State representative Hailey dies from cancer
Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville and Rep. Steve Hailey, R-Mesa, met with citizens at a meeting in Othello in 2007. Hailey died early Sunday morning after a battle with colon cancer. Photo by Candice Boutilier/Columbia Basin Herald
COLUMBIA BASIN — Rep. Steve Hailey, R-Mesa, died Sunday morning after a battle with colon cancer.
Hailey, 63, served the Ninth Legislative District, which includes Othello.
He was re-elected for a second term this November but announced his resignation in mid-December due to medical challenges stemming from chemotherapy treatment.
When he announced his resignation, he stated, “Prayers, friendship and positive thoughts are an inspiration and have often helped us find the motivation and courage to face some stressful times. I’ve been heartened during the dark moments and will never forget the kindness and thoughtfulness that have been shared with us.”
Hailey noted he was determined to recover from his cancer.
“Cancer’s a tenacious enemy but I’ve been in dangerous spots before,” he stated.
In the 1960s he was a combat helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War.
He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and an Air Medal with 28 Oak Leaf Clusters and a Combat V.
He served with the 195th Assault Helicopter Company and flew Special Operations Group missions.
“At this moment I’m kind of at a loss,” Adams County Republican Party Chair Bob Fuller said. “It’s a sad note.”
“Him and his wife Pat were friends of ours. Our sympathies go with Pat and his family at the loss of Steve,” Fuller said. “He was an exceptionally good representative for the Ninth Legislative District. He’ll be sadly missed.”
“Steve was very helpful to me,” said Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax.
When he was appointed last year, Hailey helped Schmick learn about the Legislature, he said.
“He was a very honest and trustworthy person,” Schmick said. “If he told you something, he would follow through. He was well-liked in the caucus.”
He recalled a time when Hailey walked into the caucus and all the lawmakers cheered for him because they hadn’t seen him for a long time.
Hailey often conducted Legislature business by phone and computer due to his illness.
“He leaves pretty big shoes to fill,” he said.
Hailey was an advocate for the Ninth Legislative District.
“We’re going to miss that,” Schmick said.
Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, said despite doing a lot of work by phone and computer, Hailey had big accomplishments in his short period of service.
“I think he was very instrumental in getting money for Ritzville,” he said.
Hailey successfully worked to find funding for a wastewater treatment plant for the city.
“Public service was important to him,” Schoesler said.
The first time Hailey ran for office, he lost, but he tried again the following election and won. He served several community groups.
Schoesler said he had a close relationship with Hailey and he lost a friend.
“Steve’s life was defined by his untiring service to his country and his state, including a distinguished military career with dignity and courage,” House Republican Leader Richard DeBolt stated. “He never stopped working on behalf of his constituents. His dedication to the people he represented was unwavering.”
“Our thoughts are with the Hailey family at this time. We thank them for allowing Steve to spend the past few years with us as part of our legislative family. We will miss him dearly.”
Hailey was a third-generation farmer, cattle rancher and business owner.
He graduated from Connell High School, and attended Washington State University and Eastern Washington University.
As a representative, Hailey served the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, Transportation Committee, Select Committee on Environmental Health and was the Assistant Republican Whip for the House.
He is survived by his wife Pat, two children and one grandchild.
Funeral services for Hailey are at Connell Community Center at 2 p.m., Jan. 3. The center is located at 211 E. Elm St. in Connell.
Instead of flowers, people are asked to make a donation to the following organizations in Hailey’s name:
• Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation at 7350 W Deschutes Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336
• American Cancer Society at 7325 W Deschutes Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336
• Washington Cattlemen’s Association Endowment Trust Fund at P.O. Box 96, Ellensburg, WA 98926
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