Bart Eaton’s personal life was as robust as his professional one, which is saying something, as he was an icon in the Alaska fishing industry. Bart’s was truly a life of adventure, dedication and service.
Sadly, Bart’s family, friends & colleagues have had to say goodbye, as Bart passed away on December 14, 2024. He was 85 years old and is survived by his wife, Toni; two children, Julie (Martin) and Jeff (Jennifer); seven grandchildren, Neil, Marlie, Brian, David, Cameron, Blake and Andrew; his brother John (Barb) and sisters Barbara and Beth (Mark). A celebration of life is planned for early 2025.
Douglas Barton “Bart” Eaton was born in Red Bluff, California, a town located in California’s Sacramento Valley, and one that’s not exactly known for its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Bart would eventually leave his mark on the Alaska fishing industry, but not before graduating from Chico State College in 1963, followed by a stint in the newly-formed Peace Corps.
After attending the University of Hawaii to study Asian Studies and the Indonesian language, Bart put his newfound language skills to practice and moved to Indonesia, where he volunteered as a boxing and track and field coach, and served as an English teacher.
Bart's decades-long journey in the Alaska fishing industry began upon his return from Indonesia, where he took a job shoveling shrimp in Seldovia, on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. He quickly rose through the ranks, and by 1965 he was a processing supervisor for Pacific Pearl Seafoods in Kodiak. He soon graduated to crewman aboard various vessels, and from there to skipper and eventually to owning his first boat, the Amatuli.
In 1984 he joined Trident Seafoods, bringing the Amatuli and his extensive knowledge of crabbing, tendering and fishing. As partner of the company, Bart worked closely with Trident’s late-founder, Chuck Bundrant. Chuck and Bart were two industry pioneers that, when paired together, former Trident Vice Chairman Steve Okerlund once described as “unstoppable.”
An avid photographer and storyteller, Bart had a story for every picture, and an unusual ability to connect with others.
“Bart had an incredible aptitude for connecting with and inspiring people,” said Joe Bundrant, CEO of Trident Seafoods. “His relationships with Alaska Native communities, fishermen, regulators and even competitors made him an invaluable asset to the company and Alaska fisheries.”
Bart’s influence in the industry extended beyond his professional achievements. He was appointed by the late US Senator Ted Stevens to the first North Pacific Management Council in 1976 and served until 1983. He served as Alaska's delegate to the Law of the Sea Conference in 1974 and 1975. Bart worked closely with Senator Stevens on legislation that would become the Magnuson-Stevens Act. He also served on the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute board from 1985 to 1990 and was a member of the Coast Guard Foundation for 25 years, receiving its Lifetime Trustee award in 2019.
As a founding member of Prowler Fisheries, Bart helped create the modern-day Factory Longline Cod sector. He was named National Fisherman Magazine's Highliner of the Year in 1979. Even after retiring from Trident’s board of directors in 2015, Bart continued to serve as an advisor and mentor to many. In his retirement, he split his time with family and friends enjoying his beloved cabin in Karheen Cove, SE Alaska and on his farm in Captain Cook, Hawaii raising coffee, fruit and rounding up wild chickens & pigs.
“He was always ready to share his wisdom over a cup of McDonald's coffee or at his favorite table at Ivar’s restaurant in Seattle,” added Bundrant. “Bart’s legacy as a fisherman, businessman and mentor will be remembered by all who knew him.”
If you’d like to know Bart better, please explore the following resources:
Podcasts:
Those who knew Bart would say that he was a great storyteller. Not only could he tell a great story, but he was also integral to many of our Trident stories.
The Alaska History Series by John Sabella
Galley Stories by Mark Caylor:
Episode 19 - “It’s Hard to Learn Safety When Your Boots are Half Full of Water”
Episode 20 – “You Can’t Fly Ass Backwards Into the Wind”
Episode 24 – “You Gotta Make Your Own Myth, No One Else Will!”
Catching a Deckload of Dreams: Chuck Bundrant and the Story of Trident Seafoods
Spotify – Various Episodes