By Hollie Fee
Edward William Fee brought out the best in those that had the pleasure of knowing his vibrant soul. These words are not easy to put on paper in order to fully comprehend the man he was.
Born in Ft. Bragg, California on February 1, 1953, he was ready to take on the world until the very last opportunity came his way. As a young man he found himself in the constant eye of adventures and friendships. His knowledge knew no bounds and his limits knew no end.
Raised with deep roots in the thriving Northern California coastal range he was often spotted with a deer tag in one hand and a fishing rod in the other. His mother used to say when she was holding him in her tummy those nine long months that every time Pop caught a fish he jumped a little inside. It’s true, he truly came off the ground if the fish was big enough to bite the bait.
Eddie always followed his heart and in 1971 landed a potential fishing life with cousins Gerald and Tommy Masolini in Cordova, Alaska. There he fished with the best of them, the heroes of the fleets, from the Bering Sea to the border of Mexico.
The adventures were well underway when he met his best friend, his savior as he would say, and wife of 37 years, Sandra Bartles Fee. Married on February 22, 1987 they lived a short while in Cordova and Anchorage before settling in Whittier where Fee’s Custom Seafoods was born.
Through the years friends and family (along with friends of family and friends) near and far would find their way into Whittier and always stop in for a good story and a sample of whatever he was smoking up that day. Sharing knowledge is one of the greatest gifts we can give someone, and he was thrilled in the thought that he made a difference to those around him.
His untimely death on May 23, 2023 is felt in great depth; yet in our heart, on the boats, in the woods, and now in our own stories, he will always remain.
He is preceded in death by his parents William and Lorraine (Ceriani) Fee of Ft. Bragg, California, and leaves behind his wife Sandra Bartles Fee; his daughters Hollie and Anna Fee; two granddaughters Jessica Fee (Hollie) and Lily Hilliard (Anna); siblings Linda White (Robert) and Kate Barvitz (Paul); niece Jayme Britt; and nephews Jason, Andrew and William Barvitz and Robert “Bobby” White.
Not without mention is Sandy’s family that has stood by them just shy four generations: Sandy’s sister Becky Bartles, niece Molly Kerce (Kris), niece Rebecca Langton (Shawn), and their sons Alex and Jacob. Additionally, endless cousins, great nephews and nieces.
Edward loved so deeply. It was marvelous being in the presence of such a bright light. Rest easy Eddie and look over us from higher ground. We will continue to make you proud just like you made us all so brave. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, September 16 in Whittier, Alaska. Please reach out to holliefee@gmail.com to make arrangements for flight accommodations and lodging.
