Obituary: Andrew Dean Massey, 68

Andrew Dean Massey was born on July 18, 1957, in Petersburg, Alaska, to Mildred and Clarence (Jack) Massey. Raised in a commercial fishing community, his love of being on the water started with his little rowboat on Hammer Slough. After graduating from Petersburg High, Andy tried his hand at logging and even attempted to find his fortune by gold mining in Nome, but Petersburg was always home and he soon made commercial fishing his lifelong career. 

Andrew Dean Massey

Andy fished from the waters of Southeast Alaska to the Gulf of Alaska, the Bering Sea and Bristol Bay. The majority of his years were spent on the F/V Westerly with longtime friend Chris Jensen. Incredibly, they survived after the vessel sank in Glacier Bay in 1994. Andy then spent years fishing aboard the F/V Tani Rae, and later back with Chris on the new F/V Westerly. He also enjoyed many seasons fishing in the Bering Sea with his brother Bud Samuelson on the F/V Prowler. In between seasons he squeezed in time to build two homes for his family – one in Juneau, and the other in Hawaii.

After decades spent fishing on large vessels in extreme conditions, Andy decided it was time to slow down. He bought the F/V Tia Lynn and some halibut IFQs and fished his later years on the inside waters of Southeast Alaska with his family.

Andy also enjoyed hunting, traveling, jamming out on his guitar, and learning the secrets of Black Cod pickling from his brother-in-law Bill Olsen. He was known for his quick wit and good sense of humor.

While he was a man of the sea, his greatest achievement and joy in life was his daughter Tiana Nicole. Andy was an amazing father to Tiana and his two stepsons, Ryan and David. He taught them a strong work ethic and the value of a dollar. He loved being a grandfather to his grandchildren and he will be missed dearly.

A lifetime Alaskan resident, Andy passed away in Juneau, Alaska, on October 19, 2025, after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred and Clarence Massey; his oldest sister, Darlene Samuelson; and brother, Bud Samuelson. 

Andy is survived by his wife of 7 years, Jeanet Massey; ex-wife, Karin Dvorak and their daughter, Tiana (Dakota) Ekis and her three children, McKenna, Bridger and Torin of Juneau; son, David Hamilton of Juneau; son, Ryan (Lucia) Hamilton, and their son Alek of Panama City, Florida; sisters, Annette (Bill) Olson of Petersburg, Janice (Jerry) Kvernvik of Petersburg, and Bette Massey (Chris Ottesen) of Washington; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Per his wishes, Andy’s ashes will be spread in Glacier Bay, Alaska.