Photo courtesy Lawrence E. O’Donnell collection

August P. Mardesich

August P. “Augie” Mardesich was born February 11, 1920, to Nicola “Nick” and Mary (Felando) Mardesich in San Pedro, California. The family settled in Everett in 1928. Augie had one older bother, Tony, and two younger brothers, Nick Jr. and Joseph. Augie and his brothers attended schools in Everett and fished in Alaska with their father in the summers. After high school Augie attended Seattle University, but his education as interrupted by World War II. He served in the Navy during the war and returned home to graduate from the University of Washington with a law degree. His older brother, Tony, was elected to the Washington State Legislature in 1949. That summer, all of the brothers went fishing in Alaska with their father. A sudden storm caused their purse seiner to capsize. Nick, Tony, and three others perished in the mishap. Augie and his younger brothers survived. Augie was appointed to fill his brother’s seat in the Washington Legislature in 1950, beginning a 28-year career in the House and later the Senate. He served as majority leader in both houses, and some considered him the most powerful man in state politics.

Augie credited much of his ability to work in Olympia to his experiences while fishing — perhaps those experiences made him understand the big picture. Close encounters and chance survivals presented the enduring characteristic of a man who would manage himself. As of 2010, Augie was retied. He and his wife, Rosemary, were residing in neighboring Mill Creek. They have six children: Tony, Megan, Monica, Meran, John, and Catherine.