Michael Hunter Haney

Michael Hunter Haney, born Oct. 3, 1969, Kennewick, Wash. died Feb. 21, 2012 in Snohomish, Wash., at the age of 42, due to complications from the traumatic brain injury he sustained during a Cashmere High School football drill in Cashmere, Wash. on Nov. 3, 1987.

Michael grew up on Kodiak Island, Alaska, moving to Cashmere with his parents and sister Meagan. His parents, Harry and Linda Haney, retired in Kodiak when Michael finished tenth grade, and returned to Cashmere, where they had begun their teaching careers.

Michael Haney loved school and athletics, achieving success in both. He was a “straight A” student, and won recognition for his athletic success. As a youngster in Alaska, Michael won state championships in both the Elks’ Hoop Shoot and the Ford Punt, Pass, and Kick, and represented the state of Alaska in national competitions in both. He was MVP of the Anchorage Little League tournament, which led to a state championship for Kodiak.

As a high school student-athlete, Michael won all-conference honors in baseball, basketball and football, and was a member of the National Honor Society.

While Michael Haney was fortunate to enjoy much success in both athletics and academics, his most important quality was the fact he was just a “darn good kid!”

Michael is survived by his parents; sisters: Meagan (John) Dover, Gig Harbor, Wash. and Dawn (Mike) Jensen, Paonia, Colo.; grandmother, Madge Haney, Oroville; aunts: Lil Evans, Ft. Fraser B.C. and Carole Santistevan, Nampa, Idaho and by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Michael had previously lost his grandparents: Vic and Helen Swanson and Harry Haney, Sr., all Oroville; as well as his Uncle Bill Evans and Bill’s son, Mark; and Mark’s daughter, Meghan, all of Ft. Fraser, B.C.

Michael’s ashes will be interred beside his maternal grandparents in the Molson, Wash., country cemetery.

Almost 25 years of surgeries, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes ended Feb. 21, 2012, with peace for Michael Hunter Haney. Throughout, he was a real champion. Memorial plans have not been finalized. Donations suggested to any scholarship fund of your choice.

Arrangements by Bauer Funeral Chapel, Snohomish, Wash.

Michael’s family would like to express their gratitude for all the love and support they’ve received over the years from people everywhere.