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May 5, 1931- January 20, 2016


It is with much sadness that the family of Albert Karl Tarkanen announce his death which occurred on January 20, 2016 at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

Born May 5, 1931 in Alert Bay, BC., he was the only child of the late Jack and Esther Tarkanen. He was also predeceased by his first wife and mother of his children Eija (Jarvinen); second wife Fran (Drury) and his special grandson Brent Tarkanen.

Albert is survived by his partner and best friend Mary Parkes; his three children Steve Tarkanen (Crystal), Linda Sjoberg (Campbell), Carleen Palo (Barry),daughter-in-law Jean Tarkanen, sons-in-law Tim Church and Gerald Sjoberg; Mary’s daughters Robin Illchuk (Greg), and Sue Reid (Bruce); grandchildren Tanya, Jason and Troy Sjoberg, Jory Tarkanen, Jayleen Atkinson, Dylan Church, Katie Church and Cole Reid.

At the age of six Albert moved with his parents to Sointula, BC., where as a teenager he began his lifelong and dearly loved career as commercial fisherman.

Albert’s knowledge of BC coastal waters was phenomenal and his happiest days were those spent fishing halibut, rock cod, herring, trolling for salmon and gill netting.

His many boats from the Sturgeon1 to Island Reward were his pride and joy.

Albert’s success as businessman and fisherman can be attributed to his ability to accept change, welcome new technology and his special skill of finding talented people to work with him.

He will be missed not only at his Marine Ways, Freezer Plant and Net Loft in Sointula but by his network of commercial fisherman families and associated businesses all along the BC Coast.


A service celebrating Albert’s life will be held in Sointula Hall at 2pm on January 30, 2016.


In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sointula Cemetery Fund.



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