John Matthew Ugles, age 81, of Bainbridge Island, died peacefully Jan. 27 with his family at his side.

He was born July 18, 1922 in Winslow 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, and enjoyed telling of the many adventures from those times.

In 1957, he became a Longshoreman and a member of the ILWU Local 19 in Seattle. He 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 vocal advocate for the working man; he felt strongly that all should be entitled to good health care and fair pay.

He served in World War II, both in the European and Pacific campaigns, specializing in tank mechanics and instructing.

He stayed involved in regional politics throughout his life. He was an avid gardener, beekeeper, environmentalist and animal lover. He read insatiably, favoring books on history, politics, sailing and biographies. He was also a devoted 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.

A memorial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 31 at Holyrood Cemetery, 205 NE 205th Street in Shoreline. Following the service, a gathering to celebrate his life will be held at the Edgewater in Seattle.

The family asks that remembrances be made to UW Foundation in memory of John M. Ugles, UW Medicine, 1325 Fourth Avenue, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA 98101-2506, www.supportuwmedicine.org.