JOHN RICHARD HAFER, 71
WINTER HAVEN - John Richard Hafer, 71, of Winter Haven, FL, died peacefully on Saturday, October 27, 2018, following a brief illness.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Myra Enriquez Hafer, daughter Lyndsey Hafer (Lori) Williams of Fletcher, NC, and by his beloved dog Budi. He will be mourned by an extended family in Lipa City, Philippines: mother-in-law, Lilia Enriquez, sister-in-law, Rona (Federico) Barrogo, and nephews Carlo and Kimbo. He will be lovingly remembered by his brother Andy and sister Rene Atkins, of Burlington, NC, and by his cousin Gene (Holly) Hafer of Pittsboro, NC. Also mourning his loss are dear friends Tonie Ivey Smith of Oakboro, NC, and Lawrence Denslow of Winter Haven, FL. He leaves behind many friends all over the world through his website and magazine, 20th Century Aviation, which promoted aviation and the preservation of aerospace history.
'JR' to his colleagues, 'Ric' to his family, and 'Ricky' to his childhood friends, he was born in Hickory, NC, and spent his first few years surviving a tough orphanage and multiple foster homes until he was later adopted by Robert and Mildred Hafer of Hickory, NC, both deceased. His young life was excruciatingly tough, but he persevered and overcame almost insurmountable obstacles to build a creative and rewarding life. He bravely served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, in air intelligence, until an honorable discharge in 1966. He had many successful endeavors throughout his life, including his own transportation company, Hafer Motor Lines, Inc. out of Hickory, NC, and was a published writer and editor of books and other materials on aviation and transportation.
He found his niche later in life becoming an award-winning real estate agent, working alongside his wife until he retired in 2013. Ric's true passion was his great love for aviation, and he conducted radio interviews for the SUN 'n FUN Radio during the International Fly-In & Expo at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport for many years. His devotion to flying and to his personal airplanes was unparalleled. He loved nothing more than to read, write, or discuss anything on the topic. Ric was also known to go and sit at the Winter Haven and Lakeland airports, with a good book, and watch the planes for hours. He often said: 'After one has flown, he will forever walk this earth gazing skyward, for he has been there and will always long to return...' He will be dearly missed, but we know he is flying free from pain and sickness, and is now, soaring on the wings of eagles.
A Celebration of Life will take place at 2:00 pm on Sunday, Nov 25, 2018 at Gentry Morrison Funeral Home, 3350 Mall Hill Dr, Lakeland, FL 33810.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Good bye JR, it was a pleasure to have known as we talked forever about things with wings, BLUE skies and tailwinds for ever buddy, Karl Kj.- Director Bomber Command Museum of Canada
November 27, 2018
J.R. you lived a good life here on earth. The heavens are yours my friend, FLY HIGH.
Patricia Eisenhauer
November 24, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)
JD
November 22, 2018
JR .. you were so much fun to sell real estate with. We used to have a good time on saturday office hours and you always had something cooking.
Myra, my thoughts and prayers are with you and sending white light for peace and healing. Arms around you !!
Pam McDonald
November 13, 2018
JR was one of my favorite people. He was always there with a kind, encouraging word. We knew each other via aviation, for which he had a great passion and talent. He volunteered at the Sun N' Fun radio station each year. I always enjoyed doing interviews with him. Such a good man.
Godspeed my friend. The world is worse now that you've flown west.
Paul Harrop
November 11, 2018
Fly high, JR! You are and will be missed here on earth.
Lisa Floyd
November 11, 2018
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Funeral services provided by:
Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes - Serenity Gardens Chapel3350 Mall Hill Drive, Lakeland, FL 33810
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