Michael O'Neil Malarkey's Obituary
Michael Malarkey
Born in Portland Oregon on December 27, 1940, to Herbert and Elizabeth Malarkey, He was the youngest of three children. Michael passed away at his home on September 23, 2012.
Michael loved life. From a young age, his father gave him the gift of the love of nature. He loved fishing and hunting. As a young man, he was a crack shot and his skills with a shot gun were truly gifted. He also loved to fish, a lifelong passion that was a source of great enjoyment.
He hunted and fished all over the northwest, but early on his fishing and hunting brought him to the bays and lowlands of Scappoose where he fished and hunted in that area from the early days of his youth. He grew to love the area, and purchased land and built his family's home there.
He was a lifelong member of Ducks Unlimited and continued his support by building a pond with his father at Malarkey Roofing Plant where he fed thousands of wild ducks for decades.
His ranch in Scappoose was directly tied to the joy of hunting and remains a great preserve for wildlife.
He and his mother shared a love of remodeling. Together they remodeled a number of houses in and around the Portland area.
As a boy, and later as a young man, countless hours were spent at the Lake House, fishing, swimming and yes partying with close friends. Michael loved to socialize, many in his youth would consider him the Don Juan of Portland Oregon and in 1966 voted him the most eligible bachelor, a memory he'd cherish but never shared.
The morals Michael Malarkey espoused are easily seen in his family and friends. His charisma and charm were a part of his quiet personality. He cared deeply for family and friends and would do anything to help. His generosity was greatly received by many and he helped many achieve goals.
As a family business owner he took Malarkey Roofing Products, with insight, from a small mom and pop business to an operation with over 400 employees, the company continues to grow with manufacturing in three states. His legacy was innovation and quality.
In 1985 he was awarded Governor's Energy Award for methane recovery from the City of Portland's Waste Water Treatment Plant and to this day the Portland manufacturing plant still operates on 85% methane. His favorite line was "Every A**hole in Portland is Working for Me." His accomplishments with business included producing the first fiberglass shingle in the USA, all roofing shingles manufactured today are fiberglass based. Another major accomplishment was his introduction of Polymer Modified Asphalt to the US roofing industry, Malarkey is still the industry leader in Polymer modified shingles.
Michael loved a drink of Courvoisier and if he could he would ask his friends to raise their glass one last time in his memory.
Michael loved his family his business and his home and all the characters that entered his life through them.
Michael is survived by his wife Sharon, sister; Elizabeth Brooke, children; Palmer, Brian, Tonya and James Malarkey step children Jenifer, Josh, and Justin Slemp and sons Scott McDaniel and William Cowell, ten grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother George.
Happy High Life Night: Friday night racing at Portland Meadows
Start: 6pm
Race #4
Rhombic's Revenge in honor of Michael Malarkey
Food and Drinks Party in memory, Friday.
Sunday ceremony starting at 2:00 at St. Helens Elk Lodge. Celebration of life to follow.
We look forward to you joining us Friday night at the track and Sunday at the Elks lodge in memory of Michael Malarkey.
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