John Michael Gaffney

GAFFNEY, John Michael-- 71, died at his home in San Jose on November 22, 2002 in the loving presence of his wife.A native of Co. Sligo, Ireland, John left home at 17 to see the world. He joined the British Royal Air Force where he spent much of his duty in Germany. He settled briefly in England where he met Bernadette, his wife of 46 years. They emigrated to the US in 1962, traveling the country in a brand new station wagon before settling in San Jose.John had a ceaseless curiosity for life. He loved books, history, cars, and woodworking. He spent endless hours in his workshop, where he restored vintage cars, built furniture, tinkered with tools, and chatted with friends. His humor and storytelling will be missed by many, as will his courageous outlook. Faced with both lung cancer and a leg amputation toward the end of his life, he refused to give up, amazing both his doctors and family.John is survived by his wife, Bernadette, Daughters Sarah Gaffney of San Jose and Kathleen Robinson of Ben Lomond, Brothers Paddy, Tom, and Tony Gaffney of Ireland and sister Teresa Martin of N. Ireland. He was a proud grandfather to Aidan and Isabella.A memorial service will be held Tuesday, November 26, 2002 at 6:00 p.m. at CHAPEL OF FLOWERS, 900 S. 2nd Street, San Jose. The family requests donations in John's memory be made to Kaiser Hospice, 10080 N. Wolfe Road, Suite SW3-160, Cupertino, CA 95014.