Joseph A. Belaja, age 60

      Joseph A. Belaja died in his sleep June 10. He was born April 7, 1953 at Harrison Hospital in Bremeron, WA.

      Joe was raised on Bainbridge Island. He was seven years old when he started commercial fishing with his father off the Washington coast and in Alaska. He continued fishing until 1999. Joe worked in, owned and operated several automobile and marine repair facilities around Bainbridge Island.

      He is survived by his wife, Barry Laurence-Belaja.

      A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. on August 3 at the Filipino American Community Hall, 7566 High School Road, Bainbridge Island. Donations in Joe’s memory may be made to: The Seattle Fishermen’s Memorial, P.O. Box 17356, Seattle, WA 98127. (206) 782-6577.