Francis J. Bacoka

Francis J. Bacoka

Francis J. Bacoka, 86, died February 22, 2011 at Skagit Valley Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born October 6, 1924 in Seattle to John and Catherine Bacoka.
His mother Catherine died when Francis was three and his brother Chris was six. His father John later married Milka, and his brother John was born.
Francis was raised in Everett, an honor roll student at Everett High School. He excelled at football and track and graduated in 1942. He attended St. Martin's College and then married the love of his life, Delores Rochon, in Everett in 1943. They moved to Pullman in 1944 where Francis attended Washington State College. While married and going to college, he played "Cougar" football and was chosen to play in the All American East-West Shrine game as one of two cougars and one of three captains in 1947 in Stanford, California. He was drafted to play pro-football but chose to finish his college education so that he could support his wife and by then two young daughters. He started his career with Burlington-Edison High School in 1949 as U.S. History Teacher, Head Football Coach, Boxing, Wrestling, Track Coach and Athletic Director.
In 1956, Francis moved on to a new career as manager of Farm Placement in the Mount Vernon Office of the Washington State Employment Security Department for the next 34 years.
Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine, John and Milka; brothers, Chris and John, in- laws, Gene and Irene Rochon; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Eugene and Merta Rochon.
Francis is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Delores; four daughters, Cathy (Merwyn) Dutton, Janice (Dean) Bannister, Teresa (Randy) Flagg, Carrie (Brian) Rolfson; nine grandchildren, Lisa, Steve, Jason, Michael, Kelly, Jenna, Kyle, Sarah and Jackie; and 20 great-grandchildren; as well as sisters-in-law, Natalie Bacoka and Dolores Bacoka; brothers-in-law, Hector (Gerry) Rochon and Richard (Gerrie) Rochon; and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Hawthorne Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 1825 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA.
Remembrances may be made in Francis' name to W.S.U Cougar Alumni Association, P.O. Box 64197, Pullman, WA 99164-1927 or to a favorite charity.
Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA.