John A. Puz, 84

John A. Puz of Poulsbo died July 26, 2005. He was 84.

Puz was a 1940 graduate of Orcas Island High School and began his career at the Boeing Company in Seattle in 1941. Entering the Navy shortly after Pearl Harbor, he served aboard both combatants and troop transports in the Pacific before his return to the Northwest in 1946.

After resuming his career at Boeing in 1950, Puz was the youngest supervisor — at age 30 — ever selected for a management position in the fabrication division of the commercial aircraft company.

Puz earned multiple awards and commendations as he assisted in the introduction and production of Boeing aircraft at plants throughout the Seattle area before retiring in 1983 after 42 years of service.

Puz was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus, the Boeing Management Association, and a frequent volunteer at his Catholic parish church as well as local Special Olympics events. He is remembered for his kind and loving spirit, congenial nature, and enthusiastic desire to help others in times both good and bad.

He is survived by his son Michael Puz, of Seoul, Korea; daughter Patty Kinsella (Bob) of Seattle; and three granddaughters.

Puz was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Maxine Cahail Puz of Friday Harbor; and by his second wife of 10 years, Evelyn Cole Puz of Seattle.

A Catholic Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 3 at St. Matthew Parish, 1240 NE 127th St., in Seattle.

A reception in the church hall will follow; at his request, burial services will be held privately.

Relatives, colleagues and friends of Puz who wish honor his memory can call Patty Kinsella at pjkinsella@earthlink.net or (206) 367-7888; or St. Matthew’s at (206) 363-6767.