John M. Aexel

August 24, 1916 – August 18, 2016

John Martin Aexel passed away on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016 at his home near Port Gamble, Washington, surrounded by family. Born in New York, New York on Aug. 24, 1916, John enjoyed an extraordinary 100 years of life.

One of John’s proudest accomplishments was moving straight from the 8th grade into the University of HK’s. Known fondly as A.H., John spent many years on the east coast in the fabric industry, eventually opening his own agency in Hong Kong. His many loyal clients included Ralph Lauren, Nordstrom and Nautica. Thirty years ago, he left the business world to retire on Bainbridge Island with his sweetheart Carol King Aexel and her four sons; Tracy, Don, Ted and David.

John raised four great-children, Margo, Ray, John and Cathy, and succeeded beyond his wildest dreams in business……but fishing was his passion. Every year he took a number of fishing trips around the world. Among his favorites were his annual trip with Peter to the lakes, race tracks and the dive bars of Louisiana, fly fishing in Montana with Jack and more than 30 years of salmon fishing with family and friends at Hakai Lodge in BC. At 99, he was still hooking 40-pound salmon on an 11- weight fly rod, spending eight hours a day in the boat and reminding all us we were there to fish and not whale watch.

When not fishing, he and Carol explored the world sharing their passion for travel. From banana boats to the Marquesas to tree houses in Nepal, John left a lasting impression on everyone he met and gathered friendships in every corner.

John’s life was celebrated by friends and family on what would have been his 100th birthday party on Saturday Aug. 20. He is survived by his wife Carol, his four children, countless grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even his great-great grandchildren.

Go Seahawks!

In lieu of flowers, John would have been thrilled with donations to Special K Ranch, PO Box 479, Columbus, Montana 59019. Phone: 406-322-5520.