John C. Hughes, Pension Administrator

John C. Hughes, who for 40 years handled pension-trust funds for the Western Conference of Teamsters and other multi-employer health and welfare plans, is remembered as a master diplomat and problem-solver.

Pleasant yet businesslike, he walked a fine line keeping workers and employers informed and happy, says his family. The more convoluted the challenge, the better.

"He performed all the functions of an insurance company, taking in and disbursing funds, and explaining programs, but without the risk," said his son Chris Hughes of Seattle. "He was good at taking complex problems, making them simple, then solving them. He originally started out as a negotiator."

He tackled issues first, then employed warmth, generosity and humor, said his son.

Mr. Hughes died Sunday (Jan. 17) of heart failure. He was 72. His health had deteriorated since he broke his leg in a fall off his boat five years ago while vacationing in the Queen Charlotte Islands, B.C.

"He loved boating and built a number of boats but after the fall was never quite the same," said his wife of 37 years, Kay Hughes of Seattle. "He always had to have a project, though. He was very creative and had built quite a few houses and other buildings in his time."

Born in Seattle, he graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1944. After a year at the University of Washington, he served in the Army, attaining the rank of captain. He then returned to the UW and finished his bachelor's and master's degrees in economics.

The next five years he worked as a financial planner for what would become Seafirst Bank.

In 1955 he became an administrator for the Teamsters' pension trust fund and other multi-employer health and benefits plans.

In 1958 he founded his own firm, Northwest Administrators, to serve multi-employer groups and benefit plans in addition to the Teamsters.

When he wasn't working he was on his boat or at his cabin in the San Juan Islands. From the late 1970s to the early 1990s he oversaw a mini-mall he had developed in the old Moose Hall in Friday Harbor. He had to sell out after his fall.

"It got to be too much to try to keep tabs on that property long-distance," said his wife. "But it was kind of a fun little place, with a restaurant and a few shops."

Mr. Hughes, who built his first boat while still in high school, was a Life Member of Seattle Yacht Club.

Also surviving are his son John Jr., of Anacortes; his sister, Peggy Price, Spokane; and a granddaughter.

Services have been held. Remembrances may go to Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave., Seattle, WA 98122; or to the Church Council of Greater Seattle, 4759 15th Ave. N.E., Seattle, WA 98105.