Michael Andrew Haley, son of Don and Frances DeWolfe Haley, was born March 22, 1951, in Los Angeles, California. He peacefully passed away surrounded by family in Albuquerque, New Mexico on January 23, 2026. He was 74 years old.

Michael grew up in Manhattan Beach, California and enjoyed a family and friend-filled childhood. He attended local elementary and junior high schools and Father Junipero Serra Catholic High School, graduating from Mira Costa High School in 1969. Michael attended El Camino Junior College and Northern Arizona University. He earned a master's degree in Forestry from the University of California, Berkeley. In the 1960s, Michael was a member of an experimental co-ed Boy Scout Explorer group focusing on mountaineering, hiking, camping and backpacking in the San Bernardino Mountains and Sierras. Michael enjoyed music and played in a band. A favorite memory from those days included The Beach Boys playing at his high school prom.

In 1970, Michael enlisted and served in the United States Navy. His first assignment was radarman aboard a Viet Nam bound U.S. ship. He returned home safely and was honorably discharged in 1974.

He worked with environmental engineering firms, including a job in Alaska, which gave him opportunities to explore wildlife and plug-in parking meters. He concluded his career as a Senior Systems Analyst for the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority.

Faith was always at Michael's core, and that faith drew him and Deborah Kim Fields together, specifically his sacred clowning and her sacred dance. They met in Ft. Collins, Colorado, and after dating three years, he proposed as they danced a waltz. They celebrated two weddings, a tiny ceremony in Estes Park and a big celebration at Camp LaForet in Colorado Springs. They shared a love of parenting their daughter, Sedona, traveling, dancing, fishing, camping and date nights. Michael wrote music, played guitar and sang for fun. Central to his life was being a committed partner to Kim and father to Sedona. Their last big travel adventure was to Hawaii for their 25th Anniversary.

Michael is survived by his wife of 27 years, Kim; daughter Sedona and partner Lief Burkman of Santa Fe; brothers, Tom (Karen) Haley and Pat (Margo) Haley; sister, Margie (Steve) Marsh and brother-in-law Fred Holts. Michael was preceded in death by his always loving, proud and supportive parents, Don and Frances DeWolfe Haley and his sister, Betty Haley Holts.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11:00 am at West Mesa Christian Church, 8821 Golf Course Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114.

Memorials may be given to Wounded Warriors, Nature Conservancy, and West Mesa Christian Church.