Herbert Foster Haines, Jr.
April 18, 1929 - December 22, 2008
With family at his side, Herbert Foster
Haines Jr. peacefully passed away on Monday, December 22nd
at 4:18 p.m. (fittingly the month and day of his birth).
He battled cancer with the same dignity, grace, and humor
that he shared as a gift with his family and friends
throughout his 79 years.
In 1951, Herb proudly graduated from
Whitman College with degrees in Mathematics, Economics,
and Business Administration. He completed one year of
post graduate study at the University of Washington as he
waited to marry Sue Rae Shortreed (Whitman 1952). They
married in 1952 and lived in Edmonds for 34 years. Sue
preceded Herb in death, passing away in September 1986.
Herb completed officer training at the
U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut and
served on the ice breaker Northwind. After completing his
commission, he co-owned Haines Fishing Wharf in Edmonds
with his brother, Jim Haines. “The
Wharf” was built by their father,
Captain Herb Haines Sr., and was a landmark in the
Meadowdale area for many years.
In 1970, Herb Jr. began a second career in
the Building and Land Division of King County, retiring in
1996 as the Acting Director. He lived the past 22 years
in West Seattle with his life partner, Kathryn Leonette
“Lee” Carte.
Herb’s volunteer activities
included being one of the original directors of The Little
Red School House, founded in 1963 to address the needs of
children with disabilities. Until his death, Herb was
also a board member of the West Seattle Senior Center
where he played an active role in fund raising and shared
his building expertise for the Center's recent renovation
(sometimes ruffling feathers).
In addition to his loving partner, Lee,
Herb is survived by his four children, their spouses, and
grand children: Richard (Margaret Coleman; Matthew),
Kathy Cramer (Gary and Ryan), Andrew (Wendy, Olivia-Rae,
and Bailey), and Herb III (Janis).
Herb’s family wishes to thank
the hospice professionals from Group Health who helped
guide our family through this incredible journey. They
would also like to thank everyone for the friendship and
support shared with their incredible Dad throughout his
life and during his final days. Special thanks to Alan,
Ed and Joe for being there.
Memorial Services will be held at the West
Seattle Senior Center on Sunday, January 18th starting at
4:00 p.m. A reception will follow. Remembrances in
Herb’s honor may be made to the West Seattle
Senior Center (4217 SW Oregon St. Seattle, WA 98116;
www.seniorservices.org/sc/westseattle.asp) and The Little
Red School House (PO BOX 992, Lynnwood, WA 98046-0992;
www.littlered.org ).
Godspeed Herbert Foster Haines Jr.
We love you. Peace be with you.
Published in the West Seattle Herald January 14, 2009.
