August P. Mardesich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
August P. Mardesich
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Mardesich in 1969
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| Majority Leader of the Washington Senate | |
| In office January 8, 1973 – January 10, 1977 |
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| Preceded by | Bob Greive |
| Succeeded by | Gordon Walgren |
| Member of the Washington Senate from the 38th district |
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| In office January 14, 1963 – January 8, 1979 |
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| Preceded by | Howard S. Bargreen |
| Succeeded by | Larry Vognild |
| Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 38th district |
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| In office February 9, 1950 – January 14, 1963 |
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| Preceded by | Tony P. Mardesich |
| Succeeded by | Jack Metcalf |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
August Paul Mardesich
February 11, 1920 San Pedro, California, U.S. |
| Died | February 8, 2016 (aged 95) Mill Creek, Washington, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Rosemary Mardesich |
| Profession | fisherman, businessman, lawyer |
August Paul Mardesich (February 11, 1920 – February 8, 2016) was an American politician. He served for many years in the government of Washington State. Mardesich was known for his work in both the House of Representatives and the State Senate. He also had a background as a fisherman, businessman, and lawyer.
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Early Life and Family
August Mardesich was born in San Pedro, California. His parents, Nicola and Mary Mardesich, were immigrants from Croatia. His father was a dedicated fisherman.
In 1928, his family moved to Everett, Washington. August went to school there. He later attended Seattle University and the University of Washington Law School. He graduated from law school in 1948.
August served in the United States Army during World War II. After the war, he returned home. In 1949, his family faced a tragedy. Their fishing boat capsized in the Bering Sea. His father and brother, Tony, were lost at sea. Tony had just been elected to the Washington House of Representatives.
After this event, August was chosen to take his brother's place in the House. He also took over the family's fishing business.
Serving in Government
August Mardesich began his political career in the Washington House of Representatives. He represented District 38, which included parts of Snohomish County. He served as a Democrat from 1950 to 1963. During his third term, he became the majority leader. This meant he was a very important leader for his political party in the House.
Moving to the Senate
In 1962, Mardesich decided to run for the Washington State Senate. He wanted to serve in the Senate because its terms were four years long. The House terms were only two years. He won the election for the same district.
In 1972, he became the Senate Majority Leader. He took over from Senator Bob Greive, who had held the position for 16 years. This was a very powerful role in the state government.
Later Years in Politics
During his time in the Senate, August Mardesich faced some difficult challenges. He later resigned from his role as majority leader. In 1978, he lost his re-election bid for the state senate. This marked the end of his main political career. He tried to win back his old Senate seat later but was not successful.
After leaving the Senate, he continued to serve the public. He was appointed to the Industrial Insurance Appeals Board by Governor Dixy Lee Ray. He also worked as a lobbyist, helping to influence laws.
August Mardesich also returned to fishing. He had survived another fishing accident in Alaska in 1976. In this accident, a boat with him and his daughters capsized.
Legacy and Final Years
August Mardesich was highly respected for his ability to explain complex laws. People saw him as one of the most powerful figures in Washington State. He was married to Rosemary, and they had six children.
He is remembered as one of the most influential lawmakers in Washington's history. August Mardesich passed away on February 8, 2016, in Mill Creek, Washington.
