Michael Lee “Capt. Mike” Huff died peacefully from a long bout with dementia and Alzheimer’s on Dec. 3, 2024, at South Peninsula Hospital in Homer.

He was born May 29,1943, in Yamhill, Oregon, to Everett and Jane Huff. He managed a Piggly Wiggly in Albany, Oregon, before joining the U.S. Army in 1961, where he was on active duty until 1964 and then in the reserves until 1967.

He moved to Sitka, Alaska, and fished with his dad. He moved to Chugiak and worked for Nalleys delivering snacks to the military bases. He later moved to Homer and managed Proctor’s Grocery Store.

In the 1980s, Mike started charter fishing, first working for Captain’s Charters. He then started his own charter company, Captain Mike’s Charters, in 1987. He happily made great fishing memories for folks for more than thirty years.

He married Mary Huff in 1987.

Mike loved life to the fullest. He enjoyed fishing, ice racing, poker, fine cigars, pool, snow machining, and later in life, golf.

He could fix anything. He bought an old Morris Minor and converted it from gas to electric. He was always coming up with new ideas and brought the first catamaran to the Homer fleet. Over the years he owned and captained the Tomahawk ll, the Fat Cat, The Wildcat, The Wild Thing, and last, but not least, the Happy Boat.

Capt. Mike lived his life on his own terms and full of adventure, joy, and, above all, an abundance of kindness.

His children are Amanda Herndon, Mike Huff Jr., and Monica Stamm, and his step-children are Buck Vandecovering, Glenda Patrick, and Nathan Vandecovering. He also had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Capt. Mike is survived by his wife, Mary Huff; his children, Amanda Herndon, Mike Huff Jr., and Monica Stamm; his step-children, Glenda Patrick and Nathan Vandecovering; his brothers and sisters, Doty Sever, Angie Brandt, Julie Bently, Joe Huff, Pat Huff, Betty Simpson, and Kathy Huff; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Jane Huff; his brother, Bill Huff; sister, Audrey Huff; and stepson, Buck Vandecovering.

A memorial will be planned in the spring at a date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for a memorial brick at the Seafarers Memorial (care of Northwind Home Collection in Homer) or to Hospice of Homer (www.hospiceofhomer.org)