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. We are so sorry for your loss! He was such a great man who loved every one of us, and kept those of us in and out of band out of trouble. All of us have so many memories of him that it is so hard to know where to start, except that he was a great veteran who truly loved God, his country, music, family, and friends. May his memory be for a blessing.

  2. On behalf of all the men and women of the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office – Thank you for your service, Sir. Rest in Peace.

  3. Tom Cline says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. We just lost a very good man and true friend. My thoughts are with you.

  4. Chad Moses says:

    Grampa you will be greatly missed. You were such a great roll model to everyone around you and especially to me. I loved the time we spent together. I learned so much from you about being a great husband and father. Bellingham lost a great member of the community, but I know you are in great hands now. I will always miss you and I love you lots Grampa.

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