The Singin Salmon Man from Cornet Bay

Great Storytelling Book

2012-01-17T16:41:00.000-08:00

If you want classic reading of great adventures read "The Singin' Salmon Man from Cornet Bay." This is a story about a classmate of mine who I remember as Arnie the singing accordion player. When we finish school and go on with our lives, we never know what lies ahead.

Well what a life Arnie had. I am sure that anyone can relate to one adventure or another that he experienced. It is a great storytelling book about this fun and very multi-talented man. A great story and a must read, besides it makes you hungry for more tales from Arnie.

Barbara Toskey Lobejko

Cowboy-Singer-Entrepreneur

2012-01-17T16:39:00.000-08:00

As friendly and charming as Arnie himself, this book stands as a tribute to the pursuance of the American Dream. Arnie "did it his way," with a determination that has been rewarded with success. The sweetness of life in the 40's and 50's (we were poor, we were at war, but we were happy) sets the stage for this cowboy-singer-entrepreneur.

Follow his rollicking bumps as he travels along finding himself in an interesting array of friendships, ultimately finding his best, the lovely Joanne and the continuance of their lives, demonstrating their skills and passions, definitely a slice of the American Pie.

Friend and fan, Sue Christensen.

Local Guy, Local Story - The Singin Salmon Man from Cornet Bay

2012-01-09T20:51:00.000-08:00

Being new to the Skagit Valley area, I found I can learn about a new area by reading books written by local authors. Picking up and reading "The Singin' Salmon Man I ran into a local man who's life was so interesting I couldn’t put it down. It starts out with a local guy fishing in the Deception Pass area and fast moves him into a national role finishing up by starting a fish based food business from of all places Nashville. Who could write about smoked salmon and the Grand Ole Opry in one sentence? Well Arnie can and does.

This is a fun fun informative book about a man who starts small and doesn't know when to stop. A great read well beyond a local guy with a local story.

Oliver Iversen
La Conner WA

Chapter 20 - My Fun Times in the Military

2011-12-15T10:45:00.000-08:00

Crawling in the mud under barbed wire and live ammunition was quite an experience.

Bourbon Pumpkin Pie & Bourbon Glaze Whipped Cream

2011-12-15T10:42:00.000-08:00

Joanne's Kitchen

Bourbon Pumpkin Pie & Bourbon Glaze Whipped Cream

¾ cup sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground allspice
2 large eggs
1 can (15 oz.) pure pumpkin
1 Tablespoon Cornet Bay Sweet Bourbon Glaze
1 can (12 fl. oz.) evaporated milk
1 unbaked 9-inch (4 cup volume deep-dish shell)

Mix sugar, salt, cinnamon and allspice in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl; stir in bourbon glaze, pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour into pie shell. Bake in preheated 425° oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°; bake 40-50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Pie can be baked 1 day ahead and chilled. Bring to room temperature before serving.

BOURBON GLAZE WHIPPED CREAM

In a mixing bowl; beat 1 pint heavy whipping cream, 1 Tablespoon sugar, and 2 Tablespoons Cornet Bay Sweet Bourbon Glaze.

"The Singin' Salmon Man from Cornet Bay by Arnie Deckwa. Book Review

2011-10-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

"The Singin' Salmon Man from Cornet Bay by Arnie Deckwa.

This book is like sitting down with an old and very dear friend over a couple of beers (or cups of coffee) and listening to exceptionally interesting, frequently funny, occasionally a tad frightening, and always heart-warming stories of his life and the paths he has been down.

