Pillar Point Harbor near Half Moon Bay in San Mateo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

In Memorial to the Commercial Fisherman Lost at Sea

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, May 27, 2023

1. In Memorial to the Commercial Fisherman Lost at Sea Marker

Inscription. Down to the sea in ships they go, these chosen men of steel. Though mist and foam and northwest wind is pounding at the keel. So sail they must each crispy morn, away from trees and sod. The sea may own their windburned flesh but their souls belong to God! —by Bud Smith 1975

Lynn Martin 1984 • George P. Nerli 1938 • [missing] • Jose Delago 1974 • Thomas A. Bettencourt 1974 • Nguyen Van Doi 1983 • Bob Starkey 1984 • Keith Young 1988 • Kirk Pringle 1994 • Joseph Fischer 1994 • Gregory Michael Hayes 1988 • Alex Kovak 1994 • Les Bronsema 1994 • Tran van Dan 1983 • Michael T. Odom 2004 • David “Rowdy” Pennisi 2004 • Gordon Webster 1938 • Jim Davis 2007

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lost at Sea series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1975.

Location. 37° 30.17′ N, 122° 28.911′ W. Marker is near Half Moon Bay, California, in San Mateo County. It is in the Pillar Point Harbor. Marker can be reached from Johnson Pier south of Pillar Point Harbor Boulevard, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Half Moon Bay CA 94019, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Hotel El Granada (approx. 0.6 miles away); Granada's Burnham Plan (approx.

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0.7 miles away); Ocean Shore R.R. and Granada (approx. 0.7 miles away); Miramar Beach Restaurant (approx. 1.2 miles away); The Moss Beach Distillery (approx. 2 miles away); Bob Breen: Fitzgerald Marine Reserve's First Park Ranger (approx. 2.4 miles away); A Rich Native History (approx. 3½ miles away); First Concrete Bridge Erected in San Mateo Co (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Half Moon Bay.

Also see . . . Pillar Point Harbor. (Submitted on June 6, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California.)

Additional commentary.
1. Keith Young - Lost at Sea - 1988
Hello
I just want to say a few things in tribute to the men lost at sea trying to be independent and making a living. Keith Young was my brother, and I still miss him very much. Keith and I grew up together as fishermen, me until 1981 and Keith until he passed away. Keith and I fished for dad aboard several boats. We lived, worked, and partied together. When we worked together Keith and I competed all the time. I think

Photographed By Karen Key, April 29, 2007

2. In Memorial to the Commercial Fisherman Lost at Sea Marker

his heart was in the fishing more than me. Keith was an excellent fisherman, very intelligent and very safety conscious. He was an asset to the fishing industry, but if he were here today he would be disappointed in how the fish business has ended up.

Keith has been greatly missed by all of us and he is in our hearts all the time, as are all the men and women lost at sea. Ever since Keith and some of his crew did not come home that fateful day, I can only say never leave home for work or pleasure when you have an argument with your family because we never know 100% for sure if you will see them again, and I have tried to do that ever since Keith left us.

In closing, Keith, God be with you and we think about you all the time and appreciate very much the memorial for all those souls lost at sea trying to grind out a living.

— Submitted January 10, 2009, by Tony Lee Bishop of Brentwood, California.

2. My father, Bob Starkey, Lost at Sea, 1984
May my father rest at peace and God guide him to look down upon my family. Bob Starkey was a father I wish I knew better. The man will always be my hero and I am thankful he brought me into this world. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor

Photographed By Karen Key, April 29, 2007

3. In Memorial to the Commercial Fisherman Lost at Sea Marker
— Submitted January 10, 2009, by Shannon C.starkey of Forsyth, Missouri.

3. Les Bronsema
Les Bronsema was my brother's and my foster father. I wanted to say a few words about the kind of human being he was. He gave a part of himself to raise two boys who had no home. He was a disciplined hard working honest person who taught us the value of suiting up and showing up on a daily basis. He always told me that I could be whatever I wanted to be in life. I just had to chose a direction and work toward it. I am grateful that God allowed our paths to intersect in life. I am a better person today because of who he was.

I remember that one of his favorite books and movies was "The Old Man in the Sea" so he was doing something he loved to do. May God bless his soul. His spirit still lives...

— Submitted August 1, 2010, by Daniel Stern of Las Vegas, Nevada.

4. Marker Updated
An additional name (Jim Davis 2007) was added after the marker was originally published.

— Submitted July 30, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.

Photographed By Karen Key, April 29, 2007

4. In Memorial to the Commercial Fisherman Lost at Sea Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. This page has been viewed 4,109 times since then and 39 times this year. Last updated on October 14, 2021, by Karen Ma of Half Moon Bay, California. Photos: 1. submitted on July 30, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 6, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.