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Edward Caffrey Obituary
Reverend Edward Francis CAFFREY Rev. Edward F. Caffrey, 80, well-known eastern Washington Roman Catholic priest, passed away March 20 in Spokane Valley. Father Caffrey had been a priest for 54 years. He was born in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho November 2, 1930 and grew up in Rathdrum, Idaho and Spokane. He graduated from Gonzaga Prep in 1948, and after attending Gonzaga University, in 1953, he entered St. Edward Seminary near Seattle, completing his studies in 1957 when he was ordained a priest. Father Caffrey has served in numerous pastoral capacities in eastern Washington, including principal of DeSales High School in Walla Walla, Chaplin of the Washington State University Newman Center in Pullman, pastor of Walla Walla Assumption Parish, and pastor of St. Mary's Presentation in Deer Park where he retired in 2002. He also served in the Cathedral, Sacred Heart Parish, and Marycliff High School in Spokane early in his priesthood. Following his retirement he lived in Pullman for seven years. Father Caffrey was known as a24/7 priest, always on call, rarely taking time off and leading a life with few frills. He is of Irish-Scots ancestry and loved St. Patrick's Day. He was known for his inspirational homilies, which if written, were nothing more than a few bullet points on the back of an envelope, and for his scholarship, keen wit, humor and story telling. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Francis (Frank) and Grace Caffrey, Spokane, and his sister, Mary Louise Clutter, Marysville, who passed away in 2009. He is survived by his brother, Dennis Caffrey (Mary Ellen), Stratford, CT; and sisters Jewel Thompson, Phoenix, AZ; and Sheila Kern (Jim), Seattle, WA. Father Caffrey has numerous nieces and nephews. Rosary on March 31 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Presentation in Deer Park, WA; funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Presentation on April 1 at 11 a.m. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Lauer Funeral Home in Deer Park.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Caffrey
Bill Clark
April 8, 2011
I first met Father Caffery in the winter of 1968. I was a Police Officer for the City Of Pullman. Thru the years we became good friends. He and at times Nick(Parish Dog)would ride in my patrol car. We had many talks, some long, some not. I grew to look forward to be in his company, and I considered it a privlege. He is a man that I will not forget. I thought that I would greatly miss him, which I do. But thru the past week or so I've come to learn, that I can still reach out to him, because of the many great memories I have of him. He will remain to me as a person who taught me a great deal about how I handled my Police duties, myself, and how to again trust. Also, thru him I have regained my beliefs and faith systems. He will be in my mind everyday. He was a gfret friend.
Bill Clark
Guy Nelson
April 3, 2011
I remember Father Caffrey fondly from my years at DeSales. His homilies were special. It was a privilege to be in his speech and religion classes.
Debbie Aman
April 2, 2011
I was fortunate to have been a student at WSU during Father Caffrey's years there and to experience firsthand his inspiring talks which were a brilliant balance of wisdom, humor and insight. One memory that stands out was how welcoming and gracious he was to students of all faiths. If you wanted a seat at one of his services, you showed up early as he drew large crowds of students of every faith. Condolences to his family and please know what a gift he was to so many.
Kevin Laughlin
March 30, 2011
Fr Ed made all of us at WSU think and pray!. He opened the door to the Holy Spirit so each of us could find "The Way". From the moment I stepped foot on the WSU campus Fr. Ed made me feel welcome and he built a community of believers…. I can only remember people waiting in line outside of church to go to mass so that they would have a seat...that today we could see that on any College Campus would be a miracle! He inspired, illuminated, and led college students to union with God!
Being involved in Music ministry at WSU meant a lifelong commitment , where ever my job and travels have taken me…I sing because of the Sprit inspired in word, prayer and psalm during my years as a Cougar at WSU.
Today my journey continues as a Spiritual Director after a 30 year career with the USDA Cooperative Extension System. I bring Fr. Ed’s sermons, post sermons, and post, post sermons with me to the holy listening that I do with and for others…sometimes he speaks and illumination continues to take place!
Thank you Fr. Ed for the food for the journey….Sending all those who grieve his passing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self control!
Kevin M. Laughlin, Ph.D.
WSU Graduate, Agricultural Education 1979
Garden City, Idaho
St Thomas More Chapel, WSU
Father Kevin Codd
March 30, 2011
From all of us at Saint Thomas More Catholic Student Center and Newman Club at WSU, our sympathies go out to Father Ed's family and all who will miss him. He did so much to build up this ministry and our present chapel and center building stand as a memorial to his love and service here.
