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closeSunday, Jan. 04, 2009
Connell lawmaker Hailey remembered as man of virtue
By John Trumbo, Herald staff writer
Five hundred friends joined the family of Stephen Vey Hailey, a longtime Mesa farmer and a state legislator, to say goodbye Saturday.
The Connell Community Center was standing room-only for the memorial service, which was attended by a half-dozen state legislators and Reps. Doc Hastings and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, both R-Wash. Hailey, who died of cancer Dec. 28, was 63.
Hailey, who grew up on the family ranch in Mesa, spent his life working the land and raising cattle save for his service in the Army in Vietnam and his time in Olympia representing the 9th legislative district.
"We are here to celebrate his accomplishments, his commitment to family, community and issues important to this state and country. And to his character," said Don Cox, former state representative who officiated at the service.
Known as a problem solver and good listener, Hailey was eulogized as a gentleman who valued relationships, especially with his buddies at the Mesa Coffee Shop.
"Steve Hailey epitomized public virtue. He grew wiser by accepting one challenge after another," said Dennis Calfee of Gainesville, Fla., a childhood friend who spoke at the service.
Calfee described his friend as "always evolving, expanding his intellect, happy with the accomplishments of others."
Hailey, a firm conservative politically, was "thoughtful of opinions of others" and "was not afraid to change his opinion," Calfee said.
State Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, said, "Steve was a great American to his community and his country."
Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, said Hailey was so well respected in Olympia that "people stood and cheered when he entered the caucus room."
State representatives Maureen Walsh, R-Walla Walla and Larry Haler, R-Richland also attended the service, among others.
Cowboy singer Wylie Gustafson of Eastern Washington sang for the service, and the Washington Army National Guard with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7952 provided military honors.
A 1963 graduate of Connell High School, Hailey attended Washington State University, was drafted into the Army in 1967 and married Pat in late 1969. They have two children, B.J. and Suzie.
He ran the family ranch at Mesa, and was elected 9th district representative to the state Legislature in 2006 and was re-elected in November.
Hailey also found time for community service. He was president of the Washington Cattlemen's Association and belonged to the Franklin County Cattlemen's Association, the Washington Farm Bureau and the Washington Wheat Growers Association. He also was on the Franklin County Planning Commission and the Franklin County Fire District No. 1 Board of Commissioners.
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