I read a great deal and generally fairly rapidly, "so many books, so little time." However, from about the third paragraph of Arnie's book I slammed on the brakes. My brain simply said this is a book to be shared completely with the author, to be read as if the author were right across from you wherever you might be reading and speaking just to you, because that is exactly what Arnie does. He simply shares, in the most entertaining way, a life's path with more twists and turns into unexpected places than most people could experience in ten lifetimes. I really enjoyed reading this book very slowly and savoring the wonderful tales this interesting man shares. I was actually sorry the book came to an end, and I've found myself going back and rereading about some of the fascinating trails this "singin; salmon man" has traveled. If you want to relax and spend some truly entertaining time with a fascinating man, read The Singin' Salmon Man from Cornet Bay. By the end you'll feel as though Arnie Deckwa is one of your oldest and dearest friends, you'll be smiling broadly, and you too will not want the stories to end."
Captain M. J. McCamish, USN (Ret)

Chapter 19 - The Grown-up Cowboy Dream

2011-10-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was a little boy, one of my biggest dreams was to be a cowboy. Mom and Dad helped it along, buying me two Roy Rogers cap pistols with a holster, leather wrist cuffs, and a cowboy hat, along with a classic Daisy Red Ryder BB gun. Then, of course, there was the saddle I rode on top of my dog Trigger's house as I sang to the seagulls.

Chapt. 18 - "You can't beat us, Deckwa, so you might as well join us"

2011-10-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

Deputy Sheriff Arnie Deckwa

Northwest Meat Seasoning

2011-07-31T20:34:00.000-07:00

Coming up with a Northwest Meat Seasoning that would stand out in line with all the other Meat Seasoning on the market, needless to say was a challenge; but we did it. We named our Meat Seasoning, Cornet Bay “Best Steak and Seafood Seasoning”; you can find it on the seasoning shelves in over 75 QFC grocery stores. One of the things I’ve always strived for in our Cornet Bay food business is to come out with a product that not only works wonders on meat but also works on Seafood as well; our Meat Seasoning does just that.

I’ve got two good pals I always run a new product by. They’re good judges, but not for one who wears’ their heart on their sleeve, their testing can be unmerciful; if you don’t want the answer, don’t ask them the question. One will try anything, the other, if it’s got any kind of heat to it he pretty much backs off, but he loves our Meat Seasoning, even with the pepper in the ingredients, says it has a permanent home on his kitchen table. He uses it on all his meats, fish, poultry, even on vegetables! That, my friends’, coming from him is one great testimony.

Our Meat Seasoning is a chunky full flavored seasoning that takes all meats, seafood poultry, you name it, to another level, its’ wonderful on roasted vegetables, give it a try, here’s the recipe:

1-cup sliced Cauliflower

1-cup sliced Broccoli

½ cup sliced Mushrooms

½ cup largely sliced Sweet Onion

3 cloves finely diced fresh Garlic

Kolymvari Olive oil

Joanne’s Special Seasoning

Best Steak and Seafood seasoning

Parmesan Cheese

In a large bowl include together Cauliflower, Broccoli, Mushrooms, Onions, Garlic. Drizzle on a good amount of the Kolymvari Olive Oil, gently toss. Sprinkle with Joanne’s Special Seasoning, Best Steak and Seafood Seasoning, gently toss. Place tinfoil over a shallow cooking pan; rub with olive oil, spread out all ingredients. Place in oven at 350 degrees; roast until broccoli ends begin to turn brown. Remove from oven, sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese and serve. There you have it, roasted vegetables with our Meat Seasoning. Try this: After it’s served, splash with our White Lightnin’ Pepper Sauce, MMMmmmm!

Every year my pals and I pack up the horses for the annual fishing trip to around 5000 feet into the Cascade Mountains. No cell phones, no computers; fly fishing the high lakes is a blast. Eating freshly cooked trout over an open fire smothered with olive oil, Joanne’s Special Seasoning ... our Meat Seasoning is what gives it the finishing flavor, what can I say, it is wonderful!

For some great recipes and a fun read about how our Cornet Bay Company came to be, Click the on the title and order my book today.

“The Singin’ Salmon Man from Cornet Bay”

Or send a $16.00 check (includes S&H) to:

Cornet Bay Company

251 Cornet Bay RD

Oak Harbor, WA 98277

To order you can also email:
joanne@cornetbay.com

Chapter 17 - The Accident: A Huge Life Lesson

2011-07-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

Back in 1958, when I was seventeen, I had this 1957 Chevy Bel Air sport coupe. It was turquoise-colored, two-door hardtop, and it was just beautiful. It could also flat-out fly.

We were flying down the road, and we got to a turn that the car just didn't make. They say the car went end over end three times or so and rolled over as well.

