Michael Haslam
June 29, 1945 ~ January 23, 2021
Michael Haslam, 75, of Cedar Rapids, died on Saturday, January 23, 2021, at Parkview Manor, Wellman. There will be no service, but please remember Mike for who he was. . . funny, loving, and entertaining.
Survivors include his wife, Kaye 'Kacy' Haslam; step-sons, Jon Snodgrass and Jim Anderson; four grandchildren; five great grandchildren; a brother, Stewart and his wife, Susan (Baxter) Haslam; and two nieces, Shannon and Lisa and their three children.
Mike was born on June 29, 1945, the son of Harold and Jean (Scott) Haslam in Liverpool, England. His family immigrated to the United State when he was nine years old. At age 17, he began a 40-year career on the road as a professional musician. Mike's passion for entertaining led him all over the United States. He was mainly a drummer/vocalist, but also ran sound and lights and was the front man for his band, Hazard County.
He married Kaye 'Kacy' Snodgrass in 1986. Mike loved time spent with his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
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Kacy, My condolences go to you for the loss of your husband, Mike. It sounds like he was a very talented guy! I am hoping you are the Kacy whose parents, Mark and Vera used to get together with my parents Hank and Darlene Merklin and us girls had fun playing! I always wondered if you still lived in CR as I do. Again sorry for your loss. Jackie Merklin Bucklin.
Mike will truly be missed. A man of many talents. One was the Haslam Grill Cheese sandwich to perfection no changing the ingredients either. Lol. That was one of Dave’s true friends always there for him no mater what. I met him when I started dating Dave in the band. He was always talkative like meeting people and making them feel welcome no matter what . This was a man with a kind heart
Kacy, Mike was a delight to talk to and he kept Darwin company many days on the front porch. You’ve been great neighbors and be sure to let me know what I can do for you in the days ahead. Betty
Kacy: Our deepest sympathy in your loss of Mike. He was talented, kind and a very good man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sadness.
Back in the late 80’s, Mikes band Hazzard County played quite frequently at the Holiday Inn in Mitchell SD. My husband then was a good friend of Mikes because he was also a musician. We would go support the band every night that we could and it was common practice to bring Mike and/or the bandmembers to our house for home cooked meals while they were in town. Sometimes jam would break out which was alot of fun too. Kacy would join Mike on the weekends, driving up from Blair NE after her work week was done. Mike blessed us with his Haslam grilled cheese sandwiches on occasions too. He never called me by my name, I was “Legs” to him because of my stage costume of short skirts. He was always genuinely interested in anything you had to say and was a friend to all. My heart goes out to all of his family of loved ones in their loss. He will always be remembered here while he plays in that big country band in Heaven. May his memory be eternal…. with love..
Mike was always a night owl. When he came off the road to Ft Lauderdale in the mid 70s I would get a call at 11PM “You going to be up late?” I had an 8 to 5 job but I always stayed up and he would come over. The first thing he would do is start fiddling with theTV and the stereo adjusting every knob possible. But the best thing was his stories of being on the road. Over the years I kept telling him he should write a book about his life adventure. The people he played with were all characters and usually great musicians. From the very early days with Bobby Norton, Johnny Blatz, Mike Carpenter. Bobby Carter, at Bay Lanes in Michigan to his later groups everyone I met was great people. Love you Mike, Play those drums in eternity. Loving Brother Stewart
Mike and his Hazard County Band played for my wedding as a gift. They brought festive country music to the party and made it very special. He was always so open hearted and generous to me and my family. So, in his words, “to be continued…” -Jessica Gogert, wife of Jon Snodgrass
Grandpa Mike was always so concerned about my future. At get-togethers I could always count on sharing a deep personal conversation with him. He really cared about me and my aspirations, I don’t know if I ever really told him how much I appreciated that. The memory that comes most clearly to me was from Allison’s wedding. We sat down on the railroad ties and he told me all about his life–the ups and the downs–what he took from it all. He told me he had regrets, but that he didn’t regret where he was. He truly loved the whole world.
Grandpa Mike was a kind man. I remember when you and he had moved into a new house and had a big block party, jam session. I had just started playing guitar and didn’t know any songs except the star spangled banner. I was nervous about performing in front of the crowd, but he said he’d do it with me. He picked up his sticks and together we played better than I expected. He gave my plucky kid music a majestic backdrop and it made all the difference. He lived a life of generous joy and I’m so grateful he shared that with me.
Our hearts go out to Kasey at the passing of her husband. Mike Haslam. Mike was full of warmth and laughter and always willing to give a hug. He was a member of our extended family and we will miss his presence. Chuck Greenwood and Joan Roberts
Kacy, our hearts are broken from the loss of our Mikey, he was a good friend.Thank you for sharing him with us, until we meet again, sending him and you a hug, heart to heart.
So sorry for your loss kasey. He was a great guy. Love and prayers.❤️
To Kacy & all of the family….You probably don’t know me, but back when Mike and Johnny Johnson were roommates in Bellvue, NE, they worked for me in my band in the Omaha area, most notably at Anthony’s Steakhouse on 72nd St. It was called the Lynn Dvorak Show at that time & we had a wonderful time entertaining folks from all over at that venue and many others! “Mickey” as he was known then was absolutely one of the best drummers that ever sat on the stage with me over the years & I enjoyed his wit, his ‘craziness’ and ability to entertain people all by himself back on that drum stool! He was also a great vocalist and we featured him as much as possible in those days. Fellow musician Jerry Stingley informed me of this heartbreaking news last night and today he was kind enough to email me this site. Please know that my deepest condolences go out to you, his family and all who were touched by Mike and all his talent. He’s now singing with Johnny again in the Heavenly Choir!!
Lynn: Thanks for those kind words. Mike always spoke fondly of his time playing with you.
Deepest sympathies and condolences to Kacy and the extended family. Mike was the best drummer I ever had, he always gave his best. Great harmonies lso. Our time together was way too short, and I will always remember what he brought to our band and friends. We have lost many musician friends in the past couple years, but this will hurt for a long time. Peace to Kacy, his memory will be kept alive forever.
For Mike, great musician and dearest friend. Thank you for leaving us with great memories. May God Bless.
Great memories of a great guy. We had a blast recording an album in my apartment in Omaha! Godspeed to a better place, Mike…you deserve it!
I was so sad to hear of Mike’s passing and would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Kacy and his family. I have so many fond memories of singing with his band “Hazard County” on the road. I was young and Mike and Kacy referred to themselves as my “road parents”! Mike was an extremely talented musician and a wonderful guy! He was so talented on the drums and was a great singer! Our harmonies were superb! I can still hear him singing, “Funny How Times Slips Away”. It seems so long ago, yet it’s gone so fast. I remember his hugs, his late night “Haslam Grilled Ham & Cheese” that he made with his certain special ingredients which all were a specific brand. I was in the grocery store today and saw “Kaukauna cheese” and remembered he liked it. I also remember when we would get to a new town and he would be able to tell you where the cheapest gas was, the cheapest milk, the cheapest bread, etc. Mike had a heart of gold and was a true friend whom I looked up to and he will be truly missed. Sending thoughts and prayers to his loved ones during this difficult time.
One of my favorite musicians that I ever worked with. Always a gentleman. Thanks for the memories -Fran Hoffman
Mike was a fun guy, good musician and singer. I first met him when I was a teenager and just starting out as a singer. He always had an encouraging word. Fast forward several years later and I worked with him playing bass and singing in a three piece group called Squeeze Play in many venues including The Kennard Country Show. Thoughts and prayers to Kacy, his family and many close friends..