JULIAN McCaffery (1913-2000)

Julian Edward McCaffery, 86, of Bellingham, WA, formerly of Stanley, passed away Friday, February 11, 2000, at his home.
He was born November 18, 1913, in Stanley to William and Estelle (Bragg) McCaffery, one of six children. He grew up in a musical family and won a scholarship at an early age to study in Chicago but could not afford to attend.

He came to Whatcom County, WA, in 1935 and was a long-time member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Bellingham. He worked various jobs, including as a journeyman carpenter at a furniture factory and as a roofer before becoming an officer in the Central Labor Council and various other unions.

In 1938, he married Emma Crape.

Mr. McCaffery was president and business agent for Whatcom County (WA) Musicians Union for 27 years. He was also an officer of the Northwest Conference of Musicians. In his mid-20's, he was mentioned in "Ripley's Believe It Or Not" for standing on his head while playing the trumpet. For many years, he performed with a band known as "The Uptown Boys."

For the past 16 years, McCaffery played with a four-piece dance band at senior center dances in Bellingham and Ferndale.
He is survived by his wife sons, Edward McCaffery of Bellingham and Ron McCaffery of Spokane, WA daughter, Beverly SWIFT of Poulsbo, WA sisters, Florence HORN of Beaverton, OR, Lenore Rommer of New York and Enid Ritter of Portland nine grandchildren nine great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service of remembrance was held Wednesday, February 16, at St. John's Lutheran Church.

Source: Stanley Republican, March 2, 2000