Peter E. Zankich

Peter E. “Sockeye Pete” Zankich, age 88, passed away November 27, 2021 at his Bellingham home, with his immediate family at his side. Pete was born in Bellingham on January 30, 1933 to Anton and Annie (Dean) Zankich. In 1953, Pete married the love of his life, Darlene Ford, and together they raised their three children, Tony, Cheryl and John. Pete was a life-long commercial fisherman captaining the Sierra Madre, as well as captaining and owning the Elizabeth, Tony Ann, Intruder, and finally retiring while at the helm of the Darlene Z in 1994. Pete’s fishing career spanned the west coast from the waters of San Francisco Bay to the Shumagin and Aleutian Islands which border the Bering Sea in Alaska, and everywhere in between. Peter earned his “Sockeye Pete” moniker through his years of success and skill in Puget Sound, especially at the “Salmon Banks” south of San Juan Island. Pete always attributed much of his fishing success to the wonderful and talented crew members he considered family. Outside the fishing season, and into retirement, Pete and Darlene enjoyed their many motorhome trips and adventures, wintering in the Palm Springs area of California with their many friends and relatives. Pete’s love for his family and fun was paramount and he and Darlene embraced their many close friends. Pete also had a special passion for cars and an affinity for music and dancing. A good season usually meant something new would soon arrive in the driveway and “Darlene, put your dancing shoes on…”. Peter and Darlene are proud members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where they were married December 4, 1953. Pete is survived by his wife Darlene, children Tony (Marcia) Zankich, Cheryl (Alec) Buchan, and John (Maria) Zankich, grandchildren Tavis, Bryce, and Caitlin Buchan, Madeline and Ioan Zankich as well as many other loving cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Pete was preceded in death by his parents Anton and Annie Zankich and sisters Vinnie Cundiff, Geraldine Steensgaard and Anne Stalberg. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 15 at 11am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with a reception following at the parish hall. Memorials may be made to Whatcom Commercial Fishermen’s Association, 818 17th St, Bellingham, WA 98225. You may share memories at www.westfordfuneralhome.com .