John Gust Doces

Dr. John G. Doces, MD, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, physician, athlete, scholar, and friend, passed away surrounded by family. His life was defined by devotion - to the people he loved, to the patients he served, and to the pursuits that brought him joy, curiosity, and purpose.

Born on January 28, 1943, in Seattle, Washington, John was the son of G. John and Sophia Doces. He grew up in Laurelhurst, where he formed lifelong friendships and developed the drive and enthusiasm that would characterize his entire life. Summers were spent learning every backroad of Seattle and building muscle delivering furniture for the family business, Doces Furniture. He attended Laurelhurst Elementary, Eckstein Middle School, and Roosevelt High School, where he became a standout multi-sport athlete. A superb football player, he earned All-League and All-State honors for Roosevelt and even received an offer to play football at USC. He excelled in track and field as well, showcasing the speed and competitive spirit that would follow him into adulthood.

John attended the University of Washington, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Zoology and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He was a proud member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and distinguished himself academically, reportedly testing among the top medical school applicants in the nation. He went on to earn his Medical Degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine, where he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society recognizing excellence in scholarship and leadership.

He completed his internship at the world-renowned University of California, San Francisco from 1969 to 1970, followed by his residency and fellowship at the University of Washington. As a Harborview resident physician, he was tied to the founding of Medic One in Seattle. He proudly served the original Medic One vehicle (a converted motorhome), fondly referred to as “Moby Pig.” In 1974, he joined The Polyclinic as a practicing cardiologist, where he cared for patients with exceptional skill and dedication for the next four decades. A respected member of the American College of Cardiology, he also earned the prestigious title, Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. John ultimately became a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington, where he trained medical students with the same rigor, compassion, and curiosity that defined his own practice.

A gifted cardiologist, John devoted considerable time to outreach and volunteer medical work, providing specialty cardiac care in communities where it was otherwise unavailable. He trained medical professionals in Alaska and Africa, extending his impact far beyond his own clinic. His research was published in leading cardiology journals, including the American Heart Journal and Circulation (published by the American Heart Association), contributing to the advancement of his field.

John’s athleticism never waned. He was an accomplished multi-sport athlete throughout his life - football, handball, track and field, windsurfing, snow skiing, volleyball, basketball, pickleball, ping pong, and even waterskiing into his 70’s. He even held a longstanding handball record at the University of Washington, a point of pride and humor in family lore.

He was the ultimate Husky fan, a decades-long football and basketball season-ticket holder whose purple-and-gold loyalty never dimmed. He also loved the arts, holding front-row season tickets to ACT Theatre for decades. A wine aficionado, a lover of travel, and an avid reader of Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, Twain, Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Faulkner, Steinbeck, and countless contemporary writers, John’s intellectual appetite was boundless.

John had a great sense of humor - playful and often mischievous, famous for pranks so elaborate that friends still don’t know he was behind them (Tim Dewhurst, are you reading this?). He loved to sing at full volume, spinning spontaneous melodies that were funny, clever, and always catchy. He was also an excellent poker player, bringing that same competitive spirit to blackjack, five-card stud, and dominoes.

Above all, John was a devoted and loving husband and father - the greatest of all time, as his family lovingly describes him. Family was the center of his world. He married the love of his life, Julie Anne, on August 17, 1968. The two met on a blind date at a pizza parlor, were engaged five months later, and married six months after that. Their partnership was one of deep love and affection, mutual respect, and shared adventure.

John is survived by his wife, Julie Anne; his children Sebby, Johnny (Tatiana), and Nicole Pendergast (Geoff); and his grandchildren J.J. and Pony Pendergast, and Noham Doces, who brought him immeasurable joy. He is also survived by his siblings Helene Senn (Ronald) and Dean Doces (Debra); his brothers-in-law Toby Joslin and Hawkeye Hochmuth; his sister-in-law Lorna Machler; his dear friend Julie Iverson; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

John lived a life of purpose, generosity, intellect, humor, and heart. He leaves behind a legacy of healing, teaching, adventure, and love—a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him. John loved this Hemingway quote and lived each day in its spirit: “Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be. But what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today.”

Services to be held at 11am on Friday, April 3rd at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of Washington Medical School or Medic One.