By Jessica Wray
Fredrick Floyd Shipman (Fred), 62, a longstanding resident of Cordova, Alaska, passed away peacefully on Dec. 20, 2025, at his home of four years in Wisconsin with his wife Samantha by his side.
Fred was surrounded by the legacy of a life deeply tied to the sea and the two communities he loved.
Born and raised in Cordova, Fred spent his entire career as a commercial fisherman, a calling he embraced with dedication, grit, and pride. The waters of Prince William Sound were not just his workplace, but his way of life. Through long seasons and changing tides, he earned the respect of fellow fishermen and townspeople alike for his strong work ethic, perseverance, and deep knowledge of the sea. Cordova was always home to Fredrick, and he carried its spirit with him in all that he did.
Fred is survived by his loving wife, Samantha Shipman; his stepchildren, Benjamin Wray and Jessica Wray; his father, Raymond Shipman; his brother, Ed Shipman; and his extended family, all whom he cared for deeply. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, a steady presence in his family, and a man whose life was shaped by hard work, resilience, and loyalty to those he loved.
Fredrick Floyd Shipman’s legacy lives on in the waters he worked, the community he helped sustain, and the family who will carry his memory forward.
