Albert Vincent "Skip" Werner
May 11, 1945 ~ November 25, 2017
Limington - Albert Vincent "Skip" Werner, III, 72, passed away at his home on November 25, 2017.
On May 11, 1945, a record-setting snowstorm announced the birth of a strikingly extraordinary man, son of the late Albert and Kathleen (Slattery) Werner. At age 7, Skip received his first lobster license, purchased an old punt, and fished traps around Long Island where he enjoyed spending his childhood summers. He found his passion--lobstering.
During his years at Deering High School, Skip excelled in football and earned multiple championships in track. After graduating high school in 1964, Skip attended Maine Maritime Academy, where he shined in football, rowing, and on the track. A Dean's List student, he graduated in 1968. His first job as a merchant mariner was a hazardous duty assignment delivering wartime supplies to Vietnam. During his free time on the ship, Skip enjoyed painting scenes of lobstermen and working waterfronts.
After three years of shipping-out, he bought a new lobster boat and became one of Portland's top lobstermen and a Portland waterfront icon. For the past thirty years, he fished with his iconic boat--the Foxie Lady. Throughout his lobstering career, Skip was known for his scientific approach to lobster trap design and fishing techniques - something he passed down to his son, Thomas. His incessant and gregarious commentaries over the boat's VHF radio energized, entertained, and educated three generations of lobstermen. The absence of Skip's animated voice will leave a somber void on the water and docks of our community.
Skip's fervent interest in other people along with his unique and outgoing personality, cultivated an unprecedented number of friends and acquaintances. These connections led him to a variety of interests including gold prospecting, foraging, welding, and art. Later in life he developed deep faith and a prolific knowledge of the Bible, which he enjoyed discussing with anyone willing (or not) to listen.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa (Larrabee) Werner; children, Aaron Werner and wife Kathy, Ryan Werner, Lindsay Werner, Thomas Werner and wife Katie and Sadie Werner; grandchildren, Kayla, Kristen, Hannah, Hope, Ben, Macy, Delaney, Thomas and Myles; siblings, Margaret Lane and husband Rich, Christine Spear and husband Willis, Robert Werner and wife Lynda, John Peter Werner and wife Cleo and Paul Werner and wife Debra; former wife Jane Ledger; several nieces, nephews and many friends.
Visiting Hours will be held on Friday, December 1 from 4-7 PM and Saturday, December 2 from 10-11 AM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Celebration of his Life and adventures will be held on Saturday, December 2 at 11AM at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are invited to share memories and stories during the service.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Maine Maritime Academy, Development Office, Pleasant Street, Castine, ME 04420
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I remember the days just after Skip got baptized. Loved listening to his various stories. We would pass each other in the bay with a wave. Will pray for family and friends to find comfort that Skip is loving his time with his Lord face to face. Captain Hal Cushing
– Captain Hal Cushing
Spent may years keeping that old c-160 Cummins up and running. I can recall on one occasion an argument. with a salesman that wanted to sell you a new engine. While we waited for the sales pitch , the deadline time for overnight shipments was getting close. Long story short Skip got a chuckle out of my comment , ya know a new engine will put his vessel out of business during peak season . What’s his alternative , Ryder Rent a Boat ! I always looked out for Skip and he would me. Later in life at Becky’s we both discovered we avid learners of the Good book and what was to come. My sincere condolences go out to your loved ones Skip. I will send up prayers for strength during this sorrowful time of your passing for you Family Rest in peace old friend. I will certainly miss our chats.
– Ron Perreault
Wow! One of a kind barely describes Skip as I knew him. Which was strictly through Rudy’s and Becky’s. Where he was an icon. And something of a talker. I well remember the earmuffs hanging behind the counter at Rudy’s. “In case of Skip, wear these”. But what I remember best was that whenever I saw him, I felt good. He was kind, hilariously funny, and a good man. He’ll be much missed.
– Stephen Lunt
Skip and I were classmates at Maine Maritime, He was always strong, in a physical sense that was easily apparent in his sports performances, …and he was always strong in his character,his humility, and genuineness, The last time I saw Skip, he came to Philadelphia to talk with me about a job he was considering, it was like the ten years since graduation had evaporated, he was Skip just the same and just as honest, when he said “Thanks but I think I’ll stay lobstering, it’s what I do best you know”. Through social media I have enjoyed following him from afar, often wishing I could walk down the pier and visit with him again. Wherever we are, those of us who knew Skip will miss him, but he lives on in our memory, just as strong and proud as ever, and we know we are better for having known him. RIP Skip you are not forgotten.
Jerry Mount
– Jerry Mount
Our condolences to Aaron and Ryan and their families and the rest of Skips family. Skip was a really unique person. He zapped me many times with his sense of humor. There is an old saying that fits Skip to a T, gone but never forgotten. RIP Skipper
– Carol Hinckley
I knew Skip from the 70’s and 80’s at his favorite morning hangout “Rudy’s”. He always had a story to share. A real “Mainer”.
– Rollie Moore
Skip had quite a colorful personality. He always had a new and different story to share. Sometimes you hoped his stories weren’t true, just a manifestation of his imagination. Deep down, you knew they probably were. My dad, also a lobsterman, used to tell me that the best way to find out whether or not it was a fishing day – was to go up to Rudy’s and look at Skip Werner’s shoes. If the shoes were tied, it wasn’t a fishing day. If the shoes were left untied, it was a fishing day. Fair winds and following seas, Skip. May your shoes be eternally untied and your traps eternally full.
– Scott Jordan
Skip was one of those guys, the best kind of guy. The type that you hope you will be like one day.
I haven’t seen or spoken to Skip since 1968. But back then he took the time to help and encourage a lowly under class men.
I am glad to have known him and sorry that he is gone.
Jay L. McGowen 70′ E
– Jay L. McGowen
With deepest sympathies to Skip’s Family and to all the Werner Family.
– Dan Beale and Paul Mavris
Skip and I were classmates and also played football together for 4 years. Through the years we kept in touch on occasion. About three years ago he called and said to me do you remember the time you threw a pass to me and it lodge in my facemask, while I don’t remember the occasion but It made Skip’s day. I think he may have been celebrating the memory. I know I won’t forget our conversation.
Rest in peace and know you will never be forgotten
David Adams
– David P. Adams
Skip and I were classmates at Maine Maritime Academy. We developed a close and lasting friendship over the years even though he was a “”Rope Choker” . At one point in our lives we lived at the Crescent Beach Inn which was almost the death of both of us. Skips’ saving grace was his wife Lisa. He was a very generous person who would go out of his way to help someone, family meant a lot to him. His friendship will be greatly missed. So long old dog.
Archie Archibald
– Arthur John Archibald
To all of Skip’s loving family, I extend my condolences for your great loss. Skip was such a unique man, with a big heart, a great laugh and friends everywhere he went. I always enjoyed running into him and hearing him retell a story like no one else. He had an amazing memory and brought back stories from the past that always had his audience laughing. Truly a kind man and the Portland Waterfront will not be the same without him. I feel fortunate to have known him for close to 40 years and I will miss him.
One of the good guys! Rest In Peace Skip, you will be fondly remembered and not forgotten.
– Erin Grady
A thoughtful observer of life and people, crazy like a fox. I will miss his outgoing nature, his wit fueled by his intelligence and his irreverence. But most of all I will miss his friendship.
– Bill Linnell