BOMBER MEMORIAL
MICHAEL WILLIAM "MIKE" MALLEY ~ Class of 1969
October 21, 1951 - March 12, 2021
Mike Malley passed peacefully on Friday, March 12, 2021, in the presence of family after a courageous battle with his health. Born in Longview, WA on October 21, 1951, he was the first of five children.
He attended a new grade school each year as his parents searched for a place to root the family pharmacy, ultimately settling in the Tri-Cities. In his youth and throughout his life he cherished his special friendship with the entire Boulange family. He graduated from Col-High (now RHS) in 1969.
Mike enjoyed the outdoors; he treasured memories of salmon fishing with friends and family. He enjoyed goose hunting in his early years, later replaced with racquetball and ultimately fantasy football…whatever put him in the company of family and friends. Mike was an exceptional billiards player, but his love for cards “trumped” all. Always holding his cards close-to-vest, getting information from Mike was like dealing with the FBI. Unless you were within a very tight circle, inquiries about his work, women, or service always got the same response…only to be shared upon death.
He loved the spring season at Sundowns – at times holding partial ownership in a few of the horses. An avid reader, he enjoyed reading along the shores of the Columbia.
Mike took great pride in the accomplishments of his nephews and nieces, always anxious to spend time with them.
He played an instrumental role with a few of the card rooms on the Parkade and will be missed by many downtown.
Mike enlisted with the Air Force in 1971 and served as a linguist.
His professional Quality Assurance career began with the Department of Agriculture before transitioning to the nuclear industry. He worked in many locations but always considered the Tri-Cities as home, returning in 1991. He was proud of his career accomplishments across the nation – most recently with MSA locally.
Fun loving and a bit rough around the edges, Mike was generous and willing to help anyone in need. He’d tell you exactly what he thought – and offer assistance, if he could. The things he didn’t tell you? Mike served on special assignment within the White House. He played in the World Series of Poker. Mike was a trained accordionist. And, Mike knew the cards you were holding – without seeing them.
Mike is survived by his parents, Bill and Gladys Malley; siblings: Jo Ann Poland ('72) (Vic), Kit Malley (Dan Morris), Tim Malley ('79), and Brian Malley (Theresa); nephews: Dustin Poland, Mark Poland, and Paton Malley; nieces: Kim Lambert, Lee Daugherty, Jill Mendez, and Jenna Malley; along with extended family, countless card players, and patrons of the Kennewick Parkade.
In recognition of his many close friends and fondness of downtown Kennewick, contributions in his memory may be made to: Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership, P.O. Box 6552, Kennewick, WA 99336. Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation.
A proper Malley celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.
Express your thoughts and memories in the online Guest Book.
Bomber Memorial put together by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).