Washington Seafood Seasoning

2011-07-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

When Joanne and I moved home to Whidbey Island from Nashville TN she had no idea that she would one day be able to say she has created a Washington Seafood Seasoning; this seasoning now sits on shelves in over 75 QFC stores. Born and raised in Nashville TN with a career in human resources, moving to Cornet Bay on Whidbey Island was quite a change, one she’s never regretted, Cornet Bay is beautiful. In the food business one never stops creating, it’s part of life. This Seafood Seasoning made our Kroger labeled Artichoke Shrimp dip taste phenomenal.

Folks from all around would say “why don’t you put that Seasoning on the market? It’s wonderful.” Easier said then done. The idea sounded great but our products have always had to prove themselves before adding them to our line. The Seafood Seasoning worked great in the seafood dip, but, could it stand on its own on tables along side the salt and pepper? So the test began. Sample after sample of the new Seafood Seasoning along with suggested recipes was given away to friends, grocery store buyers, people who we met during our Cornet Bay food demos, asking them to give it a try.

All reports came back positive; Joanne’s Seafood Seasoning was added to our Cornet Bay product line. Over the years this wonderful Seafood Seasoning has proven itself again and again to be not only fantastic on, fish, crab, shrimp and clams; actually, it’s great on all kinds of seafood, soups included, but, as an addition to salads, hot or cold sandwiches, beef, pork and poultry, well, it’s a treat. I use it all the time as a rub; it’s in our pork Shoulder recipe.

It’s a good feeling to know that Joanne’s Seafood Seasoning is one of those seasonings that folks simply fall in love with.

When you’re shopping in a QFC store go to the seasoning aisle, look for Cornet Bay Seasonings, the one that Joanne created has the green label titled Joanne’s Special Seasoning, credit goes where credits due; you can’t miss it. Buy a bottle for your table, I promise you your foods will love her Seafood Seasoning, you will too. From Nashville’s human resources to Whidbey Island’s Cornet Bay food business then to the development of a Seafood Seasoning, amazing, yep, I’m proud.

On tables across the country a new Washington Seafood Seasoning wearing the name of Joanne’s Special Seasoning, is holding its own.

You can read more about our Cornet Bay seasonings in my book titled:

“The Singin’ Salmon Man from Cornet Bay”

To order my book email joanne@cornetbay.com or send a check of $16.00 (includes tax, S&H) made out to: Cornet Bay Company

Send to:

251 Cornet Bay Road, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Thank you for reading my blog, folks, I’ve enjoyed our visit.

Arnie

Northwest Canned Smoked Salmon

2011-07-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

Northwest Canned Smoke Salmon

Being raised in a commercial fishing family in Cornet Bay, Northwest Canned Smoked Salmon seemed only natural to add to our Cornet Bay product line. My dad, Oliver Deckwa, was laying nets out on the west side of Whidbey Island, just around the corner from Deception Pass Bridge before I was born. In those days he pulled the nets in on the boats he built, by hand. It was a very strenuous physical job, but one he loved. My mother, Rena, cooked Salmon every way imaginable. Salmon was a regular staple at our dinner table. When the day came for both my parents to smoke salmon, that’s when folks would come from all around.

The Deckwa pantry shelves were always filled with Canned Smoked Salmon along with regular Salmon. Coming from a family that has been in the seafood industry for over seventy years Canned Smoked Salmon is simply a part of life, as it was in my grandparent’s home that was across the field, a short distance away. Behind their house is where dad built his commercial smoker, a building that measured around twelve by fourteen feet. It was set up to hot smoke salmon over an alder wood fire along with cold smoked salmon, a process he had down to perfection; it was mouth watering.

I was a young boy then, but I can still remember that wonderful smell of salmon smoking away in that old wooden smoker. It was always exciting to see mom’s face light up with happiness when visitors would ask if she’d open a jar of her wonderful Canned Smoked Salmon. It’s taken a long time to place three different flavors of our Cornet Bay wild Coho Canned Smoked Salmon onto the QFC store shelves, but we’ve finally accomplished it.

