Obituary: Michael J. McCaffrey

Michael J. McCaffrey

Michael John McCaffrey passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on December 3, 2014, in Bellvue, Colorado. He was born to Raymond and Frieda McCaffrey on December 19, 1951.

As a boy, Mike resided in Croton-on-Hudson, Westchester County in New York State. Croton was a wonderful place to grow up in the 1950s and 1960s. In the summer he would swim in the overflow of the Croton Reservoir, went boating on the Hudson River, and enjoyed much open space for hiking and hunting small game. As he grew older, the nearby transportation in to New York City made it easy to see ballgames and concerts. Mike was proud he saw Bruce Springstein before anyone knew Bruce’s name.

Mike attended Croton-Harmon Schools and in high school excelled in sports, especially football. He attended the last two years of high school at New York Military Academy, near West Point, where he excelled in football, earning the attention of college scouts. Unfortunately, a promising college career was cut short by a severe leg injury.

Mike graduated and decided in 1971 to attend Colorado State University. He fell in love with Colorado for its climate, skiing, hunting and fishing. Attending concerts and playing guitar continued to be other loves.

Mike worked as a contractor for many firms before becoming an independent contractor.

Mike was pre—deceased by his father and mother, but is survived by his wife, Coleen Clark of Bellvue; his brother, Raymond (Fred) McCaffrey, sister—in-law, Loraine of Northville, New York; a sister, Ellen Rowel, brothe—in—law, ]ohn, of New Hope, Pennsylvania, and two nieces.

Mike and Coleen met in October, 1978. Mike moved to Rist Canyon and made it his home. He loved black powder hunting, football and was so happy CSU had a winning season.

They lost their home in the High Park Fire. They were rebuilding. Mike was doing a lot of the work by himself. Being under—insured and suffering a shoulder injury caused him a lot of physical and mental stress. The Lord said you need to rest. We will all miss you, Big Mike.

There was a celebration of Mike’s life at Swing Station on Dec. 20, 2014.