John Matthew UGLES July 18, 1922 to January 27, 2004

John Ugles passed peacefully on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 with family by his side. John was born at Eagle Harbor , Bainbridge Island to Samuel and Milica Ugles. His parents emigrated from Croatia and became active U.S. citizens. As a teenager John started working for his family on his Uncle John Uglesich's fishing boat, the Verona, docked in Eagle Harbor.

He graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1941, with friends he always held dear. He fished from the far North of Alaska down to the Mexican coast. He loved to tell of the many adventures from those times. In 1957, he became a Longshoreman and a proud member of the ILWU Local 19 in Seattle.

John was a committed union member, staying busy in Democratic politics and activities and maintaining strong bonds of friendship with his union members. He was a strong vocal advocate for the working man; he felt strongly that all should be entitled to good health care and fair pay. John served in World War II, both in the European and Pacific campaigns, specializing in tank mechanics and instructing.

He was a strong Democrat and loved being involved in regional politics throughout his life. John was an avid gardener, beekeeper, environmentalist, and animal lover. He read insatiably; favoring books on history, politics, sailing, and biographies.

John was a devoted and loving family man. He is survived by his wife Molly and five children, Cris, Gloria, Herald, John, and Deb; and his grandchildren, Cassidy, Arrisan, Kace, Mikey, Keith, and Jason. He is also survived by brother Pete, and sisters Kay and Carmel. 

His family will always cherish the memories of him planting exotic fruit trees, harvesting honey, lobbying for land preservation, and spoiling his dogs and cats.

Mostly we'll remember how he was always there for us; and how his lessons of responsibility, a good work ethic, and caring extended from family to friends and into the community. A memorial will be held at the Holyrood Cemetery in Shoreline, 205 N.E. 205th Street on Saturday, January 31st at 11:30 a.m.

Following the service a gathering to celebrate his life will be held at the Edgewater in Seattle where a buffet will be served. The family requests that remembrances should be made to UW Foundation in memory of John M. Ugles: UW Medicine, 1325 Fourth Avenue, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA.