Former Homer resident Louis Christian Audette Sr., 88, died Feb. 6, 2018.
“Our father, Louis Christian Audette Sr., a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and life long mariner, departed on his final voyage,” his family said.
“He stilled the storm to a whisper;/the waves of the sea were hushed./ They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.” Psalms, 107:29-30
He was born in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, on Jan. 24, 1930, to Florida and Yvonne Audette, the third oldest of 11 children.
Louis, “Captain Lou,” was a lifelong mariner, starting his career at age 14 in the fishing industry out of New Bedford, Massachusetts.
He had a natural aptitude for the sea and fishing, which allowed him to advance quickly. He married the love of his life, Rosemary Agnes Meehan, on Jan. 28, 1950. They have seven children: Louis Jr., Steven, Joyce, Susan, Patrick, Daniel and Michael.
In 1968 he moved his family from Fairhaven, Massachusetts. to Seward, Alaska. as part of a fishing venture to develop the scallop fishing industry.
After a few years, Captain Lou’s interests shifted to other maritime ventures to include freight haul via landing craft, log tows from Montague Island to Seward, construction site supply via tug and barge in Western Alaska and gold dredge support in Nome, Alaska.
By the mid 1970s he moved to Homer with Rosemary and their four youngest children. In the mid 1990s, Captain Lou ended his marine career in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, as a tugboat captain in order to spend time with his wife Rosemary, who succumbed to cancer in 1996. They had many long walks on Bishop’s Beach where they enjoyed the sights, sounds and smells of the ocean.
He spent his final months in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, under the loving care of Patrick and his wife Dianne and family. He passed peacefully surrounded by those who loved him.
“Dad, you worked hard to provide well for our family and gave to us the best you knew how. We love you and will miss you deeply, especially your dad-isms.
“So on your final voyage, with the Lord as your copilot, ‘Fair winds and following seas’ on your way to your final Port of Call,” his family said.