Our Canned Smoked Salmon is no longer smoked in that old wooden building that dad once had, it’s long gone, but I know that my parents would be very proud of the three flavors we’ve created and now sit on the QFC shelves; they are delicious.

Cornet Bay Jalapeno Canned Smoked Salmon, Red Pepper Canned Smoked Salmon, Classic Canned Smoked Salmon, has been a Puget Sound favorite of folks here and across the country. So stop in to your local QFC store and pick up a can, you'll be glad you did. If you would like to read more stories about Salmon fishing around Cornet Bay, look for them along with many of our great recipes in my book titled:

“The Singin’ Salmon Man from Cornet Bay”

To order my book email joanne@corntbay.com or send a check of $16.00 (includes tax, S&H) made out to:

Cornet Bay Company

251 Cornet Bay Road

Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Thank you for reading my blog, I’ve enjoyed our visit.

Arnie

Chapter 16 - Another Attitude Adjustment

2011-07-12T16:48:00.000-07:00

My mother's father Henry Sterkel was in his seventies, and I guess I wasn't taking him seriously. I figured I could handle this old Russian man.

Book review by Peggy V

2011-07-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

Only one problem with the book . . . . I couldn't put it down once I started reading it!

--Peggy V., Johnsonburg, PA

Book review by Peggy V

2011-07-12T16:40:00.001-07:00

Only one problem with the book . . . . I couldn't put it down once I started reading it!

--Peggy V., Johnsonburg, PA

Northwest Pork Shoulder Recipe

2011-07-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

This year I used my favorite North West Pork Shoulder Recipe to feed one hundred folks who came to our home in Cornet Bay to help us celebrate our 3^rd annual 4^th of July celebration and along with the help of Cornet Bay imports, no one left hungry.

My Pork Shoulder recipe was used for grilling 66 pounds of pork shoulders marinated for 18 hours and grilled on our Cherry Wooden Cooking Planks over charcoal and a cherry wood fire.

Pork Shoulder recipe is as follows and it’s simple.

After trimming off some excess fat and piercing the meat with a fork, rub the shoulders with two of our Cornet Bay Seasonings: Joanne’s Special Seasoning and Garlic Pepper, (a 50 - 50 mix) along with a little added sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Pour and rub onto the pork our famous All Purpose Louisiana Marinade along with some Kolymvari Olive Oil that is brought in from the island of Crete.

Place each shoulder in a plastic freezer bag, add a little more All Purpose Marinade, seal and refrigerate for a minimum of 12 hours.

I created the Pork shoulder recipe for grilling however it works very well in the kitchen oven, on planks in a shallow cooking pan with a temperature of not more 350 degrees.

Note: Soak Cooking Planks for a minimum of three hours.

For this Pork Shoulder recipe I soaked the Planks in water for six hours. They can also be soaked over night, in apple juice is wonderful, wine is good; be creative.

Remove the shoulders from freezer bags and tie with butcher string (compared to a rolled roast) and place onto the soaked cooking Planks.

Place planks and shoulders on grill over a charcoal and cherry wood fire with indirect heat at 225 to 250 degrees, alternating the shoulders from the ones closest to the heat. Bring shoulders to 155 to 160 degrees and base several times one hour before removing from grill with our great selling Sweet Bourbon Glaze.

My Pork Shoulder recipe cooking time for 66 pounds was 8 ½ hours.

Helping to make our day a huge and wonderful success with this Pork shoulder recipe was 50 pounds of oysters being grilled on a second grill and served with our Cornet Bay Louisiana gourmet Pepper Sauce and as usual, they were a hit along with the Dungeness crab served with our Cocktail Sauce.

