John Colbert, age 87 of Seattle Washington, passed away quietly on Sunday, June 20, 2003. John was born on December 3, 1915 in the small town of Ft. Gabriel, Louisiana as the oldest son of Ernest and Ophelia Colbert. John arrived in Seattle Washington with his young family in 1944 and set his sights on working in the shipping industry. He worked as a longshoreman on the Seattle Waterfront for over 30 years where he was popular and well respected by his co-workers. John was proud to have been one of the First African American men accepted into the Longshoremen's Union.

John and his wife, Mildred, enjoyed a good life in Seattle. Shortly after arriving, they formed a Friendship Club with some of their old and new friends from ?the South?. The ?Club? met regularly and hosted parties, picnics and vacations for the members and their families. They also provided each other with a strong support network and extended family.

"Big John", as he was affectionately called, lived life to the fullest. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to fish and camp. He was also a great chef. Some of his specialties were Creole Gumbo, Fried Fish and pecan candy. John was a generous, fun-loving man who kept abreast of the latest news on family and friends. In addition to the ?Club?, John had numerous friends who joined him in cards games, following horseracing and baseball games, and the lottery.

John was a wonderful husband and father. He was a hard-working, steadfast provider, who loved his wife and daughters. He was a father and a role model to all of his grandchildren.

Although John Colbert was born under simple circumstances, he arose to live a truly wonderful life. He leaves a legacy of hard work, strength, respect and love of family and life. He will be greatly missed by his children, grandchildren and many family and friends. ?Big John?, ?Daddy? and ?Grandpa? will live in our hearts and minds forever.

John joins his beloved wife, Mildred, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his two daughters, Norma Russell and Shirley Harper; his sister, Mary Holmes, niece Shirley Fleming; 8 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren.