Joseph Michael Haley

1986 - 2022

Lynnwood - Joseph "Joey" Haley, of Lynnwood, WA, died October 8, 2022, at the age of 35. Born on October 26, 1986, Joey was raised in Mount Vernon, and though he lived in various parts of Washington as an adult, he never was - and never wanted to be - anything other than a Washingtonian.

A lifelong Catholic, Joey was baptized and confirmed at Immaculate Conception Church, and attended Immaculate Conception Regional School from kindergarten through 8th grade. He was a dedicated football player and teammate from the time he was in third grade through his graduation from Mount Vernon High School, where he was voted the friendliest member of his graduating class - a fact that came as a happy surprise to the family who knew his introverted nature could mask his kindness and gift for connecting with all kinds of people.

After graduating from Washington State University, Joey went on to a career in retail, eventually becoming the manager of multiple Big 5 Sporting Goods locations. He was deeply committed to the company and his colleagues, and he worked for more than a decade to build teams and environments that would foster leadership development and professional success.

Joey was also a lifelong learner, and when he was interested in a topic, there was no one who could match his passion or understanding. Whether he was digging into his Irish roots and ancestry, explaining the nuances of the various Star Trek series, recommending a favorite comedy podcast, or connecting a real-life situation to a classic episode of The Simpsons, both Joey's knowledge and his curiosity were boundless. He found quiet and beauty in the outdoors as well, often using his time off to hike and visit parks. Mount Rainier, and particularly Dewey Lake, was a favorite.

Unquestionably dedicated to his family, Joey earned a reputation among his nieces and nephews for his excellent birthday and Christmas gifts - many of which are still in regular rotation in bedrooms and playrooms across the Northwest (including an indoor tent and camping set that Joey's niece and nephews were enjoying - and which his parents and siblings were tripping over - as the family gathered to celebrate his life and memory). He was quietly thoughtful, able to build a deep connection in a one-on-one conversation or to offer an insight or act of kindness that felt all the more genuine for how unassuming Joey was.

Those who loved Joey will always be heartbroken that we didn't get more time with him, but we'll carry his impact with us for the rest of our lives. And someday, when one of his nephews or nieces pick up a Batman comic or a Bob Dylan album, we'll be reminded again that Joey will never truly be gone.

Joey is survived by his parents, Joseph and Alice Haley; his brothers Marty Haley, Brian (Mandy) Haley, and Danny (Kristen) Haley; his sister, Tricia Haley; his brother-in-law, Ryan Harem; his nephews, Andrew Haley, Cole Harem, Silas Harem, and Peter Haley; his nieces, Lizzie Haley, Bridget Haley, and Melanie Haley; and all of the members of his loving extended family. He is preceded in death by his sister, Chrissy Harem.

Funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church in Mount Vernon, WA, at 12:15 pm on Monday, October 17, 2022. Joey will be laid to rest at Mount Vernon Cemetery, and a reception at the St. Joseph's Center at Immaculate Conception Regional School in Mount Vernon will follow. Memorials may be given to Immaculate Conception Regional School or to Generations Early Learning and Family Center in Bellingham, WA, where Joey's godson, Silas Harem, attends preschool.

You may offer your condolences and share memories of Joey online at www.kernfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care of the Kern Funeral Home of Mount Vernon.