Well loved Ballard crab fisherman passes away at age 75

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of well loved Ballard crab fisherman Arne Haugen on June 7. Haugen meant a great deal to many in the Ballard community and the local crab fishing industry.

Haugen was born in Norway in 1938 and eventually found his way to Ballard with his wife Judy. He was a prominent member of the Ballard community and will be missed by the many that knew him. “Arne, young at heart, and with a warm spirit made an impression on many. He is in the hearts and memories of the entire Ballard community,” wrote reader Tom Kluge, who emailed to inform us of Haugen’s passing.

The below obituary was written by his family and appeared in The Seattle Times:

Arne Ludolf Haugen was born in Karmoy, Norway on April 10th, 1938 and passed peacefully on June 7th, 2013 at his home surrounded by family.

He spent his whole life on the ocean, first joining the Merchant Marines as a teenager traveling the world. Arne eventually found his way to Ballard, WA where he met Judy and started his family. Arne loved life as a crab fisherman and captain but nothing made him happier than spending time with family especially his four grandchildren who were his pride and joy.

Arne is survived by his wife Judy, children Denise (Matt), Jeff and Scott (Tara); grandchildren Kelsey, Owen, LeRoy and Ava. He also leaves behind his brother Nils (Ida), sister Maria, sister in law Anne, brother in law Alf along with many nieces and nephews.

Arne never met a person that wasn’t a friend. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.

At Arne’s request, no memorial service will be held and his ashes are to be spread in the waters that he loved. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Shoreline Fire Dept. Medic’s or the University of Washington Oncology Department which all took very good care of him.