Wrangell Sentinel -

Kjell Nore, Sr., 84, died on June 29, 2013 in Wrangell, Alaska.

He was born to Marie and Per Nore on April 3, 1929 in Wrangell and was a lifelong resident with the exception of his Army tour in Fairbanks.

He and Betty Desmond were married on Jan. 9, 1952 and were the proud parents of four children: Betsy, Ruth, Kjell Jr., and Sheryl.

His working career included the Army and the Alaska Territorial Guard but mostly in and around the fishing industry. He fished with Al Binkley and his own Gillnetter the 4 Sisters. Kjell was a long time employee of Harbor Seafoods and Wrangell Fisheries. He also built houses during the off season with Art Ivy.

Kjell enjoyed his work and his family time. His carpentry skills, were second to none. If it was built by OK Construction you could bet your bottom dollar it would not fall down. When he sold his boat and stopped fishing he started working at Harbor Seafoods: He did everything maintenance, dock, cannery, and cold storage. Long hours where always present and his children would often be visitors bringing him goodies from home. Kjell took pride in his work and always wanted things to be done correctly.

Kjell and Betty spent many hours together sport fishing, were always Derby entrants and looked for the big one. As a general rule there was a grandchild involved and teaching the fine art of fishing was shared with many.

Kjell was always open to inviting visitors from out of town to share an evening meal at his table. He loved to talk about the cannery life and what had happened that day or last season. He kept a log book of his hours and highlights of the days’ work.

He would call the family together when the time came for smoking the year’s catch and all got to share in the end product.

He was preceded in death by his wife Betty; daughters Ruth and Sheryl; and granddaughters Adrienne and Shandelle.

He is survived by daughter Betsy; son Kjell, Jr.; grandchildren Holly, Jason, Shannon, Kjell 3rd, Jim, Adriana, Spencer and DJ; and 17 great grandchildren. 

He regularly attended church at St. Philips sitting in the same seat for more than 20 years. He always enjoyed coffee time after the Sunday service.