Allan E. Cafferty

Allan E. Cafferty 1923 ~ 2011 Allan E. Cafferty entered this world on December 7, 1923, in Hill City, Kansas, the only child of Charles Emory "Jack" and Mabel Vivian Swank Cafferty. He departed on September 17, 2011, at his home in Boise, Idaho. Allan grew up on his father's farm milking cows (a chore he passed on to each of his own children), driving mule teams and a host of other farm duties. Years of physical work helped him to develop incredible strength and a menacing grip he retained until his death. He was very involved in athletics throughout his life. During high school he played quarterback for the Hill City Ringnecks. He also excelled at basketball, tennis, boxing, and track and field. He graduated from high school at the age of 17. He also played quarterback for Fort Hayes KSU. At the onslaught of World War II Allan enlisted in the Army, and eventually ended up in the Army Air Corps as a navigator and gunman in the 13th Air Force on multiple bomber platforms including B26's, B-24's and B-17's. He saw multiple fronts during the war, jumping around the Philippine islands and into China. During his activities in the Philippines he became the company boxer and was undefeated after 32 fights. After the war he returned to Hill City where he married Virginia Marie Gansel. He attended college at Fort Hays Kansas State University on the GI bill, and earned a degree in history. Education was very important to Allan. He attended numerous colleges and universities ultimately earning a Masters Degree from the College of Idaho and was only ten credits short of his doctorate degree. Upon obtaining his undergraduate degree from Fort Hays KSU, Allan got a job with the Boise School District and moved his wife and first son to Boise in 1948. During his teaching career he taught at North Junior High, Boise High School, West Junior High, and Borah High schools. He was instrumental in developing the Driver Education program for the City of Boise. He coached tennis, golf, football, track, and wrestling. Allan would never boast himself however it should be noted he never had a losing season with any team on which he played or coached and his teams were awarded multiple state championships in golf, track, football and wrestling. He was a great coach allowing him to be inducted into the national wrestling hall of fame in Stillwater OK (not bad for a boxer who never wrestled). As stated by former Boise Mayor and sportscaster, Dick Eardly; "Ask anyone to name the 'Idaho Sportsman of the Year' and you'll get a fistful of suggestions, (Harmon Killebrew, Jerry Kramer, Dubby Holt-to name a few) all of them worthy. . .Any or all of them would be fine, and all have contributed greatly to the Idaho sports scene. But our own personal selection of a "Sportsman of the Year" would be someone behind the scenes year in and year out without fanfare or headlines; someone who has helped make better athletes and better men out of untried kids; someone who makes the sports world better by just being around; someone like Al Cafferty" After a career of teaching, Allan took a job with the State Department of Education where he helped to oversee driver training programs throughout the state of Idaho. He also sat on the National Transportation Safety Council and served as President of the National Driver, Traffic and Safety Administration. Since he was an only child he was determined not to let his family name fade into obscurity. Allan and Virginia raised eight sons. Allan's family was always first and foremost and he took pride in instilling good family values in his boys and grandchildren. He was the greatest example of "tough love" and his actions demonstrated "the right thing to do". Whenever any of his kids or grandkids had any sort of event he was there coaching and instilling confidence and excellence, always recognizing good deeds, even with competitors. Always by his side was a truly amazing lady, Virginia. This partnership lasted for 65 glorious years. All who know mom and dad will attest they are the model of what a great marriage can be. 2121 S. Eagleson Rd became a haven for countless friends, relatives and folks who needed a home and or nurturing…or even a good football game in the front yard! Allan spent countless hours developing his small farm at Robie Creek-He grew the finest gardens and managed a farming operation single handedly (Not too many people have hit a bear with a shovel while cleaning headgates). Allan was preceded in death by his parents, and one grandson, Patrick Michael. He is survived by: His wife and lifelong partner Virginia, 8 Sons (Jim-Linda, Danny-Ronda, Bert-Sandie, Kim-Maryann, Tom, Bob-Lori, Sean-Lisa, and Bill (Lynn Worthy), 27 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. Memorial services will be on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 4:00 PM at Borah High School Auditorium (behind the tennis courts). Arrangements are under the direction of Summers Funeral Homes, Boise Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested the Boise Schools Foundation create the Allan Cafferty Memorial Fund to benefit athletics at Borah High School. Donations can be sent to: Boise Schools Foundation, Allan Cafferty Memorial Fund, 8169 W. Victory Road, Boise, ID 83709.