Eilif Kalhagen
Eilif Kalhagen

Obituary of Eilif Gunnar Kalhagen

Captain Eilif G. Kalhagen, age 69, a native of Bergen, Norway, and a resident of Gig Harbor, Washington, passed away on December 19, after a long struggle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Laila; sons Geir-Eilif (Patricia), living in Singapore, and Ben (Ashley) of Mobile; grandchildren Miller, Geirsen, and Liam; sisters Karin of Manchester, England, and Torild of Bergen, Norway. The Captain started his career as a merchant mariner and earned his Masters License from the Bergen Nautical Academy in 1966. He sailed as an officer for several Norwegian ship owners before taking a position ashore in 1971 with Star Shipping in Vancouver, BC. In 1978, he was promoted to Operations Manager and moved to Star Shipping’s office in New York. In this position he became very well know to people in the maritime industry. With his knowledge and guidance, the Port of Mobile became one of Star Shipping’s most productive ports. Mobile was a favorite destination for him, both in business and personally. He loved the Port, the people, the weather, the Gulf, and the fishing. He made many lasting friendships here. Even though Eilif retired in 1998, he has never been out of mind. Whenever there are two or more people together who knew him, there are always wonderful stories about “The Captain” to be told. His friends are invited to attend a reception in his honor at Star Shipping’s office, 1100B Dauphin Street, on Tuesday, January 8, from 5:00 to 7:00pm. It will be a gathering to honor and celebrate his life. The family asks that any memorials be made to the American Cancer Society. Peace be with you, Eilif. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008
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