John C. Burley
February 27, 1927 - January 17, 2013
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John C. Burley
February 27, 1927 - January 17, 2013
Obituary
John Jack Corwin Burley passed away on Thursday, January 17, 2013. He was 85, born February 27, 1927 in Corvallis, OR to Clarence and Golda (Sheppard) Burley.
Jack served during WWII with the U.S. Merchant Marines in both the Pacific and European Theaters. He worked for the Bellingham Police Department for 25 years, retiring in 1976 as Chief of Police.
Jack was a member and Past Master of Whatcom Lodge #151, F&AM; Scottish Rite Bodies; Past Exalted Ruler of Bellingham Elks Lodge #194; past president of American Merchant Marine Veterans; member of Albert J. Hamilton American Legion Post 7; and the Bellingham Police Association. Jack was the chairman of the Blossom TimeSki to Sea Parade for over 10 years.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Linda Smith. Jack is survived by his wife Vivian (Jacobson) Burley whom he married March 25, 1949 in Bellingham; children Jackie Burley and friend Michael Duty, John and wife Debbie Burley; son-in-law Ron Smith; grandchildren, Chad Moses & wife Charitee, Mark Smith, Kyle Smith, Brianne Stephens & husband Eric, Kelsey Navasard & husband Paul, Christopher Burley & wife Shaunna; and great-grandchildren Serrena, Cameron & Kira Moses, Kaylin, Lauren & Ashton Stephens, Macey, Miles & Crew Navasard and Mason Burley.
In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to Tall Elks or Bellingham High School Alumni Band.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 24th from Noon-5:00 PM at Moles Farewell Tributes-Bellingham. A funeral service will be held Friday, January 25th at 11:00 at the First Baptist Church, 110 Flora St. in Bellingham. Burial with Military Honors to follow at Bayview Cemetery.
Moles Farewell Tributes-Bellingham
Farewell Tribute Information
Visitation will be Thursday, January 24th from Noon-5:00 PM at Moles Farewell Tributes-Bellingham. A funeral service will be held Friday, January 25th at 11:00 at the First Baptist Church, 110 Flora St. in Bellingham. Burial with Military Honors to follow at Bayview Cemetery. Donations Information
In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to Tall Elks or Bellingham High School Alumni Band.
23 responses to John C. Burley
Sue Bergosh says:
January 17, 2013
John and Vivian were among my early morning coffe customers at the King St. McDonalds where I worked. Millie Bennet and I usually worked the early shift on the counter and had a great time when the Burley’s and the rest of their crowd came in. They made our day and started if off with a smile and laugh. Even in later years when I saw them at Fred Meyer he was the same old John and always had a smile and a joke. He will be missed. Rest in piece, John, your coffee is waiting.
Steve Mura says:
January 17, 2013
My heart sank this morning upon learning of your loss. I had the true honor of knowing John from my childhood when he was with the police department, as a fellow veteran in the American Legion, and in my 20 years with the Whatcom County Superior Court. John worked with me as my bailiff in court and we had many good talks and laughs together. He was truly a giant of a man in my eyes. I could always be uplifted by his presence, broad smile, twinkling eyes and warm greetings. God doesn’t make many people like John anymore!! My father worked in law enforcement and always said such good things to say about John. And as a man I found everything he said to be true. He always stood out as one of those special law enforcement officers who had such strength of character combined with compassion and common sense. I will miss him like I do my own father. I am so sorry that I will not be able to attend his service. I will be out of the state at the time. Even though I will not be there, please know that my thoughts will be with you all next week. I know God will be very good to him, because he was so good to all of us. Please call on me if you should ever need anything.
Terry Bullard says:
January 17, 2013
John, Thank You for being such a special friend to my parents and myself. It was rough growing up as a cop’s son and you made our lives easier. I’ll never forget the things you have done for me and I will never forget you! You have my up most respect.
Rita Perry says:
January 17, 2013
Please accept my sympathy to the loving Wife,Children,Family & Friends in the painful loss of your dearJack. He will be truly missed by all who knew,respected & loved him. hopefullly you will be comforted by the following Bible Verses: Psalm36:7 “HOW PRECIOUS YOUR LOVING-KINDNESS IS O GOD! AND IN THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS THE SONS OF MEN THEMSELVES TAKE REFUGE,FOR WITH YOU IS THE SOURCE OF LIFE”
Robert C. Deyon says:
January 17, 2013
Jack was the nicest police officer I ever met. My deepest condolences to his family.