John C. Burley

February 27, 1927 - January 17, 2013

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.

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23 responses to John C. Burley

  1. Dear John, Debbie & family,
    Extending my deepest condolences to the entire Burley family. John, your Dad was a great guy.

    Regards, Deb

  2. Rick Kiene says:

    John, you will be missed for many reasons, one of is your deep Civic mind to your Community. Not least is your sensitive understanding of others, whether it was spearheading parades on Memorial Day, your warm smile and always an ear for others who sought you for your wise counsel . Having the honor to know you as a FreeMason you were true to what a good man can do for his family, his community and his country! God Bless John and my warmest sympathy for Vivian and Family! I couldn’t have met a finer man anywhere farewell my friend you part us by the Square and the rectitude of your conduct! In deed!

  3. John was a good friend of my father Jerry. We would see him at the Veterans day services representing the merchant marines and officiating. At the last services we attended John needed help raising the flag and asked my help, which I proudly did.He was a kind and friendly man. Whenever I would run into him at Fred Meyer he was always smiling and talking with friends. Our prayers go out to the family and wife Vivian. I know John & my father are talking it up right now & missing their wives. It was a pleasure to have known you John.

  4. A says:

    The world will never be the same without you. The impact you have had on my life cannot be put into words. You taught me that one man can make a difference and that doing good is always the right thing to do. Your laugh, your smile, your heart, and your presence will forever be with me. You will be missed and never forgotten.

  5. Sandi Bruton says:

    Dear Vivian & family,
    In my years at the pd, it was always a treat to have you and John at my front counter. John was always so kind and appreciative toward me and I looked forward to our front counter encounters. The community has lost one heck of a supporter and all around good guy.

    My sincere condolences. Sandi BPD retired

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