Obituary of Mike Mahaffey

Michael Kent Mahaffey Sr, left this world on October 4, 2023 after his fight with pancreatic cancer following his sudden diagnosis in late 2021. He will be missed but we take solace knowing he is no longer in pain. 

Michael, known by all as Mike, was born to Kent and Gertrude Foggy Mahaffey on December 31st, 1941 in Burlington, Iowa and raised in Raytown, MO with his two brothers: Eugene (“Gene”) and Kent; and sister Kathryn. Michael met the love of his life, Judith Ann Mawdsley as freshmen at Kansas State University and were married in 1964.  He graduated from Kansas State University in 1963 and 1965 with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, respectively.  They moved to Richland, Washington in 1965 and moved to Woodburn, Oregon in 2003.

Michael was employed by many government contractors at the Hanford site in Richland from 1965 until his retirement in 2000.  Michael was a devoted father who coached Kristin’s softball teams for over a decade and accompanied son Mike Jr. on many cub scout and Boy Scout activities and camping trips. Michael was a loving and supportive grandfather who made time to attend all of his grandkids’ sports and dance events as they grew up. 

Michael and Judith enjoyed traveling, visiting many places around the world. He loved to golf and was a course rater for the Oregon Golf Association. Michael and Judith filled their life with many friends and loved to line dance. Michael loved music and played many instruments but fancied the ukelele and his group of traveling musicians, the Uke-De-Doos. 

He is survived by his wife Judy, his two children: Kristin Mahaffey VanHoose (David) and Mike Mahaffey Jr. (Lacy Altwine), his brother Kent Mahaffey (Pat), his sister Kathy Mahaffey (Roger Muncy) and his grandchildren Kaitlyn and Marissa VanHoose. Michael was predeceased by his brother Gene, his father Kent and his mother Gertrude.

Michael’s family will host a funeral service on Saturday, October 21 at 1:00 p.m. The service will be at the Canby Funeral Chapel in Canby, Oregon (https://canbymolallafuneralchapel.com/). In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org) in Michael’s name.