Harold Elmer Lokken

Harold Elmer Lokken passed away October 28, 2002 in Seattle after a brief illness. He was born on June 20, 1905 to Marie Strand Lokken and Harald Lokken who emigrated from Norway. Siblings John, Sigrid and Mildred preceded him in death. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Seattle and was a life-long Wallingford resident.

Harold's career was in fisheries management and regulation. He worked for the Fishing Vessel Owners Association and became its manager at the age of 19, a position he held for 52 years until retiring in 1976. His position brought him to many nations as he helped to negotiate issues related to international fishing. He was a member of the International Pacific Halibut commission for 42 years. Harold was also a valued participant in national advisory committees, commissions, and delegations. He was instrumental in getting Congress to establish a 200-mile coastal limit on foreign fishing and spearheaded the Curtailment Program in which fishermen restricted their own catches to protect the supply of fish.

His work on behalf of halibut fishing won him a variety of awards: Man of the Year for the Northwest Fisheries Association, a Commendation from President Richard Nixon and the Order of the Sacred Treasure by the Japanese government. He was credited with helping to preserve fishing and promoting conservation.

His later years were spent researching the history and categorizing photographs of Northwest halibut schooners, and he became a published author in his late 80's. His grandfather, John Strand, was a noted shipbuilder of many of these ships, some of which are still active fishing vessels.

His wife of 69 years, Alice Shiach Lokken preceded him in death last year. Daughters Jean Bower husband Gene, Doris Fuqua husband Warren and son David Lokken wife Sharon, 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren survive him.

Colleagues knew him as honest, serious and a man of his word as well as an international traveler. His family knew him as a man of intelligence and wit, who loved to josh and to argue politics. He was a marvelous husband and father who was always interested in the activities of his family. Friends and family will miss him.

Memorial services will be Friday, November 8, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. at Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home, 11111 Aurora Ave North, Seattle, WA 98133. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army, the Girl Scouts of America or a charity of your choice. Please sign the online memorial book at www.evergreen-washelli.com