Nicholas Lee Buckles

Nick was born in Seattle on December 10, 1942 and soon took refuge with his beloved Uncle Pete Bucklesis on the 1500 block of Baker Street in Everett where he lived with Pete’s three daughters Madeline, Goldie and Georgia who were more akin to sisters than cousins throughout life. He took great pride in his Greek heritage and made many indelible memories including those with his lifelong friend Phil Johnson who grew up just down the block. Georgia, Phil and Nick forged a friendship that would last more than 75 years that was rooted in childhood mischief and family traditions.

Nick filled many roles in his life, but none brought him more joy than being Dad to his two sons, Nick and Bret and a loving second father to Lizzy. His greatest pride came from being a Papou to his Grand Daughters Breanne, Jordan and Emily and the one and only “Bim-Bim” to Lizzy’ son Max. He held a special bond with each of his loved ones built on love, laughter and a deep sense of familial connection.

Graduating from Everett High School, Nick was a lifelong resident and took great pride in his hometown. In his early years, Nick started as a shoeshine boy for his Uncle Pete and went on to turn his hand at many occupations that included making donuts at the Avenue Pastry Shop, construction in Alaska and even a cook before finally finding his true and permanent home where he spent decades on the Everett Waterfront.

While he started out casual longshoring in June 1967, he officially registered into the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 32 in Everett, WA as longshore “B” man in March 1979 and advanced to longshore “A” man in January 1983. For a short time, Nick was elected and served as Business Agent and Dispatcher for Local 32. He was elevated to the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and Pacific Maritime Association (ILWU-PMA) Benefit Plans as the Washington Area Welfare Director from 1996 to 2014, a rare distinction as both employer (PMA) and Union (ILWU) both agreed to appoint him to this position and bestow the title. Nick continued to work diligently for some 50 years visiting and serving ports throughout Washington state. While Nick retired in August 2014, he continued to serve as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Everett Pensioners Club from 2006 until his last days.

Nick’s combined service to the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and Pacific Maritime Association (ILWU-PMA) spanned in upwards of 50 years and he is still deeply respected by both the workforce as well as Union Officials and is truly recognized as an Icon within the industry. He led a culture of care for his Longshoremen and their families who will always remember him with deep appreciation and respect.

Many will remember the 20 years he spent as President of the North Everett Little League where he served as both Coach and Umpire whenever the need arose and for a time as Coach for South Everett Little League as well. His time with The Everett Merchants baseball team is well remembered as his delicious hamburgers at the games were legendary and he enjoyed his time behind the grill.

Nick proudly served his country in the Army Reserve for two years and was stationed in Louisville, Kentucky.

The game of Golf became a passion with Nick and a genuine source of joy. He joined the Everett Golf and Country Club in 1988 and shared his excitement for the sport with his two sons and other lifelong friends. He spent countless hours telling stories and enjoying life at the “19th Hole” after a round. He also had a love for the horse races and enjoyed his brief time as a horse owner as well, attending games and enjoying life in the Winner’s Circle a time or two. Through it all he was most proud of his 39 years of sobriety.

Nick’s kindness could fill a room and he had a quiet, steady way of looking out for those around him, whether family, friend or stranger. His heart was as generous as it was unwavering. Nick’s dry, effortless humor kept us smiling through even the toughest days. That wry grin, the perfectly timed one liner, he had a way of making us laugh without trying. We will miss that humor more than we can say but even more, we will miss him. His warmth, loyalty, his quiet strength, he was a true example of a life well lived and will always be deeply loved.

He is survived by his wife Tamara R. (“Tammy”) Buckles, sons Nick (Christina) and Bret, daughter Elizabeth, granddaughters Breanne Jordan (Dan) and Emily, grandson Maxwell Miner, great granddaughter Navy and great grandson Brooks. Nick is preceded in death by Linda Buckles (mother of Bret). A Celebration of Life will be held at the Everett Golf and Country Club at a later date.