Look for our Cornet Bay Seasonings, All Purpose Marinade, Sweet Bourbon Glaze, Louisiana gourmet Pepper Sauce, Cocktail Sauce and Kolymvari Olive Oil on the condiment, seasonings and olive oil shelves in QFC. This Pork shoulder recipe is new but many more wonderful recipes can be found in my recently released book:

“The Singin’ Salmon Man from Cornet Bay”

To order my book email Joanne@cornetbay.com or send check of $16.00 (includes S&H) Made out to: Cornet Bay

Send to:
Cornet Bay

251 Cornet Bay

Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Chapter 14 - Life lessons from somebody who used to be cool

2011-06-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

For a while in the mid-1950's, as James Dean and Elvis were just making their marks on the culture. I began turning myself into the epitome of the Whidbey Island hipster. I had my hair greased and combed back into a perfect ducktail, engineer boots polished and shining like a brand-new car, Levi's pulled down just a skosh for that perfect fit. Then, to set it all in motion, there was my leather jacket. Ah, yes, the jacket.

Book review by Mary Pippert

2011-05-29T12:44:00.001-07:00

"I recently bought the book, "The Singin' Salmon Man from Cornet Bay" by Arnie Deckwa and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was easy reading and each chapter was a different adventure of Arnie's -- and he had many.

He lived, and continues to live, life to the fullest. It was one of those books that was hard to put down and after reading it, I ordered three more books for my sisters."

Mary Pippert
Overland Park, Kansas

Book review by Leroy Cook

2011-05-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

Arnie and Joanne:

First of all, thank you for taking the time to write in the copy of your book Eleanor sent me. Getting a copy so I could read it was on my list but had not made it to the top of the list yet.

I thought I had gone a lot of places and done a lot of things and I am kind of an arms folded "show me" kind of guy on most everything and everybody. I finished "The Singing Salmon Man" a couple of days ago and I am really impressed. I am impressed with your stories, the way the book is written and, most of all, what you and Joanne have done and are doing. Thank you for all the good things you have done and for taking the time to tell others about them so they can be inspired and motivated. Besides telling your stories well, the book is a page turner.

Good luck in your business ventures and, although I don't think I have to tell you this:

Keep enjoying each day.

Leroy Cook

What a ride.....

2011-05-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

So much in the mill and so much to do, sometimes I feel like I’m just starting all over again and then it begins to hit me, man! What a ride this has been and the miles that have been traveled to make this story happen seems like several life-times. Sometimes it just slams me to realize that its in a book! A finished BOOK! …

A lady ask me in the store on either Friday or Saturday, can’t remember, it’s all starting to run together, she said, “When’s the movie coming out?” We had a big laugh on that one and then it went on as to who was going to play me and a guy who was sampling our products and listening to the story jumped in and said, “he can play himself!” … People really like listening to the story.

A gal on Friday who bought a book and products just wanted me to keep going on and on and was thrilled when I gave her a tour through the book and told a little about the different pictures of my parents, dad building the boats and this is what it looked like when he was launching it and then about it’s looks on the hoist after several trips north, and it went on and on. She was honestly amazed and eager to hear more. It’s really fun and humbling, to be able to be who you are and talk about this ride and have folks really honestly like my story.

Book Review by Mark Brady

2011-05-04T11:01:00.000-07:00

Let me first mention I have the privilege of knowing Arnie first hand… We are neighbors here at Cornet Bay and I’ve spent more than one afternoon/evening in his home hearing the tales of “Arn, the Commercial Fisherman”, “Arn, the Contractor”, “Arn, the Deputy Sheriff”, “Arn, the Cowboy, Bull Rider, Chariot Racer”, “Arn, the Entertainer”… The list is almost endless… I was actually able to share Arnies’ escapade of putting the book together. He allowed me to read many of the transcripts as the different chapters were written…. It was a fun adventure!

As we travel our journey through life, we come across those unique souls that somehow manage to take life to its fullest…. I consider them a “Rare Breed”. You’re about to read the tales of one of those characters… I have managed to put a little excitement in my own life journey including flying jet aircraft on and off a “Pitching Deck” aircraft carrier in the middle of the night, but all-in-all, my life journey has been pretty tame compared to the first seventy years of one Mr. Arnie Deckwa…

It’s the type of life journey you usually only read about in books or see in movies.... Most are usually fiction, but every now and then you get the “Real Thing”..… Most folks are ready to start “Slowing Down” at seventy, but this cowboy is “Just Gettin’ Started”…..

