One year after his death, the Halley Family, LeeRoy’s associates at Haley-Olsen-Murphy & Antelope Valley Cremation Services, and countless people throughout the Antelope Valley and surrounding areas remember the life of LeeRoy Halley. We both mourn in the loss, and celebrate the legacy, of LeeRoy. LeeRoy was born on July 29, 1942 and he passed on June 11, 2019.

On a personal note I miss LeeRoy greatly. He became the brother I never had, a mentor, a great friend, and, as the owner of his former businesses, his wise counsel was deeply appreciated. LeeRoy was the most active and supportive former owner imaginable to me as his successor. I am honored that our Managing Leader, Mark Stanfield, our associates, and I have the honor of continuing the heritage of LeeRoy Halley. 

LeeRoy Halley was not only a large man in stature, but he had an even much bigger heart for his adopted home of the Antelope Valley. Shortly after graduating from Mortuary College, LeeRoy joined Mr. Olsen as an apprentice Embalmer and Funeral Director on June 6,1966. From the day he arrived in Lancaster until the day he died, LeeRoy was dedicated to caring for the dead while serving the living with the utmost compassion while doing far more than his share to make the Antelope Valley better. 

There were many characteristics and roles in the life of LeeRoy Halley. He was a loving and devoted Father and Grandfather, a strong leader of his Church, a giant within the Antelope Valley Communities, and a dear friend of countless people with whom he influenced as a role model with his positive attitude, strong belief systems of honor and integrity, as well as his behaviors. 

LeeRoy was on the AV California Fair Board for 16 years and was appointed by 4 different Governors (2 Republicans and 2 Democrats). Later he was honored to be the Fair’s Grand Marshall in 2014. With a passion to make the Antelope Valley better he was not only active, but was a leader and President of multiple organizations, including Kiwanis (as District Governor), multiple Chambers of Commerce, The Boys and Girls Club, both the Los Angeles and Kern County Funeral Directors Associations, he served on the Board of the California Funeral Directors Association, and numerous other activities. Just as importantly, LeeRoy also had the less prominent positions of coaching youth sports for decades, being a listening ear and advisor for numerous people needing help and/or recovery, making private donations to those in need, and being a good friend to all who knew him. 

Remarkably this giant of a man was actually somewhat shy, even at times a bit socially awkward, but certainly a man who lived his life well, led by example, and made a lasting positive footprint with his legacy! 

Bill Hawkins

Halley-Olsen-Murphy/Antelope Valley Cremation Services