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BORN
1924
DIED
2011
MERLE HAINES Obituary
After graduating from high school, he served in the Navy during WWII. While stationed at Cape Cod he met his future wife, Frances. Shortly thereafter, he proposed to Fran during a live performance by Les Brown and the Band of Renown. "Sentimental Journey" continued to be their song throughout 58 years of marriage.
Merle began his career with Northwest Airlines as a radio mechanic and retired 38 years later as a DC-10 Captain.
After raising their family in Minnesota, Merle and Fran returned to the Pacific NW, enjoying 26 years of retirement in Anacortes. As active members of Fidalgo Yacht Club, their fondest memories included cruising the San Juans aboard the OHIOWA, often in the company of dear friends.
Merle was an active member of Anacortes Kiwanis and also enjoyed years of noontime gatherings with the Friday Boys.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances, and his sister, Helen.
He is survived by his brother, Lyle, his children, Nancy, Ron and Karen, 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
The family will honor Merle's wishes to have his ashes scattered at sea.
No services will be held.
Memorials may be directed to Friends of Anacortes Community Forest Lands or a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for MERLE HAINES
Phil Brown
March 12, 2011
I never had the honor of working with Slim at NW but I had many contacts with him at Hyland Courts. A true gentleman at all times.
Art Partridge
March 9, 2011
As all are saying, Slim was a gentleman. I flew copilot on the 727 with him many times, each a treasured memory.
John Mullender
March 4, 2011
Growing up as farm boys, he in Iowa, and I in Kansas, we shared many values and memories. We understood each other. I will miss that bond.
Joel Vignere
March 3, 2011
During my career at Northwest I flew with many fine people. "Slim" was one of my favorites.
Tom Christian
March 3, 2011
A true gentleman...and always a pleasure to work with.
I can't believe it's been 26 years since Slim's retirement.
Great guy....great family.
Charlie Horihan
March 2, 2011
Nearly forty one years ago and just beginning my second year as a NWA 727 Second Officer, I had the great fortune of being crewed with Captain "Slim" Haines for the July 1970 flying month. He was a gentleman professional and I was looking forward to the entire month with a good schedule and a great Captain. We departed MSP on the Fourth of July and returned on the sixth. Little did I know that for me it would be the last trip I would fly with NWA for over two years. The BRAC union workers went on strike and I never had the opportunity to work for Captain Haines again. I will always remember him.
May he rest in peace
Harry Bedrossian
March 2, 2011
I'll always remember Merle as Slim. The trips we had over the years were always memorable because he was a gentleman and and a great crew member. Harry Bedrossian, Gig Harbor, WA
Jim Fletcher
March 2, 2011
I was privileged to have flown copilot for Merle. He was a great guy to fly with and a real professional.
Lyle Prouse
March 2, 2011
Merle was a really swell gent to work with. Like Phil, I also flew copilot (and second officer) with him. Seems like some called him "Slim" Haines.
I think he mentioned to me that his brother's name was also Lyle, which we both saw as unusual.
He made going to work at NWA fun when he was in the cockpit.
Blue skies,
Phil Pattie
March 2, 2011
Fond memories of being Merle's copilot many years ago. My mother was also born in Winterset and it was our common bond.
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