Andrew Christian Subcleff

World War II Veteran, U.S. Merchant Marine Captain Andrew C. Subcleff, born October 4, 1922, in Storden, Minnesota, passed peacefully in Edmonds, Washington on July 4, 2020. Andy was 97 years old and about to celebrate 75 years of marriage with his wife, Betty. Andrew was the fourth of seven children to John and Mary Subcleff. He graduated from Clinton High School in Iowa in 1940. A year later, he tried to enlist in the military, but he was turned down due to a bad left leg and other complications from a childhood bout with polio. The U.S. Maritime Service physical was less stringent, and he was soon sailing on Liberty cargo ships delivering troops and supplies around the world. On July 17, 1945 he graduated as one of the “90-day wonders” from the Maritime Officer Training School at Fort Trumbull, Connecticut. Three days later, on July 20, 1945, he married Elizabeth (Betty) Lou Husmann, in Clinton, Iowa. Shortly after, he shipped out as Third Mate and was away from Betty for nearly a year. After the war, Andy and Betty moved to Seattle where she worked as a nurse, and he began a long career with Alaska Steamship Company. In 1947, they moved north to Edmonds to a one bedroom house hidden away in the trees on a two acre lot with an outhouse and no electricity. Over the years, the house expanded as the family grew, thanks to Andy’s own craftsmanship. At Alaska Steam, he moved up the ranks to Pilot, ship’s Master, and eventually a job shoreside as Port Captain where he had a role in the development of the innovative “lollipop ships.” These were modifications to allow containerized cargo to be carried on their aging WWII-era ships. After the demise of Alaska Steamship in the early 70’s, he skippered the unique trainship, Alaska, which could carry 110 railroad cars between New Westminster, Canada and Whittier, Alaska. He later worked for SE Alaska Pilot Association and then the SW Alaska Pilots, based out of Homer, AK, until his retirement in 1987. Andy always answered the call to serve and to lead. His physical limitations did not stop him from achieving the highest ranks in the seagoing profession, the Maritime Lodge (Worshipful Master in 1971 and 1992), Master Mariners organization’s Seattle Chapter President, and 2009 CAMM Maritime Person of the Year. Captain Andy was truly a remarkable man, who left lasting impressions on everyone he met. He was known to sporadically break into song at any gathering, followed by a smile and a chuckle. He was a devout and active member of the Lutheran church. He was frugal, humble, and most respectful of our nation’s heritage and responsibilities. He was generous with his time, talents, and money, contributing his efforts and his assets to numerous charitable causes faithfully throughout the years. Most of all, Andy dearly loved his wife and his family. Andy is survived by his wife of 75 years, Elizabeth (Betty); four children: Doug (wife Amy), Andrea, Ralph (wife Erin), Carl (wife Sandy); eight grandchildren: Tina, Tanya (husband Diego), Amanda, Kristofer, Shaeffer (wife Claire), Jackson, Isaac, and Eliza; and two great grandchildren: Harrison “Sonny” and Amaya. Special thanks from the family are extended to Sunrise Living of Edmonds for the exceptional and loving care Andy received the last three years as a resident. Also, thank you to Beck’s Funeral Home for their help and support. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to a charitable cause of your choice in Andy’s honor. The family welcomes you to share thoughts and memories on Andy’s Tribute page at https://www.beckstributecenter.com.