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
Earl Erickson says:
January 17, 2013
John had special talents and spiritual gifts. He served his country in the Merchant Marine where needed. He served his community with Leadership roles in law enforcement and city government. He served Veterans in American Legion Post 7 and Memorial Day Services. He served his creator by his church, but a serious disease weakened John’s body and slowed him down. Memorial Day 2012 he was seen changing and raising the Merchant Marine flag at Bayview Memorial Park. A life of service to others and a job well done. Eternal rest with pease in Post Everlasing. Earl Erickson, Post 7 Comrades.
Joe and Dolores Hanson says:
January 17, 2013
Vivian and family: We loved John so much. He was a great person, We were honored to have known him through the Merchant Marine Group and the American Legion and as a special friend. We will miss him. Our prayers area with you and your family
Louise Kolstad says:
January 17, 2013
A very special man who impacted many lives. He was loved by many. He will be missed.
N. F. Jackson says:
January 17, 2013
Vivian and Jackie, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I am proud to have known John.
Andrea M. Wallace says:
January 17, 2013
When my son cut, hurt his knee so bad, and the Dr. said that he may not walk again, Mr. Burley came into the hospital. He said he would call the Shriners Organization to help us if we needed anything. He was very kind and he made sure that my son had the proper care and equipment to help him walk, again. In High School, he, and his wife, were chaperones for the BHS Band trips. I was late getting up, in time, to meet the band buses at the high school, on their way, traveling on I-5, to the border, on their way to the Calgary Stampede, to perform. My Dad drove like a maniac down Cornwall, then when he found out the buses had already left, he took me to the State Patrol Office, and instead of riding in a patrol car to the border, the patrol office call the border and had the buses detained until my Dad could drive me there. Mr. Burley helped me get on board the bus, and later lectured me about being late. I cried, and said I was sorry, and then had to face our Band Director, Mr Pauley. Later, I felt really bad that I was late, and that I gave Mr. Burley, such a hard time. More recently, he was instrumental, when he told my Dad, that my son’s father was very ill and that he may not recover. He helped reconnect the relationship between my Sons and their Father. This was very remarkable to me. Mr. Burley has always been a very special person in my life. Mr. Burley will be deeply missed.