Joe P Rafferty

1938 - 2016

Born in Seattle and raised in Skagway, Joe earned Bacheor & Masters degrees from Seattle University and worked as a Professional (mechanical) engineer. He died on May 13 after being struck by a vehicle in Juneau.

Work took Joe to Seattle, Keyport and Juneau, but his hobbies took him everywhere. He met his wife Carrol hiking with Seattle University's Hiyu Coolies, and during their 48-year marriage they climbed Mt. Rainier and other peaks, hiked all over the Pacific Northwest, and trekked in England, Ireland, Italy and Switzerland. Joe was a runner long before it became fashionable, and an avid fisherman. He played the clarinet, guitar, banjo and bagpipe, and sang folksongs in several languages. He was a HAM operator and ran his own 10-watt radio station. A photographer since high school, Joe developed his own beautiful black-and-white photos and never abandoned his Leica. After retiring he took up painting. Of course he tinkered with cars and anything electronic.

Joe is survived by his wife Carrol (Pease) and their sons/wives: Brian/Leslee (Duran) and grandson Liam, David/Maffie (Maramot), and Ian. Joe is also survived by his brother Marshall and wife Joyce, his sister Maryanne Breen, and his sister Colleen and husband Sam Panogiotou. A funeral mass was held in Seattle. On a sunny day in Juneau friends and family will hike toward Gastineau Peak.

Remembrances to NAMI Juneau (National Alliance on Mental Illness), 9000 Glacier Hwy, Ste 201 Juneau Alaska 99801 namijuneau.org