Westport Fishermen's Monument

Saltwater runs deep in the veins of many, but for a few, the ocean is home. Westport, Washington, is home to one of the largest commercial fishing fleets along the West Coast. Westport is a beautiful community with shadowing reminders to respect the power of the ocean and to practice water safety, as well as appreciate the fishing industry, where men and women work tirelessly to harvest the world's seafood.

At the far end of the Marina, by Fisherman's Boardwalk, you will find Westport's Fisherman's Monument, featuring the names of our beloved fishermen who have been lost at sea. Each plaque on the monument represents a special life with a unique story that deserves to be shared with future generations and to serve as an honorary tribute to those who perished at sea. 

In 2020, two of Westport's favorite young men, Cole and Dylan, were tragically lost at sea while commercial fishing in Alaska. Cole Rutzer was raised on the back deck of a commercial fishing boat, and he spent many summers in Kodiak, AK, where he fished with his father, Greg. Dylan Furford was a young and vibrant Westport kid with a wild side. He lived for the days he got to leave school early to fish with his Papa Mike in Willapa Bay and his dad Russell in the Pacific Ocean for crab.

Both Cole and Dylan were 22 years old when the ocean took them. These young men leave behind families and friends in Westport who hope to keep their memories alive with a tributary restoration of the Westport Fishermen's Monument, where each young man's name will be displayed on a plaque. 

The Westport fishermen's monument was erected in 1960 by a collaboration of Westport citizens, fishermen, officers, and Coast Guard Station Grays Harbor members to memorialize those lost at sea. Today the original monument still stands, allowing individuals to pay homage to those lost. 

The Westport Fishermen's Monument Tributary Restoration Project will include the following:

  • An improved traffic circle.

  • Improvements to pedestrian safety by creating illuminated crosswalks.

  • Resurfacing the existing concrete.

  • Hiring a local mason to create permanent benches that will add protection from the wind as well as added privacy.

The existing monument will remain original. The last time a community group updated the site was in 1974.

This project has been awarded a generous $30,000 thanks to the Jack & Neddie Rose Farrington Endowment Fund. Additional contributions can be made out to The Westport Fishermen's Monument Committee through the Westport City Hall. Donations in kind are graciously accepted and encouraged. The Monument Committee encourages community members to participate in the restoration process. Questions and comments about the project can be submitted via email at WestportFMF@aol.com.

Please join us for Memorial Weekend

May 28 BLESSING OF THE FLEET - Please join us in remembering those lost at sea and bless the fleet for a safe and bountiful harvest. Sunday 1:00 pm at the Fishermen's Memorial. Sponsored by the South Beach Ministerial Assoc. and WEfish.

May 29 VFW MEMORIAL CEREMONY - Memorial Ceremony at Veteran's Memorial Park (Street of Flags)in Westport begins at 11:00 am. Refreshments follow at the VFW Hall. Sponsored by VFW Post #3057

Westport City Hall 
PO Box 505
604 N. Montesano St. 
Westport, WA 98595

 
 

About the Author:

Meet Piper Furford, an emerging humanitarian who's passionate about positive change in Westport. When she isn't working her various jobs here and there, Piper can be found supporting multiple community efforts wearing many hats as a soccer coach, committee member, as well as grant writer.

 
Guest User1 Comment