Marcel Poelvoorde, 48, Shipyard Worker And 20-Year Seafair Pirate

First inspired by a clown costumed as a pirate in a parade when he was 12, Marcel Poelvoorde Jr. went on to join the Seafair Pirates.

For 20 years, he brought joy to others, including a stint as Captain Kidd, the Pirates' top position.

``He was one person you could always count on to support the club and activities in the community,'' said David Benson, liaison between the Pirates and Seafair. ``He was the kind of guy that would always go to the kid's stuff.''

Poelvoorde died Thursday of a heart attack at age 48.

As a Seafair Pirate, Poelvoorde volunteered his time visiting patients in hospitals and nursing homes and helping out each year with Toys For Tots.

He was elected to the honorary position of Captain Kidd by his fellow pirates for the 1987-88 season.

Captain Kidd, the highest ranking position within the Seafair Pirates, is an honor accorded to a longstanding member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the community, Benson said. Captain Kidd is responsible for about 160 annual events at which the Pirates appear in costume.

``He was elected for being honest, trustworthy and contributing to the Pirates,'' said Poelvoorde's mother, Frances Poelvoorde. ``He was very honored to be Captain Kidd.''

Poelvoorde grew up in Seattle's Rainier Valley and attended Cleveland High School. He was a member of Pipefitters Union Local No. 32 and had worked at the Duwamish Shipyards for the past 17 years.

Services were to be held this morning at St. Edwards, with burial at Riverton Crest Cemetery in Seattle.

He is survived by his parents, Marcel and Frances Poelvoorde of Seattle; his brother, Duane Poelvoorde of Kent; his sisters, Suzette Brown, Renton, and Janice Uelese, Seattle; his three daughters, Tammy Freezer of Everett, Pamela Poelvoorde of Astoria, Ore., Jeana Poelvoorde of Seattle, and his son, Mark Marcel Poelvoorde Jr. of Seattle.