a degree from Bellingham Tech, and together the young couple moved to Palo Alto, CA, with their 3-year-old daughter. Nick worked as an electronic technician with a number of different companies. While working full time, Nick also attended San Jose State University, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Eventually the family moved to Pleasanton with 10 year old Norine and 5 year old Nicholai James in tow. Nick got his executive MBA at St. Mary's College, Moraga, CA and began his career with Siemens Medical. After 30 years in Pleasanton, Nick and Anna moved to Vegas where three years later, Nick

retired and together they moved to Vashon.

Nick enjoyed his time on Vashon with his grandkids and family. He was passionate about gardening, skiing, and golf, playing in various tournaments around California and the Northwest. Having started commercial fishing at the age of twelve, seining for salmon and longlining for halibut, Nick was even more passionate about fishing. Nick returned to Petersburg as often as

possible to fish with his brother Jim. He was often joined by other family members who inherited his passion for fishing, and who loved spending time with him in the beautiful waters off the village of Petersburg.

Nick is survived by his wife, Anna, his children, Norine and Nicholai, five beautiful grandchildren and one great grandchild.