Sam Marion Mezich

Sam Marion Mezich was the fourth of five boys born to Sam Mezich Sr. and Mary Mezich, who immigrated from Croatia and settled in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle, WA. They took great pride in their Croatian roots and maintained a strong connection to that community throughout the years.

Sam and his brothers attended Saint Margaret's Catholic school. Sam then went on to O'dea High School, where he lettered in basketball, football and baseball. In 1952, Sam enlisted in the US Navy, where he proudly served his country while witnessing live combat during the Korean War.

Shortly after returning home, Sam attended a Croatian wedding in Gig Harbor. It was here that he met the love of his life, Eunice Bussanich. The strong love they felt for each other was instant and they were married just one year later on May 12,1956.

Commercial fishing was in Sam's blood. During his career as a fisherman he purse seined in Southeast Alaska and invested in two crab boats to fish the Bering Sea. He earned the respect of his deckhands as well as the other captains as they braved the rough waters. During the off season, he worked in the shipyard and long shored on the Seattle waterfront.

Throughout Sam's life, he enjoyed family barbecues, golfing, smelt fishing, trips to Reno, winters in Palm Springs, hosting poker games at his house, gardening, making wine and weekly morning coffee at the Bay Cafe with his buddies. Most importantly, Sam had a strong faith in God which always remained at the center of his life.

Sam was predeceased by his brothers Arnie, Walter, Pete, and Christie. He is survived by his wife Eunice and 5 children, Pete (Randi), Teresa Johnston Morin (Mike Morin), Marie Mirante (Russ Galarneau), Bernice (Rick) Lockhart and Marty (Vera), as well as 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.