Photo courtesy Dr. Andrew Martinis
Paul A. Martinis Sr.
Paul A. Martinis S. was born December 26, 1893, in Komiza, Yugoslavia. He arrived in Everett in 1921 and went on to become the patriarch of the Martinis fishing family of Everett, and arguably the patriarch of the entire Everett purse seiner fleet. Before reporting to several years of military service in the Austro-Hungarian army, Paul decided to leave for the United States in 1913. He took with him a few dollars and great fishing knowledge gained from his father since early childhood. He came to the West Coast, landing in Astoria, Oregon, before moving on to Tacoma. He fished near Anacortes and eventually built his dream boat the Northland, where he took over the role of captain for the fist time and sailed to the Bering Sea. It was a risky venture but he succeeded in opening the way for others to fish in Alaska. Eventually his younger brothers Vince, Tony, and Matt joined him and for years they were known as the “highliners” of the Everett purse seiner fleet.
The Martinis team was highly competitive—you didn’t dare cork them! Paul was successful because he understood the tides and currents and how the salmon traveled in different areas. He understood fish—some said he would even think like a fish. They used to say the fish would not come into Puget Sound until Paul Martinis got back from Alaska. The veteran leader was the acknowledged “King” of the fishing community here. On May 5, 1956, Paul Martinis, aka “Kingfish” was honored by the Everett Elks at the club’s annual Fishermen’s Night celebration. Fishermen came from as far away as Bellingham and Tacoma to honor Martinis. A telegraph was sent from President Dwight Eisenhower and letters came from Senator Henry Jackson, Congressman Jack Westland, Governor Arthur Langlie, and several other dignitaries. Steve Chase was chairman of the committee in charge of the fete, and Harold Walsh made the presentation, achronometer set. Of course, the fare was a salmon barbecue. The president’s message read, “In many aspects your life has been truly a typical American story,” while the governor stated, “As one of the Pacific Coast’s most successful salmon fishermen during the past 40 years, you have not only brought distinction to your family, but prosperity to all the citizens of Everett who have been associated with you.” The day was set aside by the city commissioners as Paul Martinis Day.
He was a life member of the Everett Elks and Knights of Columbus, a board member of Fishermen’s Packing Corporation, and a member of the board of the Bank of Everett. He and his wife, Pearl, had six children: Winifred Riecken, Paul Jr., Andrew, Vince, John, and Katie Bopp. Paul Martinis S. died August 24, 1974, and his Mass of Christian Burial was held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. As was the custom, his son Paul took over the family business and continued to be a successful fisherman. Andrew became a heart surgeon, and John ran a sporting goods store before becoming a Washington state legislator.
