Anthony Daniel Bolin

The oldest of seven siblings, Dan Bolin was born on April 22, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio. Around 1957 the young family moved to Lanham, MD, just outside of Washington D.C., then to Salisbury on the eastern shore of Maryland. In 1962 they settled in Atlanta, GA, where Dan attended St. Joseph’s High School, graduating in 1967. After attending the University of Georgia for a short time he headed out west and never looked back.

He landed first in Sonoma County where he lived for several years at the iconic “Open Land” commune on Bill Wheeler’s ranch in the hills outside of Bodega Bay; there he began his commercial fishing career. He moved to Mendocino County in 1973 and bought his first boat in Noyo Harbor, a 20’ Grand Banks dory earning him the nickname Dory Dan which stuck for the rest of his life.

Dory Dan found his place on the north coast. He was a free spirit and a natural born fisherman, so working in the salmon trolling industry was a perfect fit, a gift that provided meaningful work, dignity, pride in his profession, joy for the wonders of the sea, and many days of happiness.

In 1975 Dan married Vivian Davis at the Albion Community Center. They fished together for twenty seasons becoming established members of the fleet and well known in the wider fisheries community from Eureka to Monterey Bay. Their idyllic houseboat home is still famous among the kayakers and canoers on the Albion River.

Dory Dan was a well known character on the North Coast. He was an independent man, did things his way and lived life on his own terms as much as possible. He was a social person and had many friends and acquaintances. He was not shy and could frequently be heard greeting a neighbor in a large way. He usually had something to say and often it was funny. He had a quick wit and a wicked sense of humor. He was a man who worked hard despite physical adversities. Never asking for a hand-out or charity he proudly worked for what he got.

Dory Dan had integrity. He kept his word. He knew who he was and what he liked and lived life consistent with his values and beliefs. He was well respected and very much loved by all in the community who knew him.

A memorial prayer circle will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2020, at noon on the Mendocino headlands at the end of Little Lake Rd. All are welcome! Covid-19 precautions to be observed.