Albert V. Werner III ’68

Albert Vincent “Skip” Werner III, 72, passed away at his home on Nov. 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 30 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, Dec. 1, from 4-7 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10-11 a.m. at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A celebration of his life and adventures will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are invited to share memories and stories during the service. To view Skip’s memorial page or to share a memory of Skip, please visit: www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to:
Maine Maritime Academy
Development Office
Pleasant Street
Castine, ME 04420