Roy W. Haley was born on August 6, 1925 in Portland, Oregon to parents Harry D. Haley and Lucile Haley (nee Lothrop). Roy was a lifelong resident of Portland and lived most of his life in the same home in the Irvington neighborhood.
Shortly after his 18th birthday he entered the U.S. Army in August of 1943. He was attached to the 1st Army, 9th Infantry Division. He landed in Normandy at Utah beach on the 4th day of the D-day Invasion. He fought his way through France and Germany until the end of WWII and post war occupation in Belgium. 52 years later, he was reunited with his “foxhole buddy”, Jim Hawley. Ellen and Roy visited Jim and his family for several weeks in Pennsylvania. The meeting was one of the highlights of his life.
Upon returning to Portland after being honorably discharged with the rank of corporal, Roy began studies at Oregon State University and graduated from Lewis and Clark College with a degree in Business Administration. Soon after graduation, Roy began working at John Deere Inc. in the marketing department. There he met his future wife Ellen Jean.
In June 1952, Roy married Ellen Jean Haley (nee Manthey) in her hometown of Great Falls, Montana. Roy and Ellen started their family in Portland and raised their four children.
Roy was an outdoor enthusiast and there were many family camping trips in the Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Roy was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing all year round with his family and many friends. One of Roy’s and the family’s favorite camping areas was along the Metolius river in central Oregon.
After Roy and Ellen retired, they traveled extensively in Europe, the South Pacific and traveled in their motorhome throughout the U.S. and Canada. They also enjoyed showing their ’57 Custom 300 sedan with the ‘Fords of the 50’s’ car club. As a volunteer, Roy read with elementary school children through the SMART program at Irvington school.
For over 25 years, Roy and Ellen enjoyed an annual camping trip for two weeks in September on the Rogue river, salmon fishing with a group of friends. There was usually a salmon derby during the two weeks, the fisherman with the biggest haul being crowned “the King”. The Fehringer family was always ready for fun, instigating many gags and hijinks to make the occasion fun for all. Those were cherished memories of good times, great friends and many fish caught.
Roy will be greatly missed and we know he is in a place where he can enjoy an endless river, with rushing water and endless fishing. Whenever we think of a roaring river or a calm lake, Roy will be there at peace watching, waiting and knowing that all the fish that got away, are the ones he’s catching now! We love you Roy. Peace be with you always.
Roy was preceded in death by brothers Thomas and Harry and sister Lucile. He is survived by his wife Ellen, sons Steven (Mieko) and William (Susan); daughters Kathy (Mo Whiteside) and Shelley Mitchell (Tony); grandchildren Erik, Karin and Hayley Risley (David); and great grandson Arthur Risley.
Roy will be interred at the Willamette National Cemetery with a full military sendoff later this summer. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oregon Humane Society.
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