Michael Edward Hays

Michael Edward Hays passed away August 6 at his Newberg home after an eight-month battle with cancer. Mike was born July 22, 1939, second of five children to the union of Vernon Edward Hays and Mary Isabelle Rouse. He married Ella Mae Marks August 31, 1963, and sons. Alan Michael and Samuel Edward, were born in 1965 and 1968 respectively. He was an Enterprise High School "Savage" graduating in 1957 where he was active in sports. Born into a family of cattle ranchers in Wallowa and Baker County, Mike found law enforcement his career of choice after two years in Germany with the US Army. After 3.5 years as a city policeman in La Grande, he joined the ranks of Oregon State Police in 1966. He retired in 1991 as station commander at Baker City with the rank of Lieutenant. He was honored that the OSP sponsored the opportunity in 1983 to train at the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia alongside law enforcement leaders worldwide. Serving in supervisory positions for a large part of his career, he treasured maintaining a close camaraderie with those he worked with and maintained many friendships in retirement. In retirement, he involved himself in the family ranch at Unity, Oregon for several summers after moving back to Grants Pass, a special town where he was stationed. He developed a small horse property and supported Ella Mae with her horses and showing; they moved to Newberg to live closer to sons in 2004 to present. They returned to Wallowa County homestead property on Alder Slope with horses many summers and enjoyed being "back home". During his life he was a member of the Catholic Church, Elks and Rotary. He volunteered at a senior center, assisted a son in his business and best of all involvement with his grandson who now is studying business at U of O. He was an Oregon Duck fan and enjoyed rodeo traveling to distant locations until The Cowboy Channel Plus allowed viewing from home. Mike is survived by Ella Mae, Alan and Sam (Lori), grandson Jacob Edward Hays and his 103-year-old mother-in-law, Addie Marks. He is also survived by brother David (Angie), many nieces, nephews and cousins. In death he was preceded by both parents and siblings Jo Ann, John and Dan. His graveside service will be at 11 a.m. August 22 at Alder Slope Cemetery near his great grandfather, James Hays, who homesteaded Alder Slope in 1877. (Lawn chairs advised) Luncheon to follow at The Place in Joseph, Oregon.