Louis Samuel Larsen of Chilmark died Tuesday, March 11, surrounded by family at the West Palm Beach Hospital in West Palm Beach, Fla. He was 88.
Louis Samuel Larsen of Chilmark died Tuesday, March 11, surrounded by family at the West Palm Beach Hospital in West Palm Beach, Fla. He was 88.
Mr. Larsen was the patriarch of both a Vineyard fishing family and the wider fishing community. Born in Menemsha, he began fishing at an early age, and continued to captain the Mary Elizabeth, fishing waters as far north as Newfoundland and as far south as the Yucatan, until 1994.
His son Louis Stanley Larsen, owner of the Net Result, spoke of his father's fishing prowess in a 2007 article in the Gazette. "For a long time I couldn't understand why he worked so hard, but when you started putting the numbers together I realized we usually caught more fish than anyone else. We fished early in the day or late in day — when everyone else wasn't up yet, or had already quit for the day."
A full obituary will appear in the Gazette at a later date.
Comments
i ve known louis as family
gregg amaral jupiter fli ve known louis as family friend,captian , as an 18 on board the julie d i made my 1st trip,i slept on to floor of his cabin there were no bunks left, he took care of me for 3 years at sea, he was a great man,with a great family, he will be be greatly missed by many.
It's no secret that among
Philip Walsh Miami, FloridaIt's no secret that among those who didn't welcome the Norwegians when they first settled up island were a number of old Yankee fishermen. Their slights were ignored, however, when the newcomers all followed Captain Larsen's lead: outfish them, and if they get in the way, go around them. That Louis was a man who could just as easily have gone through them gave this advice greater meaning. Joseph Allen, who wrote With The Fishermen for the Gazette in the time before the fish were gone, was a great admirer of Captain Larsen, as were all of us who knew him.
Louie was a man you looked up
Laura Bryant Chilmark and SturbridgeLouie was a man you looked up too, who put that smile on your face even in the storms. To share a cup of coffee with him in his kitchen always brought laughter and knowledge and most importantly love. Some of my best childhood memories are of spending time with his daughter Betsy , spending the night in the Larsen home and helping at his families fish markets. The kindest and most generous family you could know. Louie was such a wonderful compassionate and such a joy to be around. The island lost a hero...Chilmark /Menemsha lost their king. Thank you Louie for all you gave me ....I will miss you but I know someday I will get to give you that wonderful hug that always gave me hope....until we meet again...may God hold you ever so closely in the palm of his hands....love you
I knew Louie, as the father
Dana Leonard Murphy Edgewater, FloridaI knew Louie, as the father of "my BEST FRIEND". His son Louie & I grew up together (as much as I ever grew up, for you see I have Peter Pan Syndrome & refuse to grow up). I remember the times that he took us to many different places. He would make sounds & sing to embarrass his daughter, Christine in front of Louie & me. He was great & very funny.
Louie was a great & loving man, a great father & a great friend. He is sincerely missed.
Awesome to hear such
Timothy Ralbovsky ChilmarkAwesome to hear such brilliant and genuine people still exist as an example even in their passing... if people said half as much about my life when I'm gone I should be more than honored. I am inspired in this man's legacy!
Add new comment