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NEIL A celebration of the life and times of Neil Bakkum was held at Nuestra Senora de Delores Chapel in Canon, NM on May 5th. Bakkum, 58, a long-time Alaskan fishing Capitan passed on April 10 in Seattle, WA where he was outfitting his latest commercial fishing boat, the "Magia". The celebration was attended by many friends and family under sunny skies and later the full Flower moon. Neil was born in Livingston, MT to Carl and Beverly (Werner) Bakkum. Carl and Beverly deemed him "a keeper". That phrase followed Neil throughout his life. Carl would fish the Yellowstone and bring home the big trout. This had a lasting effect on Neil and fishing and the ocean would become a lifelong passion. Neil was a graduate of the class of 1972 from Sandia High School. While in school, he played football for the Great Coach Rick Ruscetti. Neil briefly attended Ft. Lewis College where he honed his skills in fishing and skiing. There he was introduced to his second passion, hang gliding. Neil relocated to Temecula, CA in the mid 70's where he was introduced to Dick Eipper. He worked as a test pilot for Eipper Formance honing his skills as a pilot. He flew Torrey Pines, Yosemite and other legendary hang gliding hot spots throughout the West. Neil returned to Albuquerque and spent all of his spare time riding the Tram and launching his glider off Sandia Peak. Neil relocated to Angel Fire, NM in the early 80's. His passion for fishing returned. Neil could usually be found on Eagle Nest Lake or on the Cimarron River, rod in hand. He worked for Bill Thome constructing homes that were later featured in Architectural Digest. Neil was instrumental in the installation of the then top of the line snow making system at the Angel Fire Resort where he was the assistant mountain manager. In 1988, he was introduced to the Alaskan fishing industry, by Trey Curl, fellow hang glider and lifelong friend. He made his move to Dutch Harbor and began a long and intimate relationship with the ocean and everything that it is. He worked for Jubilee Fisheries for 23 years apprenticing under Captain Sam Collier as a deck hand, engineer and Captain. The responsibilities were enormous but Neil had found his niche. He long lined Sable fish and pacific cod on the F/V Kjevolja in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. Neil took great pride in what he did and loved to share his catch. His smoked black cod was legendary and shared with everyone during his infrequent trips his home in Canon. Neil never greeted a friend or new acquaintance with a handshake; it was always a bear hug and a wet kiss on the check. If you didn't know anything about the magic and spiritual mystery of the ocean, he would help you visualize it. Neil was preceded in death by his mother, Beverly (1986) and father Carl (2010). He is survived by his brother Mark and his family of San Diego along with several cousins. Neil will be sorely missed by all the people whose lives he touched. Contributions can be made in Neil Bakkum's name to the Seattle Fisherman's Memorial, PO Box 17356, Seattle, WA 98127.
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