Ohio - Bernt Olav Bodal of Seattle, Washington was born June 14, 1953, in Ski, Norway and died peacefully at age 72 on February 18, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. He spent his childhood near Oslo building ski jumps with friends, participating in Speider (Norway's Boy Scouts), and discovering his lifelong love for music and guitar. After high school, he spent the 1970s touring Norway as bass guitarist with his band Høst, with whom he continued playing until his final weeks.

Bernt met Elisabeth Bang at 18 and they married in July 1978 in Svolvær, Norway. A month later, they followed family to Seattle to pursue opportunities in the Alaskan fishing industry. Bernt worked as a deckhand on crab boats, advancing to mate and eventually captain of a factory trawler, spending months at a time fishing the Bering Sea.

In 1991, he joined American Seafoods Company, where he served as CEO and majority owner for 25+ years, becoming a pioneer of the Alaska seafood industry. He even appeared on Undercover Boss, showcasing his generosity and passion. Though he stepped back as CEO in 2018, he continued as a board member.

During their 30-year marriage, which ended in 2008, Bernt and Elisabeth raised three children and built deep roots in Seattle's Norwegian community. Together they created a successful business and supported numerous charities.

Bernt became a grandfather in 2013, cherishing time with his three grandchildren. He found love again with Michelle Fox, marrying in March 2023. Michelle stood by him devotedly until his final days.

A cancer diagnosis in Fall 2022 didn't slow Bernt down. Between treatments, he traveled extensively, golfed, and played music with friends worldwide. He was even inducted into the Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp Hall of Fame in 2025. His final weeks were spent celebrating Christmas with family, skiing in Norway, and performing with his bandmates.

He is survived by children Thomas Bodal, Ellen Medley (Scott), and Alexander Bodal; grandchildren Katherine, Henrik, and James Medley; wife Michelle Fox; stepchildren Alex and Avery Fox; mother Randi Aulie; brother Trond (Debbie) Bodal and extended family in Seattle and Norway. He was preceded in death by father Rangvald Bodahl.

A celebration of life will be held in Seattle in the coming weeks. Please honor Bernt by taking the trip, making the call, or just showing up for those you love. His full obituary can be read at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/dublin-oh/bernt-bodal-12754090.