We mourn the passing of Captain Richie Kessinger on March 26, 2026, at the age of 91.
Captain Richie's Tribute Video by his family
“Piscator non solum piscatur.”
There is more to fishing than catching fish.
Many older adults in their final years suffer from the disease of loneliness and depression. Over time, family, friends, and lifelong acquaintances often pass on. In those latter stages of life, making new friends, especially with declining health, can be incredibly difficult. I must proclaim, that contrary to this, it was certainly not the case for my father, Capt. Richie Kessinger.
As we recently celebrated his life at his death at the age of 91, the visitations at the funeral home were packed for hours, as hundreds came to pay their respects. The room was loud, almost deafening. Amongst the tears, and sadness, there was laughter, storytelling and shared memories. I met people I had only ever heard about—faces finally matched to names from Dad’s long and meaningful life. Many tough “old salts” were brought to tears at his passing. Phone calls, texts, social media posts, and cards flooded the decks. The respect and admiration that so many had for this man is overwhelming. Many referred to him as a “legend” through the years, and his legacy definitely, will live on. I am unworthy to walk in his boots.
My Dad’s passion and career as fishing captain hooked him up with hundreds colleagues, crew members and fellow fishermen. His introduction to fishing as a young man turned a passion into a career, and then into an obsession in retirement, The New Testament gospel passage about fishing (John 21.3-14)was appropriately chosen by our family at his funeral mass. He was a true “fisher of men” and his life a constant net….full of fish! He spent so much time on the water, and in my assessment, it seems like maybe sometimes, he walked on it.
My youngest brother, the closest disciple to my father, is appropriately named Peter. I know he will carry on the scripture of the “Book of Dad”, with his many followers. My elder brother Richie too, with the passion for the fish, will continue and perpetuate the mission. My sisters, Donna and Lorraine, I am thankful for their adeptness to cut through the toughness of Dad’s exterior and reveal the soft, tender heart within. And bless my Mom, Mother Louise, his greatest catch of 70 beautiful years by his side.
As for me, I am proud, blessed, humbled, and grateful for the course that is my life, charted by Mom and Dad.
I am my father’s son
Love and smooth seas.
Stevie
“I am a fisherman. It is not merely something that I do, it is who I am. Fishing is not simply my escape, it is where I truly belong. It is where I am supposed to be. It is not a place that I go, but a lifelong journey that I am on. It is a passage that my father has shown to me, and one that I will show others. Once you understand this, then you will know who I am. And we will fish together even from far away”. - Anonymous