Obituary - Bellingham Marine’s Peter Gaasland

Peter Gaasland, marina construction industry pioneer and the man credited with the mass adoption of floating concrete dock systems, has passed away at the age of 84.

A member of the founding family of Bellingham Marine, Gaasland was born 11 April, 1937, and was five-years-old when his parents bought the business, which was established in 1928.

Upon graduating the University of Washington with a degree in finance, Gaasland joined the company in 1959, working his way up through the ranks before leading the company from 1968 through 1995.

While many iconic projects were developed during his tenure, among the most notable was the Port of Seattle’s Shilshole Bay Marina, a 1,500-slip facility that established the company’s reputation and products as a leader in the field of marina design and construction. He sold the company in 1995 to investment group Ambassadors International.

In 1958, he married Janice Bland, with whom he had four surviving daughters; Carri, Cindy, Katie, and Kelli; and is further survived by his wife, Susan Gamble, who he married in 1988.

“The Bellingham Marine team is saddened by the loss of Pete Gaasland. We extend our sincere condolences and sympathy to Pete’s family. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,” said Joe Ueberroth, the current owner of Bellingham Marine.

A memorial service will be held in Bellingham, Washington at a date to be announced and the family has requested a contribution be made on his behalf to K9s for Warriors, a provider of service dogs for veterans, in lieu of flowers.