Obituary: Robert James Leekley

Robert James Leekley, loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather passed away March 13, 2025, in Petersburg, Alaska at the age of 82.

Robin was born April 4, 1942, in Petersburg, Alaska to Anne and James Leekley. He grew up on the Federal Fur Farm 9 miles from town. The Fur Farm raised fox, mink, and martin and in the war years tested the effects of sonic boom on mink behavior. Robin helped on the farm with the family vegetable garden, animals, and shoveling snow which could be over ten feet during those days. He also could be found helping at the Clauson chicken farm, a bicycle mile away from home and in his teens catching halibut in a skiff in the narrows and sleeping on the beach on Battery Island.

Robin spent much of his life on the water. In high school his dad bought him a seine skiff complete with an outboard for his summer job. After beach seining, he ran the Tonka and the Jan Neil for Pacific American Fisheries for a season. The company was sold to local Petersburg fishermen who called it Petersburg Fisheries.

Robin then purchased the Johnny L for halibut and salmon. His son Mike came up and worked summers with him on several boats. He next ran the Kupreanof and Tani Rae in the Bering Sea before purchasing partial ownership of the Adventure for Dutch Harbor king crabbing and tanner crabbing. Robin fished 20 seasons in the Bering Sea.

His last big boat purchase was the Dream Maid for halibut, crab, salmon, and sablefish. His daughters, Heidi and Jody, helped work their way through college fishing summers with their dad.

Robin was a captain that put safety first. He would head to safe harbor if the weather turned stormy and always helped other fishermen in need. Through the years his loyal crew members became much loved extended family. Many were able to start their own fishing operations as a result of their start on the Dream Maid.

Robin was a member of the Elks Club, a past Exhaulted Ruler, and served on the Board of Directors for Icicle Seafoods. In 2001 Robin and Sheryl purchased a home in Thousand Palms, California to warm up during the winters. He enjoyed socializing with friends, old and new, and golfing.

Robin's last fishing boat was named after Heidi's daughter Abby, and it hosted many camping and fishing adventures. Robin and his nephew Dan often ended up exploring Southeast Alaska after catching the first couple of fish. Similarly, his grandchildren often enjoyed the sightseeing as much as pulling in a halibut, salmon, or shrimp pot.

In October 2024 Robin and Sheryl celebrated 50 years of marriage with their family. They enjoyed dining out, entertaining guests in their California home, and outings with friends in the desert.

He enjoyed ice cream, winning at cribbage, and watching his grandkids sporting events, especially basketball. His dry sense of humor was enjoyed by all who knew him.

Preceding him in death were his father and mother. He is survived by his wife Sheryl, son Michael (Sara) daughters Heidi (Josh) and Jody (David) and sisters Janet and Jeri; grandchildren Dylan, Abby, Logan, and Lexie; and many nieces and nephews.

He was proud of "catching a lot of fish for a lot of people." We already miss him.