Mark Willmes, a chief mate who served on Vashon’s north-end ferry route, died Saturday in a motorcycle accident in Kittitas County.

Willmes, 55, from Seattle, worked for the Washington State Ferries (WSF) for just over 19 years, according to Ian Sterling, a WSF spokesman.

Islander Doug Pine, who posted news of the accident on a community Facebook page over the weekend, said Willmes was extremely well liked and respected in the ferry system, especially in the south sound, where he worked most of the time.

“There is a lot of grieving going on right now,” he added.

KOMO News reported that Willmes’ crash happened on westbound I-90 about 10 miles east of Ellensburg.

Washington State Patrol troopers said Willmes drifted to the left, lost control and rolled the motorcycle, which crashed against a rock embankment. He was rushed to the hospital, but died from his injuries.

KOMO also reported that Willmes was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and that no drugs or alcohol appeared to be involved.

Pine said he first met Willmes in 1999, when Pine himself began working for WSF, which he said can be a difficult place to work. One of his first shifts was with Willmes, working on the car deck.

“He made me feel really welcome, and we continued to be friends,” he said.

Pine noted Willmes loved the water, the Mariners and dogs.

“He was just a fabulous guy,” Pine said.