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History of Sandra Jean II

Editor: We have had the retired salmon troller Sandra Jean II in our care for 19 years. She was originally commissioned in 1965 by Robert (Archie) Russell and his son Gary. The boat fished out of Gibsons from 1965 to the mid 1990s.

Editor:

We have had the retired salmon troller Sandra Jean II in our care for 19 years. She was originally commissioned in 1965 by Robert (Archie) Russell and his son Gary. The boat fished out of Gibsons from 1965 to the mid 1990s. We were fortunate to spend an afternoon visiting with Gary Russell in 2004, two years before he passed away. We recently made contact with Gary’s sister Sandra Jean, after whom the boat was named. 

We are hoping to compile a written, illustrated history to be kept with the vessel. Except for the few stories Gary shared with us, the project is lacking details and anecdotes from the days the boat and the Russells worked the fishery. We would like to hear from any retired fisher men and women of Gibsons who may have worked alongside the Russells on the grounds. Please email us at petermandnancye@gmail.com.

Peter and Nancy Hardy,

Friday Harbor, San Juan Island,

Washington