Harry Jay Chaffee
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Harry Jay Chaffee passed away on June 26, 2021, at the age of 96 from natural causes.
Harry was born on May 5, 1925 to father Frank Austin Chaffee and mother Alma Marie Chaffee. He grew up in Spokane, Washington with his four brothers and enlisted in the Navy during World Wal II. This launched a career with the Navy that included serving on the battleship Wisconsin, the Cruiser Toledo, and service in Korea during the Korean War. He retired with a rank of Commander and after attending the University of Washington launched a second career as a math teacher at Mercer Island High School.
He married in 1956, but sadly his first wife, Muriel Watzke, died during childbirth as well as their unborn child. After many years being single, he married Jean Boyer (Bauer) on April 1971. They were happily married for 50 years until his death.
Following his retirement from teaching, he and his wife, Jean, embarked on a motor home tour of the country. They met many interesting people and had a lot of fun. This lifestyle evolved to a routine where they spent summers at their Camano Island, Washington home and spent their winters in a park model in balmy Palm Springs. Harry especially enjoyed being a marshal for many years in the annual Bob Hope Classic Golf Tournament there.
With his Navy background, Harry liked things well organized and could tend to have a bit of a stern manner. But underneath, he had a soft heart. This is exemplified by his volunteer work at an orphanage when he served in Korea. He was also popular with students, and he received an award from the Mercer Island School board for his outstanding service to youth.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Sid, Bugs, and Ells.
He is survived by his three stepchildren, Dave Boyer, Dean Boyer, Diane Boyer; his many step grandchildren; his brother Russ; and his nieces Carol, Janet, Diane, Beverly, and nephew Brian.