How many of us at age 14 can say “I’m the “Skipper” of a commercial fishing Boat? My biggest achievement at that age, was knowing how to “milk a cow”…

It all started back when he was 14 and he easily assumed the persona of “James Dean” in front of the bathroom mirror…. Black leather jacket un-zipped, collar turned “up”, white T-shirt exposed…. Attitude in place…. Yes sir, he was “Going Places”, he just didn’t know where at the time…. You now have the book that tells the story!

Reminds me of those descriptive words, “Fire in the Wind” by America’s most prolific singer/song writer, John Stewart.

So, get ready for the “Ride”. You’re about to take a journey that has many turns and will show you that “Following Your Dream” can sometimes turn out totally different than you anticipated, but the final road taken, does indeed end with a “Dream Come True”. It’s filled with adventures and “Roads Less Taken”, but most of all; it’s a book that just makes you “Feel Good”. I guarantee it will bring a smile and “Warm Your Heart”….

This ride includes:

Snakes, Horses, Moose, Mountain Goats, Bears in the Tent, Little Red, a little dirt in the face compliments of a poor choice of words and Grandpa Deckwa, flying through the air and bouncing “Off the Wall” compliments of another poor choice of words and Grandpa Sterkel, 57 Chevy’s, Bulls & Chariots and Condos & Cowboys. After a 5000 mile round trip journey from Oak Harbor, WA to Nashville, TN; this cowboy’s “Dream” gets a new direction after a chance encounter in the back stage area of the “Grand Old Opry” and he returns home with a beautiful wife who helps him become the “Entrepreneur of Cornet Bay”. He now has products in 1000’s of food stores across the nation and he is making personal phone calls from his 400 sq foot boyhood home (now serving as his office) to CEOs and managers of billion $ companies ….. It’s a ride you will enjoy taking. Next stop, “The Movie”!!!

To Arn; “Thanks for a GREAT weekend”, I was up till 4:30 AM on Saturday morning and then my final Saturday night read until midnight. Makes a man realize how special life can be….. Thanks for the smiles!!!!!! Yes sir, YOU DID GOOD!!!!!

Mark Brady

Cdr, US Navy (Retired)

President, Island Sound & Video Systems, Inc

Friend and Neighbor

Book review by William A. Kimmins

2011-05-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

When I started this book I didn't really know what to expect. I have known Arnie for sometime now and have known bits and pieces of his story. I can say now that I know who Arnie is and why he is driven the way he is driven. This was a book that I wanted to swallow a chapter at a time cause it was such a peek "under the hood" of a close friend. Every person has their story....its just that Arnie's story is a big one. Read the book....you will know why his product is so good.
Lots and Lots of love...that's why.

William A. Kimmins

Book Rewiew by Glenda McClurken

2011-04-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

Hey Arnie and Joanne good to hear from you. Got your book today, can't put it down. Thanks for sending it. Brought back so many fond memories. You did good Partner. Keep up the good work. God bless you both and thanks for letting me be a part of your lives.

Glenda McClurken

Book Review by Wallie Funk

2011-03-22T22:12:00.000-07:00

RE: the book, 'The Singin' Salmon Man from Cornet Bay'. Yes, Arnie, you got it right from the beginning to end. You are all that was written, outgoing, affable, willing to give almost anything in life a shot. Arnie, you are an original. Who has a love of kin and huge cross sections of friends.

I first met you when you came into my office at the Whidbey News Times, a perfect picture of the urban cowboy, 10-gallon hat, boots, spurs and all. Began that day a relationship that has grown stronger over the years. There has been the records, the snoose commercial, singing engagements, from coast to Nashville and home again. Now as, 'The Singin' Salmon Man from Cornet Bay' - the book that brightly details it all. Good Read, Arnie! Go for it, now at the biographical level.

Wallie Funk
Former Publisher
Whidbey News Times

Book Review by Wayne Lewis

2011-03-22T22:01:00.001-07:00

“Arnie’s first book is a shining light on what it was like living on
Whidbey Island before traffic over the Deception Pass Bridge
was a steady stream. I call it Arnie’s first book because he has
many more terrific stories, which call for a Book 2.

If you’re looking for a book that honestly sets the example on
how to stay on track thru ups and downs and get to your goal,
Arnie’s book is it.”

