Michael D Hadley

This brave soldier lost a valiant battle against cancer the evening of June 23rd, in Murray, Utah. Mike was born May 24th, 1954 in Salt Lake City, Utah as the second child to Clarence D Hadley and Marilyn Rae Taylor.

His family lived in many places throughout the state of Utah, including Cedar City, Provo, and finally settling in Salt Lake City. Here he attended school at South East Junior and Highland High School.

After high school, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he developed strong friendships that have continued throughout the years. While serving his country at the end of the Vietnam War, Mike earned the designation of "Golden Shellback" for crossing the equator by sea three times during his four years of service.

Upon his return home, Mike pursued an education to begin his lifelong career as a Master Plumber. He met the love of his life, Beverly Anderson, while finishing up his education. Mike and Bev were later married on July 17th, 1982, in Salt Lake City, Utah. They were blessed with two daughters, Whitney (1983), and Leslie (1985).

Mike owned and operated ‘Hadley Plumbing' for nearly 20 years. After years of stress and hard labor as a sole proprietor, Mike decided to let someone else have the headaches and went to work at the Salt Lake City International Airport. There he stayed for the next 12 years, until his position was dissolved with a department-wide reorganization.

Afterward, Mike went to work for the State of Utah at the Developmental Center in Alpine. His tenure was short lived, as he chose to move forward to a federal position working at the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Mike found a terrific "brotherhood" in his fellow co-workers, he loved them as much as they loved him and his contagious laugh. As his health declined and work became more difficult, Mike would ‘John Wayne' through it until George, his boss, brought in a recliner for him to "work" in. Mike was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer attributed to asbestos exposure, only months after beginning his work here. He was told by doctors he did not have much time, maybe eighteen months tops. He was determined to beat the odds and technically worked until the day he died over three and a half years after the diagnosis.

Mike thoroughly enjoyed hunting and fishing, and pursued that ‘big fish' and ‘trophy elk' vigorously. The past few summers were especially great for him, as he was able to take his son-in-law, Matt, and grandson, Gavin, on the trip of a lifetime to go fishing in Alaska.

Mike loved his family and derived his greatest pleasure from being a ‘Dad' and a ‘Bompa'. He supported his family in all their endeavors all the way to the end. At family reunions, the ‘Aunites' loved to hear his infectious laughter.

Those that knew Mike had great respect for him. People were naturally drawn to him and enjoyed spending time with him. He would quickly make friends wherever he went, and most often remained friends to the end.

Mike is survived by his wife, Beverly; daughters Whitney (Matt) Rogers, and Leslie Smolik; grandchildren Gavin Michael Swenson, Hadley Cole Smolik, Delia Kai Rogers, and Dagen Charles Rogers; his father Clarence D (Patty) Hadley, and mother Marilyn Hadley; siblings Sue (Terry) Ernstsen, Scott (Cindy) Hadley, and Michelle (Dave) Bills; plus many more nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Mike will be truly missed.

The family wishes to express their thanks to the staff at the Utah Cancer Institute for their wonderful care and friendship, as well as the staff at Intermountain Medical Center for the tender care given during his final hours.

Per Mike's wishes, there will be no viewing. A celebration of life will be held in his honor Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 6:30 pm at the Old Riverton Dome, 1452 West 12600 South, Riverton Utah. All are welcome to come.

"Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway." - John Wayne