Kenneth M. McCaffree

1919 - 2016

Kenneth M. McCaffree Kenneth McCaffree died in Everett, Wash. on May 13 , 2016, at 96 years. He was born June 23, 1919, in Wichita, Kansas, the second son of James Elmer and Vesta Dunn McCaffree. His wife of 73 years, Mary Ellen, preceded him in death in 2014. He is survived by their five children: James (Ruthann), University Place, Wash.; Charles (Lee), Orinda, Calif.; Nancy (Aubrey) Carter, Snohomish, Wash.; Mary (Jack) Johnston, Everett; David (Alexandra), Shoreline, Wash.; 16 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Ken was raised on a farm; attending high school and junior college in Eldorado, Kansas. In 1940, he graduated from Southwestern College with Honors in Sociology. In the next two years, he received an M.A. from the University of Denver, married Mary Ellen, their first son was born and he became an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve. After the war he pursued his goal to teach. In 1949, he completed a PhD in Economics at the University of Chicago. He spent 32 years on the University of Washington faculty and retired as a professor emeritus in 1981. He stated in his autobiography, "Nothing is more stimulating, nor do I believe any more scholarly than helping students along in their careers." Ken began his teaching career in labor management economics. In the late 1950's and 1960's he shifted his career to health economics due primarily to his 10 year involvement as a hospital trustee and president of Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound. In 1964, he was elected president of the Group Health Association of American, the forerunner and primary founder of the HMO movement. In 1971, he became a Professor of Health Services in the School of Public Health and Community Medicine at the University of Washington. As a nationally recognized health economist Ken served as an appointee for President Nixon to the Health Services Industry Advisory Committee. After retiring from the U of W, Ken began another 25-year career as a labor arbitrator. He was elected to membership in the National Academy of Arbitrators in 1983. About his quasi-judicial arbitration career, he acknowledged the early influence of the Biblical admonition of Micah 6:8: " …to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God." In his arbitration he was known for his fairness and sense of right and wrong; as in his life. At age 84 Ken dedicated his remaining years to helping Mary Ellen fulfill her desire to publish and promote her book, Politics of the Possible. As her health failed, his care and devotion to her modeled great patience, sacrifice, and love. His children, grandkids, great grandkids, and numerous nieces and nephews were his delight. He loved keeping in touch with all of them; either via email or their visits, or even on Facebook. A lifelong member of the Methodist Church, Ken's Christian faith remained the foundation of his humble, courageous and grateful character that reflected in his relationships with Mary Ellen, his family, colleagues and community. His gentle encouraging spirit and bright cheerful disposition will be missed. A public memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 30, 2016, at the Cross View Church, 604 Ave C East, Snohomish, WA with a reception following. Cards/condolences may be sent to the family at 12919 78th Pl. SE, Snohomish, WA 98290. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent either to the Group Health Foundation, P.O. Box 34015, Seattle WA, 98124-4015, or to the Politics of the Possible Fund, c/o Alison McCaffree, 1280 N. James St., Tacoma, WA, 98407 noted as a memorial for Kenneth M. McCaffree.