Wayne Lewis

Book Review by Allen Shambin

2011-03-16T15:31:00.000-07:00

Arnie is a true American original and I count it one of my great blessings to have met him when I first moved to Nashville as a “hungry songwriter.” Not only were there times when “Arn” literally showed up at my apartment door with a bag of groceries, but there were many other times when he nourished my soul with one inspiring, funny and heartwarming story after another. As I read the stories in this book, I caught myself bursting with laughter one second and trying to swallow a big lump in my throat the next.

This book captures the spirit of a man who lives with as much passion, gusto and love for life as anyone I’ve ever met. I’m proud to call “Arn” my friend and I hope this book is the beginning of many more.

--- Allen Shamblin, Writer of “He Walked On Water,” Don’t Laugh At Me,” “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” and CMA Song of the year “The House That Built Me.”

Book Review by Jimmy Gray

2011-03-02T11:57:00.000-08:00

I've read the book now word to word. Well done!!!!

Arnie, You've done it!!! Me, Rick and Gerald all give you a "high
five". I know there were times you were frustrated and ready to
quit....but, thankfully, you didn't.

I appreciate Joanne, Rob and the others who worked on the illustrations,
book design and cover. All I can say is that
the book is everything I had hoped for.

Again....Well Done!!!!

Jimmy Gray

The First Book Signing

2011-02-27T16:41:00.000-08:00

Cornet Bay Food Company

Book Signing at Saar's Market Place in Oak Harbor, WA

Arnie and Joanne Deckwa

Thank you to all who attended the Cornet Bay food demo and The Singin' Salmon Man from Cornet Bay book signing, Saturday at Oak Harbor's Saar's grocery store. We had a BLAST.

Thanks to Saar's Marketplace, to Katie McVicker, Reporter for the Whidbey News-Times who wrote the wonderful article and the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce for the nice Cornet Bay write ups.

All of you made our day a successful one, and we appreciate it.

The Singin' Salmon Bay from Cornet Bay - The Book Signing

On Saturday, February 19th, we had our first book signing at Saar's Market Place in Oak Harbor, WA.

We sold around 70 or 80 Cornet Bay products and 24 books; life is good.

If you would like a copy of the book, please contact us at Cornet Bay.

Book Review by Ron Elmer

2011-02-27T16:37:00.000-08:00

The Book, besides having a nice professional finish on the covers and inside, two things stand out. First I commend you for your recall of all those thousands of details from so many years back. I took that for granted the first time I looked at the book, but on the second time it just flat amazes me. I could not begin to recall anything like that.

Which brings me to the second point. I think that part of the reason is your story is so unique. For the last two decades, or more, people just have not been really getting out and living a real life. Everything outside of eating sleeping, and working is simulated either in print or in the last 10 years electronically. That’s what’s compelling about the stories and the overall book, is the reader gets to ride along with somebody that would never be satisfied with somebody else’s reality. Why would he? His is way more fun. Keep the faith Arn, this is going to go well because you are a positive person and positive energy always creates good positive results.

My only regret in all of this is that I cannot be right there with you on this adventure.

Best regards
Ron

Book Review by Buddy Hayes

2011-02-27T16:34:00.000-08:00

BOOK REVIEW
THE SINGING SALMON MAN
by
Buddy Hayes

Reading the stories in “The Singing Salmon Man” took me back in years to my childhood around the first or second grade. Nap time was a big part of the days curriculum and I always looked forward to it. Not because I was made to lay down and be quiet but because my teacher always read to us before we did so. The stories she read excited me to the point I could hardly wait until the next days nap time to continue where she left off.

Arnie Deckwa’s book is a compiled version of such stories. Finishing the reading of one inspires the desire to hurry and read another and then another, making it difficult to lay aside. Within the pages of this biography, one will discover information, excitement, mystery, and fun; written the way a story book should be written. The comparison of your childhood to Tom & Huck, the ups and downs of adolescence, growing to maturity as a younger man, and following your dream through adulthood, with everything written simply enough to be understood and enjoyed by anyone is an accomplishment any writer would wish for.

