Michael Stewart Mahaffey was born in Laramie, Wyoming on February 18, 1945 to Ruth M. Mahaffey and Charles S. Mahaffey. Michael passed from this earth on May 21, 2024.
Michael went to public schools in Laramie, graduating from Laramie High School in 1963. During his school years Mike was drawn into sports, playing basketball, wrestling, and football, being his first passion.
After high school, he attended the University of Wyoming, after the first year, Mike was offered an apprenticeship with the Boomerang Newspaper as a lead type setter. In a year and one half the apprenticeship was completed. The Army came knocking on his door with a draft notice in hand. Then came basic training and a trip to Vietnam, where he became a mailman. After a years’ service in Vietnam, Mike was on his way back to Laramie, taking up with the Boomerang again as a lead type printer. During this time Mike was called upon to do an emergency job for one of the only EXTRA Printing the Boomerang ever did. It was for the President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The three-inch-high red type said JFK DEAD.
In 1983 Michael married Eugenia Kay Schneider Harris and together they raised Jeanie’s son Shawn Harris. Their marriage lasted over 40 years until Mike’s death.
Michael is predeceased by his grandparents; parents, Ruth and Charles; brothers, Earle and Steven; sister-in-law, Dorothy.
He is survived by his wife, Eugenia and stepson, Shawn Harris, mother-in-law, Hazel; sisters-in-law, Diana and Glenda; brother-in-law, Charles; and several nieces and nephews.
There will be a tribute to Michael’s life starting at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2024 at the American Legion Hall in Laramie with Military Honors.
Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Laramie American Legion, 417 Ivinson Laramie, WY 82072 and/or the Laramie Animal Welfare Society, 1104 S 2nd St, Laramie, WY 82070.
I Feel Some Stories Comin On!
Mike was my family's mailman for a very long time. My mother use to always put a six-pack of beer in the mailbox for him at Christmas time every year. Mike went to high school with my older brother and can remember watching him play football and basketball. Our sincerest condolences to Mike's family.
I am so sorry to hear about Mike and also very sad. I have known him since I moved to Laramie in 1968. He was a valued acquaintance. I met him one evening and we had a great time and became friends ever since. When I moved back to Laramie in 1983 he was my mailman then my patient and still a friend. After I retired he would stop at my wood shop and we would spend the time just talking and laughing and telling jokes. I will surely miss our occasional visits. He was a good man and I am proud to say I knew him. I am sorry that I will not be able to attend his services but I will not be here but I will be there is spirit and I will make a donation in his name to the animal shelter. GOD BLESS!!!
My friendly mailman. Smile ,laid back ,will always remember him. Losing his kind hurts .
Beautiful Obituary. Mike was a good man. My heart goes out to Shawn and his mom. ❤️