May he now enjoy the peace of Christ forever!
Monica Monaghan-Milstein
March 30, 2011
Father Caffrey was a cherished family friend who lived a life of great example for all who knew him. We feel fortunate to have shared so many years in Pullman and beyond.
We send our love and strength to his wonderful family in this time of loss.
What a Wonderful Man!!!
marisa eacret
March 29, 2011
After having met and cared for Father Caffrey in his later years I could only imagine how he was as a young man. He was a wonderful caring man who loved everyone. My daughter had the pleasure of meeting him while being cared for at Colonial Court and still talks about the short time she was able to spend with him. We will miss and never forget him.
March 29, 2011
Fr. Caffrey was a true humanitarian and an example to all of us. He practice to be true to yourself and God will take care of the rest. I have fond memories of Fr. Ed at DeSales. God Bless.
Melle Keudell
August 9, 1975 Republic Washington
Gloria Slagle
March 28, 2011
I met Fr. Caffrey when I joined the music group at St. Thomas More at WSU in 1969 when Bob Small was directing. Jim Christiansen was part of that group too. He is from Spokane but I have not seen or heard from him and his wife, Patty since college ---1973.
Two qualities stand out for me and they were his homilies and his quick wit and humor. Behind all of this was a keen intelligence. He was energized by youth, but little kids drove him nuts. I remember once while attending all the festivities around Jim and Patty's wedding I heard him say as far as he was concerned kids could be born at the age of 14 and that would be just fine with him. He thrived in the college environment. His homilies were so engaging that he often went on a bit too long. This never bothered me but Jim used to hold up a dollar bill sometimes towards the end of his talk and wave it at Fr. Caffrey. He would look at Jim and that dollar and shake his head and say, "I just have to finish this point." Don't think he ever got that dollar bill.
The ultimate blessing was when Fr. Caffrey came up to Republic Washington to witness our wedding on April 9, 1975. He was so relaxed up there that he slept in the morning of the wedding. All went well. It was wedding to remember and I still have his homily on a little cassette. We listen to it now and then. These are some of my memories. I see where our dear pastor died on the Feast of the Transfiguration and it seems rather fitting for a man who radiated the love of Christ to so many for so many years.
We were indeed blessed to have known him.
Blessings~Gloria (Wood) Slagle
March 28, 2011
This is a man and a priest who did make a big difference in many peoples lives and made the world a better place for all. He certainly did impact our lives during the time we were at WSU - 1969-1974. We took all we learned from him and carried it with us as we walked thru our lives. Heaven is a little brighter and earth is a little dimmer
Anne Marie Thomas
March 28, 2011
Father Caffrey baptized me and gave him my First Holy Communion. He was my family's priest from the time I was an infant to an adolescent. I have fond memories of his homilies and his love for his Church.
Mike Cherry
March 28, 2011
Father Caffrey was the principal at DeSales High School while I attended. Later, after my military service he became a friend. Father Caffrey was human. A man who inspired and motivated through his ability to relate to all types of people. Truly he did leave this earth a better place.
Mike Cherry
Clare McCracken
March 28, 2011
Fr. Caffrey made Sundays my favorite day of the week as a student at WSU! Jesus prayer for his disciples was one of Fr. Caffrey's favorites..."that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." John 17:21
Joe Arbanas
March 28, 2011
Fr. Caffrey was my Principal at DeSales in Walla Walla for 3 years. He was an excellent teacher, and just a great guy--witty, great sense of humor and kind. He knew how to balance discipline with being human. He always took an interest in you individually. He earned the respect he was shown and the credibility he had. He left this world a better place because of his presence.
Stuart O'Donnell
March 27, 2011
My thoughts of Edward are as boyhood friends and Altar boys to Fr. Fox at St. Stanislaus church in Rathdrum, Idaho. Take comfort in a giving lifetime of good work.
March 27, 2011
Father Caffrey was a cherished friend during my years at WSU. He helped a lot of us continue and further our Catholic faith duriing our college years. My memories of him bring me joy. He was a blessing in my life. I pray your memories bring you Peace now and always.
Colleen Hulbert Fisher
Dawn Granata
March 27, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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