It has a special place in my library between “Tom Sawyer” and “Huck Finn”; which by the way, as characters, are referenced with much affection. If you loved Tom and Huck, you’ll love the adventures of the Singing Salmon Man.

The Official 'First' Press Release

2011-02-27T15:46:00.000-08:00

-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-

NEW BOOK DETAILS LIFE AND CAREER
OF AN AMERICAN ORIGINAL-ARNIE DECKWA,
"THE SINGIN' SALMON MAN from CORNET BAY"

Release date: January 13, 2011
232 pgs., softcover - $16 plus S/H
Cornet Bay Publishing, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

For information Contact: Cornet Bay Company
Arnie and Joanne Deckwa / 360-675-6331
arnie@cornetbay.com or joanne@cornetbay.com

            The life and times of one of the business world's most fascinating characters have been captured in his new book, "The Singin' Salmon Man from Cornet Bay". It tells of his adventures growing up on Whidbey Island in a commercial fishing family, the lessons of a cool teen in the 1950's, love, marriage, careers, rodeo experiences, musical pursuits and putting together a food business. The book brings it all together and shows how determination can make it all happen.
            Founder and president of Cornet Bay Company, Arnie heads his food business that began with smoked salmon dips and now features more than 80 products. Many of these products are sold in QFC, Haggen, Top Foods, Saar's and many other fine stores in the northwest. His Kroger labeled seafood dips are sold in Kroger stores throughout the south and southeast. "The Singin' Salmon Man from Cornet Bay" is the fascinating and sometimes hair-raising inside story of how it all happened, told by one of the world's great story-tellers, Arnie himself.
            Born to a fishing family on Whidbey Island in Washington State, Arnie was a commercial fisherman, a rodeo contestant, a deputy sheriff, a building contractor, a land developer, and a world-traveling country and country-gospel singer before he found his true calling as the head of a booming business based on some of the best smoked salmon and crab dips that ever tempted a palate.
            Readers will accompany Arnie as he fishes the waters of the Pacific, rides bulls and races horse-drawn chariots, plays music on stages from Nashville to the Orient, and finally sees all his dreams come together backstage at the Grand Ole Opry, where legends like Roy Acuff, Charlie Walker and Little Jimmy Dickens help set the stage for him to become known as "the first and only cowboy ever to ride into the history of Nashville's country music on smoked salmon."
            Meet the Singin' Salmon Man-Arnie Deckwa.
            "A wonderful read-it's great, it's entertaining, it's funny." - Tom Long, president/owner, That-A-Fly Music, Nashville, TN
            "Arnie is a true American original." - Allen Shamblin, writer of "He Walked On Water," "Don't Laugh At Me" and "The House That Built Me"
"Arnie...is an inspiration to us all." - David Long, Seafood Coordinator, The Kroger Company
Foreward - From the Book

Once in a lifetime someone comes along who doesn't fit any kind of mold. They are true self-starters who go against the grain and are relentless when the impossible needs to be done. One such person is a salt-water cowboy I've known for twenty-plus years named Arnie Deckwa.

"The first and only cowboy ever to ride into the history of Nashville's Country Music on Smoked Salmon."

About Cornet Bay Food Company
It all started on the back stage of the Grand Ole Opry in January of 1987. I brought a gift of hot smoked salmon to give to a friend, Brent Burkett, original member of the quartet named "the Four Guy's". With excitement Brent tasted the smoked salmon in the hallway between the green room and Roy Acuff's dressing room. After that taste he looked at me very seriously and said, "I know you want to sing, cowboy, but you need to do something with this!". Being caught off guard I said "do what with it?" he said "SELL IT!!", "Sell it to who?", "Sell it to KROGER!", I pondered for a bit then said ... "who's Kroger?".

I'm from the North West, a place called Cornet Bay located on Whidbey Island just 75 miles north of Seattle.

About Arnie Deckwa and Cornet Bay Food Company
Went to the Grand Ole Opry to become a singer, instead found my destiny as an entrepreneur, and started the Cornet Bay Food Company.

Singin' Salmon Man from Cornet Bay - the book.