John W. McCaffrey's Obituary
Papa lost his long battle with diabetes & related ailments on Sunday, May 2. He was born in Tacoma, WA to John and Alice McCaffrey to the delight of his big sister, Margaret; who promptly caused a power outage to the entire hospital. John graduated from Lincoln high school in 1949 and later joined the army. After his discharge and graduating from Bates Technical College, he started a 31-year career at Tacoma City Light, where he was known as "Big John". He met and married Dolma Wood in 1961; they had 3 children, and settled in their home on Spanaway Lake. After divorcing in 1972, he did the unheard of - he became a single father. He devoted his life to raising his children. John was an avid hunter with many deer & elk "trophies" lining the walls. He loved his UW Husky football & any other sport on the tube. His favorite saying was "Oh Bull" & he thoroughly enjoyed razzing his nieces who were WSU alumni.
He is survived by his children Mary (Jim), Puyallup; Mike (SueAnn), Spanaway; and Patty (Kevin), Puyallup; his grandchildren Crysta, Cara, Serena, Alysha (Jared), Kaydra, Jason & Chanelle; his Sister, Margaret, Gig Harbor; his nieces Janet (Chip), Garden Grove, CA; Jackie (John), University Place; Jeanne (DeWayne), Vaughn; & Joanne (Steve), Strongsville, OH; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Services will be Friday, May 7th at Noon in the Celebration of Life Building at Mt. View, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW., Lakewood.
Special thank you to his Drs., "The Girls", the ICU/ER staff at St. Clare, Franciscan Hospice Staff, his many, many friends who loved him so much, and his stepdaughter/caregiver, Caroline. But most importantly, a special THANK YOU to his best friend and chauffeur, Ray "The Indian" Kirk. We miss you like crazy, Dad, and we are glad you are no longer suffering. We know you will rest in peace near your family at Calvary. We Love you!
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