DANIEL COFFEY

BG Daniel P. Coffey PA-C, "PEPA" Daniel P. Coffey was born in Chewelah, WA on Nov. 4, 1947 to Jane and Paul Coffey, and passed away in Puyallup, WA on April 17, 2013. Dan graduated from Chewelah High School in 1965, and WSU in 1970 with his bachelor's degree in Sociology, Go Cougs! He faithfully served his Army, country, and state and for a combined total of 33 years, as an active duty officer (including a combat tour in Vietnam), and later serving in the Army Reserves and the Washington National Guard. He retired as a Brigadier General from his assignment/ position as the Commander of the 66th Aviation Brigade, Washington Army National Guard in 2003. Among his many Army awards and decorations are the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, three awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, and four awards of the Army Commendation Medal. He has Senior Army Aviator Wings and has been awarded two Air Medals and the Vietnam Service Medal. Among his many National Guard awards is the Governor's highest award-the State Distinguished Service Medal. Concurrent with his military career, in 1978 Dan completed the Yale University Physician Assistant Course at New Haven, Connecticut. In 1989, he graduated from Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, Washington) and was awarded a Master of Business Administration degree. He worked as a Physician Assistant (PA) at Pacific Lutheran University-Student Health, Puget Sound Spine Institute, Tacoma, and Franciscan Medical Group, Tacoma. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Pennie. He is survived by his loving wife Valerie "Val", sons Mike (Amy) and Ryan (Brenda), daughters Dawn (John) and Susan (Mark), 9 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter, brothers Michael and Bradley (Mirth), brothers-in-law Jake (Sue) and Bud (Deb), numerous nieces and nephews, and mother-in-law Doris Short. In addition to being a devoted husband and caring father, loving Pepa, Brigadier General (Retired) Daniel P. Coffey was a great servant leader, officer, soldier and patriot. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW Post #2224 in Puyallup and the American Legion Post #17 in DuBois, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UW Medicine Advancement - Brain Tumor Research Fund, The Minuteman Fund - National Guard Association of Washington, or to Franciscan Hospice. For further information on how to donate, please contact Hill Funeral Home, 253-845-1172. Memorial service will be Sat., May 4, 2013, 1:30pm, at the Puyallup United Methodist Church, 1919 W. Pioneer. Inurnment was at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent.