Michael Elsworth Halsey

Michael Elsworth Halsey, 64, of Hermiston and formerly of Union, died March 11 of cancer at Kennewick General Hospital in Kennewick.

Funeral services were held Saturday at Burns Mortuary Chapel in Hermiston. A graveside service is planned for 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Union Cemetery in Union.

Mike was born March 30, 1945, in Astoria, the only child of Elsworth and Elizabeth Halsey. He spent the first years of his life in Florence and then moved with his parents to Union in 1951.

Mike graduated from Union High School in 1963. He attended Eastern Oregon College, where he was active in student government and editor of the college newspaper. He graduated in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in history and political science. He married Connie Waits later that year.

After a tour of duty in Vietnam, Mike returned to Oregon to spend 42 years with the Union Pacific Railroad, retiring from his job as a locomotive engineer in 2006.

He moved with his family to Hermiston in 1976, where he and Connie raised four children. He dedicated himself to growing a colossal garden and tending to hundreds of chickens, earning a reputation as the "egg man." He was a devoted Mets fan and enjoyed the challenge of the daily crossword.

He loved music and knew the lyrics to a multitude of songs. He enjoyed using his passion for words and stories to spin tall tales. Coworkers, family and friends remember Mike fondly for his incredible work ethic, generosity of spirit and enduring sense of humor.

Survivors include his wife, Connie (Waits) Halsey; children, Christopher Halsey, Caven Halsey, Noami Halsey McClure and Matthew Halsey; daughter-in-law, Rachel Lorenzen Halsey; son-in-law, Ian McClure; one grandson; and many cousins.

Family and friends are invited to sign the condolence book at www.burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.

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