John J. Ljubich

John J. Ljubich of Port Angeles, Wash., died of a stroke Sunday, Oct. 19, 2003, at the Veterans Hospital in Seattle. He was 82.

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Mr. Ljubich was born July 25, 1921, on Vashon Island, Wash. His parents were emigrants from Yugoslavia. Many of his family members were commercial fishers in Alaska. He had two brothers and one sister.

He graduated from the University of Washington at the top of his class as an engineer. After graduation, he worked for Boeing. During World War II, he joined the U.S. Naval Air Corps ROTC, and later was released from duty due to a dislocated shoulder.

He went on to get his real estate license and was an industrial Realtor in Seattle for many years. He also had many interests with imports and exports from China and Japan. He became something of an expert on jewelry and fine gems.

Mr. Ljubich enjoyed traveling and visited Alaska many times to visit his youngest daughter, Carlee. He also owned a penthouse in Mazatlan, Mexico, where he enjoyed the people and the weather. He also enjoyed cooking, especially with his own brand of curry.

He maintained his interest in the business world and often said, "I like to have my finger on the pulse of the world," according to his family.

Mr. Ljubich is survived by his first wife, Leitha, and second wife, Jan; daughters Susan Louii and Carlee; granddaughter, Cynthia; great-grandson, Beau; stepdaughters, Polly and Leslie; and many nieces and nephews.