Wayne F. Coutinho, 55, Was Fisherman, Hunter

Wayne F. Coutinho of Oak Bluffs died peacefully on June 3, after a lengthy bout with cancer, at the home of his brother and sister in law, Alan and Deborah Coutinho.

Born on the Island on August 15, 1946, Wayne was a well-known fisherman, hunter and laborer who turned his hand from painting to carpentry and shellfishing. For a time he ran his own boat, Yummy, named after his father.

He was instrumental as a fisherman to have limpets designated by the Massschusetts legislature as a fish. At one time, Wayne was actively involved in negotiations with businesses in France to market this product there.

A person who felt deeply concerned with open space on the Island for fishermen and hunters alike, Wayne could be found almost daily at Dippin' Donuts before heading out on his various jobs or fishing trips.

After leaving high school, he became a member of the U.S. Army Reserves. Between 1967 and 1973 he served 15 months active duty as a cook, with "A" Battery, 1 Battalion, 79th Artillery in Korea, and was honorably discharged in October 1973.

Wayne was predeceased by his mother, Frances (Finnucane) Coutinho, and his father, Manuel "Yummy" Coutinho. Besides his brother, he leaves two nephews, Jonathan M Coutinho of Houston and Paul A Coutinho of Manassas, Va.; twin great nieces, Grace and Olivia Coutinho, also of Manassas; two uncles, John Coutinho of Oak Bluffs and Francis Coutinho of West Tisbury; one aunt, Chandra Mongillo of Southington, Conn., and Oak Bluffs, and numerous cousins and many friends.

A memorial service dedicating his cremains to the sea will be scheduled at a date to be announced.

Donations in Wayne's memory may be made to Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, P.O. Box 2549, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557. Arrangements under the care the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs.