Joe and I started kindergarten together at Happy Valley and lived in the same apartment complex (Varsity Village) in our early years. He used to beat me up when we first met as kids but then somehow we became friends. I think Joe had a tough exterior back then and truly just wanted to like and be liked by others. When that toughness melted away his real charms became apparent. We went to all the same schools through graduation. We didn't hang out a lot as we got older but we always shared a kind of kinship that comes from a shared history. He was warm and kind to me and I knew I could always count on him to be there for me. I knew Joe to be a caring, loving person with a brilliant sense of sarcastic humor. I was terribly saddened to learn of his much too early passing. Had he lived on, I know he would have continued to be a blessing to all he touched. My deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones in their loss. Wherever you are Joe, I hope you know you are loved and missed. With love, Chris.
Joe Duffey passed away peacefully at his home amongst family and friends on Feb. 15, 2002. He was born on June 27, 1969 in Ukiah, CA and moved to Bellingham with his family in 1971. He graduated BHS in 1988 and married his high school sweetheart in 1996. Joe was a man amongst men who was proud of his job at GP, and honored to have assisted fellow brothers and sisters in the Local 309 Union. He had a passion for fishing and softball. Joe has paved the way for family and friends to follow in his footsteps. We will miss you very much and feel blessed to have shared time with you. His wife and best friend, Julia, parents, Pat & Claudia mother-in-law & father-in-law, Timi and Norman Orloff sisters, Susan & Kathy, nephews, Boyd, Robert & William, nieces Brandy & Trina and numerous relatives survive him. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Whatcom Hospice or to your local American Cancer Society.
Joe Duffey was an amazingly loyal friend. I met Joe in our 4th/5th grade split with Mr. Alford at Sunnyland. I have 2 vivid memories of Joe, one was when Mr. A asked him to leave the classroom and we all watched out the window by the "reading corner" onto the playground where Joe was standing on the "bridge" punching one fist into another waiting for Mr. A to come out and challenge him. He didn't of course. But what Joe, I and many others gained was a huge admiration for a great teacher who knew us all well and left good impressions to last a lifetime.
Joe and I went into Clark's Thriftway when we were 11 and Joe dared me to buy a 6 pack of beer. I did. (!!) I walked right up to Mary Lou at check out and told her "my dad said I could buy beer anytime I wanted to." She sent me on my way and Joe was howling outside the supermarket. He never let me live that down.
Joe and I were not in the same circle in high school but when we had the opportunity to talk we remembered all those good times. Joe was just the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back and defend you to the end all underneath that "brawny" exterior. There was really a sweet guy in there and Julia was lucky enough to be a part of that. We miss you Joe!
Chris Bundy
Joe and I started kindergarten together at Happy Valley and lived in the same apartment complex (Varsity Village) in our early years. He used to beat me up when we first met as kids but then somehow we became friends. I think Joe had a tough exterior back then and truly just wanted to like and be liked by others. When that toughness melted away his real charms became apparent. We went to all the same schools through graduation. We didn't hang out a lot as we got older but we always shared a kind of kinship that comes from a shared history. He was warm and kind to me and I knew I could always count on him to be there for me. I knew Joe to be a caring, loving person with a brilliant sense of sarcastic humor. I was terribly saddened to learn of his much too early passing. Had he lived on, I know he would have continued to be a blessing to all he touched. My deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones in their loss. Wherever you are Joe, I hope you know you are loved and missed.With love, Chris.
Shawn Richey (Sofie)
Obituary Bellingham HeraldJoe Duffey
Joe Duffey passed away peacefully at his home amongst family and friends on Feb. 15, 2002. He was born on June 27, 1969 in Ukiah, CA and moved to Bellingham with his family in 1971. He graduated BHS in 1988 and married his high school sweetheart in 1996. Joe was a man amongst men who was proud of his job at GP, and honored to have assisted fellow brothers and sisters in the Local 309 Union. He had a passion for fishing and softball. Joe has paved the way for family and friends to follow in his footsteps. We will miss you very much and feel blessed to have shared time with you. His wife and best friend, Julia, parents, Pat & Claudia mother-in-law & father-in-law, Timi and Norman Orloff sisters, Susan & Kathy, nephews, Boyd, Robert & William, nieces Brandy & Trina and numerous relatives survive him. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Whatcom Hospice or to your local American Cancer Society.
Raynelle Russell (Herrin)
Joe Duffey was an amazingly loyal friend. I met Joe in our 4th/5th grade split with Mr. Alford at Sunnyland. I have 2 vivid memories of Joe, one was when Mr. A asked him to leave the classroom and we all watched out the window by the "reading corner" onto the playground where Joe was standing on the "bridge" punching one fist into another waiting for Mr. A to come out and challenge him. He didn't of course. But what Joe, I and many others gained was a huge admiration for a great teacher who knew us all well and left good impressions to last a lifetime.Joe and I went into Clark's Thriftway when we were 11 and Joe dared me to buy a 6 pack of beer. I did. (!!) I walked right up to Mary Lou at check out and told her "my dad said I could buy beer anytime I wanted to." She sent me on my way and Joe was howling outside the supermarket. He never let me live that down.
Joe and I were not in the same circle in high school but when we had the opportunity to talk we remembered all those good times. Joe was just the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back and defend you to the end all underneath that "brawny" exterior. There was really a sweet guy in there and Julia was lucky enough to be a part of that. We miss you Joe!