Richard Joseph Haynes died peacefully on November 13, 2024 with the love of his life, Megan McDonald, holding his hand.
Richard was born in Pittsburgh, PA on January 30, 1952 and as the fifth born in a family of nine children, he spent his childhood daydreaming, milking cows, and brushing horses on a farm in Washington, PA.
At age twelve, Richard read Call of the Wild and it ignited his love of story. While eavesdropping on a literature class at Robert Morris College in Pittsburgh, Richard overheard Bob Dylan’s poetic lyrics being read, and it changed the trajectory of his life from Business major to lifelong learner and self-discoverer. It also sparked a passion for music, which he’d often play in his head, or share favorites with his many nieces and nephews.
As a teenager, he was a wrestler at South Catholic High School, prior to graduating from college with a degree in Psychology from the College of Santa Fe (NM) in 1981. After college, Richard taught young students and coached cross country at the Pueblo of Zuni in New Mexico for many years.
It was in Santa Fe that Richard first met Robert Johnson, a Jungian analyst who had a profound influence on his life. With an interest in Jungian psychology and spirituality, Richard pursued studies at Fordham University (NY) and the University of Notre Dame (IN). He received a Master’s Degree in Educational Communications and Technology from the University of Pittsburgh (PA) and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute (CA). Over his lifetime, Richard worked in settings from steel mills to libraries, until he began to practice as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Richard met Megan McDonald in graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh in 1985 and they were married in Bodega, California in 1994.
Richard was a questioner, a ponderer, a marveller at the mystery of it all. He had a child-like wonder and found immense joy in small things. He loved animals and had a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature, especially the Pacific Ocean beaches near his home. Richard was funny. His keen wit enlivened all his interactions. Family emails were a unique blend of intellect, research, songs, and commentary on an ever-expanding range of subjects. He was passionately attentive to and supportive of those in need and in vulnerable positions—and especially empathetic toward suffering in the world. Richard was a great listener, and generously gave of his time and resources to others.
Richard loved children. An unending supply of bouncy balls, turtle toys, marbles, and lucky stones were magically produced from his pockets to delight any child he encountered, often accompanied by imaginative stories about the same. In later years, Richard’s love of story led to writing books for children. He was most proud of Orangutan Hats and Other Tools Animals Use. His upcoming book, Elephant Bowling and Other Animal Play, will be published posthumously in 2025.
Richard loved deeply. His family meant the world to him. Richard is survived by his wife, Megan, seven of his siblings, Regina Villarreal, Bob Haynes, George Haynes, Rosemary Kogelschatz, Patty McGrady, Helen Haynes, Ron Haynes and fifty-two nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Family and friends of Richard appreciated him for his great sense of humor, extraordinary creativity, and vibrant imagination. A gifted man with many talents and interests, Richard will forever be remembered for his love, kindness, and big heart.
In Richard’s memory, please give to:
Zuni Youth Enrichment Project https://www.zyep.org/
Heifer International https://www.heifer.org
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