John Uribe

Surrounded by his family, Juan José "John" Uribe, loving father and husband, was called home to God on September 30, 2020 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

John was born to Hipolito Uribe and Constantina Landia in Morga, Bizkaia, Spain.  He was the fourth of five children.  In his youth, John worked on his family’s small farm, attended carpentry school, and served one and a half years in the Spanish military.  John came to the United States on contract with Oneida Sheepherding of Shoshone, ID in the early 1970’s.  Later, John and a close friend, Felipe Zabala, worked as carpenters in Sun Valley, ID and in Pasco, WA.  Seeking out other Basque friends, John visited Cle Elum, WA where he met and became lifelong friends with the Basterrechea and Odiaga families. What was meant to be a short visit, became a long stay when he fell in love and married his wife, Marilyn Storey. 

As a general contractor, John started his own business, Pacific Basque Builder, building and remodeling homes in Upper Kittitas County.  Together John and Marilyn welcomed into the world their two children, Constance and Michael.  John was very proud and supportive of his children, as he was  involved in their education, extracurricular activities, and life lessons. He always encouraged his children to pursue their dreams and goals. John was a devout parishioner of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Roslyn, WA. He was also a founding member of Seattle Euskal Extea, a Basque cultural club, where he and his family created lasting friendships.  John will be remembered as an exceptionally hard working, big hearted man. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, Hipolito and Constantina, and brother, Julian Uribe.  John is survived by his wife Marilyn, son Michael, daughter Constance; sisters Isabel Uribe and Maria Uribe; and brother Angel Uribe as well as several nieces and nephews. John’s family will always celebrate and carry on his Basque heritage, his deep Catholic faith and heartfelt generosity.

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Cle Elum has been entrusted with caring for John’s family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com.