Michael Anton Josephson was born September 15, 1943 in Astoria, OR to Cecil and Avis Josephson.  He died May 8, 2024, at home in Seaside, OR at the age of 80 years.

Michael is survived by his former wife and business partner, Linda Josephson; his daughter Greta Josephson—both of Portland, OR; his son Greg Josephson, daughter-in-law Erika, granddaughters Isabella and Jordan—all of Seaside, OR; and a sister Sherry Lorentzen and family of Lakewood, WA.  Michael was preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Avis of Astoria and his sister, Jacquelyn Rexrode of San Francisco, CA.  Her surviving husband is brother-in-law Gene Rexrode of San Francisco.

Known as “Mike”, he graduated from Astoria High School in 1961; attended Oregon State University majoring in industrial engineering until he was selected for the US Army Draft in the mid-1960’s.  Instead, Mike enlisted in the US Navy for 4 years, specializing in Data Processing where he earned a Special DP Certification.

He met and married Linda Anderson from Bremerton, WA while stationed at Bangor Trident Base WA in 1968.  Transferred to Hawaii, Mike served in the offices of the Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor during the Vietnam War.  The couple also attended the University of Hawaii from 1968-1971 getting their degrees—Mike’s in math and engineering, as his military duty ended.

Returning to Astoria in 1971 to help his folks with the family fish business, Mike also worked for Astoria’s County Assessor’s Office developing a new joint County-City data processing center.  

Mike and his father, Cecil, built Josephson’s Fish-Receiving Station at the foot of 11th street in Astoria where Mike  bought fish for commercial smoking until the river closed to commercial fishing in the 1980’s.

Mike loved tennis and played in state-wide competitions.  His favorite memories were traveling the World Tennis Grand Slams compliments of his brother-in-law, Dick Anderson of Allyn, WA.  Preceded in death by brother-in-law, Don Anderson of Anchorage, AK--Mike shared with him all things data processing related.

Mike has processed nationally renowned specialty smoked seafood at Josephson’s Smokehouse for over 50 years.  He passed the 104-year family business to the fourth generation, daughter Greta and son Greg Josephson.  

Special recognition and thanks go to Josephson’s many employees who worked under Mike and Linda over the years.  Mike’s legacy continues with his adult children at Josephson’s Smokehouse, 106 Marine Drive, Astoria OR.

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