State Rep. Steve Hailey has died, almost exactly one year after he announced he was battling colon cancer.
Hailey's death early Sunday morning at age 63 was announced by House Minority Leader Richard DeBolt, who said he was "deeply saddened" by the death of the Republican legislator from Mesa, in Franklin County north of the Tri-Cities.
Hailey, a farmer and rancher, had announced earlier this month that he would resign from the Legislature to focus on his cancer treatment. He planned to officially step down Jan. 11 one day before the Legislature will open its new session in Olympia. He was elected to his first term in 2006.
Local Republican officials will choose three nominees to replace him, with the finalist selected by county commissioners in the district.
We will miss him
Wes Taylor Former Chair Whitman County Republicans
EDUCATION:
Graduate, Connell High School
Washington State University
Eastern Washington University
PROFESSIONAL:
President, Hailey Co., Inc., family-owned and operated cattle ranch and farm.
MILITARY SERVICE:
Helicopter pilot, U.S. Army, 1968-69, Vietnam
Served with 195th Assault Helicopter Co., flying Special Operations Group missions
SPECIAL AWARDS:
Distinguished Flying Cross
Air Medal with 28 Oak Leaf Clusters and Combat
Bronze Star
CIVIC ACTIVITIES:
Member, Franklin County Planning Commission
Commissioner, Franklin County Fire District No. 1
Volunteer firefighter
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
Former president, Washington Cattlemens Association
Member, Board of Directors, Washington Cattlemens Association
Member, Franklin County Cattlemens Association
Member, National Cattlemens Beef Association
Member, Washington Farm Bureau
Member, Washington Wheat Growers Association
STATE GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE:
State Representative, 9th District, serving his first term
Assistant Republican Whip
Joint Committee on Veterans' and Military Affairs
