John Morrissey

03/06/1933-07/16/2011
Jack passed away on July 16th after a hard fought illness. He was a lifelong resident of Bellingham, except for the two years spent teaching in Guam. Jack graduated from Bellingham High School in 1951. He then spent three years in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany. Upon his return, Jack graduated from WWU with a BA in education. He taught elementary school for several years in Concrete and Burlington, before moving to Vista Middle School in Ferndale, where he taught for 27 years. Jack was a kind and gentle man who loved his family deeply. He had a lifelong love of trains, and spent many hours watching them as they made their way through Bellingham. He enjoyed working with his hands and, with his wife, created a beautiful garden in their yard that became home to all manner of wildlife, including many raccoon families.
Jack is survived by his wife Dolores, son Guy Morrissey of Bellingham, daughter Kay Morrissey (James Hatfield) of Wichita, Kansas, stepsons Marc (Judy) Ambers and Blake (Kenalyn) Ambers both of Bellingham, grandchildren Patrick and Jacob Hatfield of Wichita, Kansas, and Serena Ambers of Oregon, sister Marilyn (Randy) Lampman of Bellingham, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Obe and Mary Morrissey, and his sister Patricia Hurlbert, all of Bellingham.
A memorial will be held in Jack’s honor on Friday, July 29, 2011 at 5 p.m. at the Fairhaven Park Pavilion. All are welcome. Donations may be made to your favorite charity.