Savior Francis Papetti

Savior Papetti (Nanu), of Bellingham, WA died peacefully in his home (as he wished) with his family and caregivers at his side. Savior passed at 10:00 PM on Sunday evening November 4, 2017 at the age of 91, just a month before his annual vacation to Mazatlan. Savior was born June 10, 1926 in Collinsville, California, the son of Salvatore and Splendora Papetti. He and his wife Marie were both from pioneer Italian fishing families and married on December 28, 1947. They lived in Pittsburg, California for 6 years and then returned to a 10 acre farm in Collinsville, California surrounded by thousands of acres of wheat and cattle farmers. While in Collinsville, they raised sheep and chickens. They hunted waterfowl and pheasants, fished and had a huge garden and lived off the land. After the Sacramento River closed to fishing, Savior, Marie and their two sons and daughter relocated to Bellingham. Savior fished and crabbed the Puget Sound and Alaska, while Marie started a daycare. Together they ran a summer salmon fishing operation in Egegik , Naknek, Kvichak and other river systems in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Over the 40 years of fishing together, they took their children, grandchildren and many others for fishing opportunities. At one point, Savior had 3 Gillnetters and 5 Set Nets in his operation. The legacy that they started with their family still continues today. Savior and Marie lived their lives fully, fitting so much into their 65 years together. They traveled the world enjoying the adventures of life including Europe twice, the east coast and Mexico every winter. They showed their love by feeding everybody all around the world. No matter where they were, their door and table was always open. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marie of 65 years, brothers Saverio, Joe, Phillip and sister Tilda, and he is survived by his brothers Sam and Dominic; sisters, Carmen, Rosie and Josie; his sons Salvatore (Nancy), Dominic (Karen); daughter Splendora (Don) Huizenga; grandchildren Savior, Denise, Dominic (Marisa) , Michael, Victor, Estelle Papetti and Richard (Kim) and Tommy Huizenga, as well as a large host of family and friends and his corgi Ralphie. Savior was happy and lived life fully to the very end with many recent trips, including Alaska this summer and multiple celebration parties, many thanks to Dr. Rob Phillips and so many good friends. During Savior’s final days at home his family was blessed to have so much help and support from so many special close friends/ caregivers/family. His brother Dominic, Julie, Becca, Mary, Margaret, Fiona (Debbie Verzella), neighbor Janelle. Savior will be missed by many. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at the Squalicum Boathouse, 2600 N. Harbor Loop Dr., Bellingham, WA 98225. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held 11:00 AM at Bayview Cemetery Monday, Nov. 20, 2017. Those wishing to make memorials may make them to Hospice.