Photo courtesy of CLOSED-Harvey Family Funeral Home
Seattle, Washington
Jul 8, 1933 – Jul 1, 2020 (Age 86)
On Wednesday, July 1, 2020, John Augustus Augustavo, patriarch of the Augustavo clan, passed away at home at the age of 86.
‘Big John’ was born July 8, 1933 in Walla Walla, WA, the only child of Ralph and Leona Augustavo. He left Pasco at age 14 to attend St. Martins in Olympia before enrolling at Seattle University where he met Ginger Suva. They married August 6, 1955 and settled in northeast Seattle where they raised their children.
After college, John started working as an assistant buyer at Frederick & Nelson and then a sales exec at William Volker Co. before eventually starting Westlake Carpet Distributors in 1972, a company still going strong today. He was an incredible salesman and employed many a struggling high school student working in the warehouse or just unloading a pad truck for a quick 20 bucks.
John was an enthusiastic sports fan, especially when his children and grandchildren were playing. He enjoyed any type of fishing, salt-water or fresh. Nobody caught more fish, more ways, than Big John. He was also an avid golfer and member of Sand Point Country Club, and a past Club President.
He loved to sing. Summer nights you could hear him strumming the ukulele with the Assumption gang and belting out “I Want to Wallow in Walla Walla” and other classic gems.
He never met a man he didn’t like or who didn’t like him. He had an infectious, bigger than life personality that no one escaped. He was kind to strangers and always had an open hand for those who needed a little help. ‘Big John’ was always there and got things done - his way.
His greatest accomplishment by far was his family, and their Catholic education was a priority to both Ginger and John. John gave his time generously at both Assumption and Blanchet High School.
He leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Ginger, sons Phil (Sylvia), Ed (Kim), Dave (Jan), John (Lynn), Joe (Brenda) and daughter Julie Ross. Also survived by 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his great grandson Kaysen, and son-in-law Jeff Ross.
Private family services have been held.
Remembrances may be made to the
Kaysen James Augustavo Scholarship Fund at Assumption School
6220 32nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115.
Hoffner Fisher & Harvey
Guestbook at harveyfuneral.com
Read MoreJohn Was the BEST Boss I've Ever had in my Life. I was Employed by him at Westlake Carpet in 1995 as an Office Manager He Was Most Loving & Caring person I Ever Met when it comes to Bosses. RIP 'Big John"
Angela M Serrato
October 11, 2022 | WA | Coworker
CascadeCarpetService for 32years
John was a very nice person to see and do business with, and his sons as well! And I was a customer for about 32 years, so I knew them very well!!!
Richard Laine
August 03, 2020 | Edmonds, WA | Friend
Dear Ginger and Family,
We Sisters of the Holy Names send you our prayerful support at this time when John enters his eternal happiness. May you know his loving nearness always.
Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary
July 16, 2020
John was a very special person that I met while working for my father in the mid 70s must have talked to him once every two weeks for about 12 + years.
There was never a time that he wasnt around ready to share a good story or joke after business got done.
Great memories,
My deepest respect,
Mark Trautmann
July 15, 2020 | Burien, WA | Friend
John was a great cousin and even though 10 years older than me, he and Ginger treated me like an adult when they were first married and growing their family. I loved his laugh and love of faith and life. I am certain his parents, Leona and Ralph are so happy to greet him in Heaven. Love always to Ginger and his family!❤
Carolyn Cline Boyle
July 13, 2020 | Served In Military Together
Remember him well, a gentle kind man the long-term solution
Dorothy McCamont
July 13, 2020 | Family
am so saddened by the news that my wonderful cousin is no longer with us. I am so happy to hear such great stories and have such loving memories Ginger and the family are in my prayers May God grant them all peace
Nancy Sogliuzzo
July 12, 2020 | Family
A good friend and true gentleman, always smiling. God bless Ginger and your family, you will be missed.
Monica Hoff
July 12, 2020 | Seattle, WA | Friend
Ginger and family, I'm sorry for your loss! My Capitol Hill memories include happy hours spent
at your 18th Ave home. I liked John very much, and I know you will miss him greatly. Jo Ellen and I are back inn the NW, in Bremerton, after 50 years plus in California. Joe
Joe Raymaker
July 12, 2020 | Bremerton, WA | Friend