Delane Price Maves

July 29, 1949 – Jan. 4, 2019

Delane Price Maves, 69, died on Jan. 4, 2019.

He passes away peacefully in his home, the family wrote.

Delane was born July 29, 1949 in Tacoma, Washington.

Delane was an adventurer and storyteller. Setting out from Tacoma after high school, he spent two years at Western Washington University, before the lure of the north called to him.

He moved to Southeast Alaska and bought a boat, dreaming of a fisherman’s life on the water. He got a job on a fish tender, and on a random stop in Homer, he met his future wife, Linda, and ended up staying. The boat would have to wait, but commercial fishing remained a part of his life. He spent the summer months pursuing the catch thereafter.

In 1977, they wintered 80 miles north of the Arctic circle trapping game and living the bush life. They had a son, Kelley, in 1978. Delane continued fishing in the summers and spent winters as a carpenter. He had myriad adventures along the way in Hawaii, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, the Bering Sea, and across the United States.

In 1995, Delane was paralyzed in a surfing accident on Maui’s north shore. While his world changed dramatically, his thirst for life only grew stronger. He was able to sell his commercial fishing operation and buy a home in Seattle. Over the years he transformed the home and his life to fit his new reality.

He inspired many people along the way with his dogged tenacity, incredible patience, and quick wit. He had a gentle heart and compassion for everyone he touched. Delane’s many friends and family will remember the kind, funny, and strong person that he was.

He is survived by his two brothers, Shelton and Terry Maves; his son, Kelley Maves; daughter in-law, Jessica Maves; and grandkids, Riley and Morgan Maves.