Port Passings

Captain Mitch Hallen, 55, Duluth, died May 3. Master of Interlake Steamship Co.'s Paul R. Tregurtha since 1993, Captain Hallen began his sailing career aboard the W.E. Fitzgerald and joined Interlake Steamship as a third mate aboard the Harry Coulby in 1973. His career also included stints aboard the Mesabi Miner, Herbert C. Jackson, Elton Hoyt II, Charles M. Beeghly, James R. Barker and Lee A. Tregurtha. He was 1982 Grand President of the International Shipmasters Association and was a respected member of the Duluth-Superior Harbor and Propeller Clubs.

Anthony "Tony" Victor Vatalaro Sr., 74, Duluth, died July 16. Mr. Vatalaro served as a seaman in the Coast Guard and was with the Army during the Korean War. Upon returning to Duluth he worked at the Duluth Union Depot before beginning a long career as a Duluth longshoreman.

Captain Guido Gulder, 94, Duluth, died July 23. Captain Gulder started his career as a deckhand with the Pittsburgh Steamship Company and worked his way up to Master, a position he held for many years before retiring in 1973. An active member of the Duluth-Superior Harbor Club, International Shipmasters' Association and Lake Superior Historical Society, he took a keen interest in the development of the Marine Museum in Canal Park.

Ralph M. Myhre, 93, Two Harbors, died April 21. Mr. Myhre, a ship fitter for many years at Duluth's Barnes Shipyard, retired as an inspector with Diamond Tool Company.

Roger A. Oraskovich, 52, Duluth, died April 24. Mr. Oraskovich sailed on the Great Lakes for many years and also worked as an upholsterer and carpet layer.

Jack Furrie, 85, Arizona, died April 29. Mr. Furrie, longtime chief engineer of Interlake Steamship Co.'s John Sherwin, retired when the vessel retired in 1981. Mr. Furrie was the former president of the Duluth-Superior Harbor Club.