Mount Vernon, Washington
1924 - 2011 (Age 86)
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 Washington State Employment Security Dept. for the next thirty four years.
Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine, John; Milka, brothers, Chris and John, in-laws, Gene & Irene Rochon; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Eugene and Merta Rochon.
He 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 twenty great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Natalie Bacoka and Dolores Bacoka; brothers-in-law, Hector (Gerry) Rochon and Richard (Gerrie) Rochon; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Service will be Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Hawthorne Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 1825 E. College Way, Mount Vernon.
Remembrances in Francis name may be made to W.S.U Cougar Alumni Association, P.O. Box 64197, Pullman, WA 99164-1927 or a favorite charity.
Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA.
Bacoka Family
I am sorry to hear of your loss. It was my pleasure to have known Coach. I am sure none of us will ever know how big and positive was his influence on so many people who came into contact with him.
Dale Jenkins Bay View WA
March 05, 2011
Hello Bacoka family,
I have fond memories of your dad at the beach house when we were all kids. I remember him being so tall, the cigars he always smoked and his laughter. Wish I could be with you all on Saturday. My love and prayers to you all.
Fran Madden
March 01, 2011 | Livingston, MT
Aloha 'Bacoka' family,
I'm sorry I was unable to express to 'Coach' how much his kindness and influence had on my life. I am grateful
that he allowed me to be on a 'team'.
the experience contributed to my success as a USAF officer, A leader of Science and Technology at Weyerhaeuser
and serving the Community in my retiremant. Darrell Pierson"Class of 51'
Darrell Pierson
March 01, 2011 | Kihei, HI
Merwyn, Cathy and family,
I know "Bacoka" will be immensely missed by his family and all who knew him. One of my favorite teachers,a friendly, outgoing man
Joan Fox
March 01, 2011
Merwyn, Cathy and family,
I know "Bacoka" will be immensely missed by his family and all others who knew him. One of my favorite teachers, a friendly, outgoing man.
Joan Fox
March 01, 2011
I wrote about Bacoka in my novel, THE MUSTARD SEED. Will a family member email me: [email protected]. Thanks. Donnajean
March 01, 2011
