Jeffrey Haskins

HASKINS, JEFFREY NICHOLAS
July 6, 1980 - July 14, 2012

Jeffrey Nicholas Haskins was born on July 6, 1980 in Chapel Hill, NC, to Dr. Jeffrey Haskins and the late Susan Haskins. Jeff grew up in Washington, DC with his mother, father, Aunt Vickie and Grandmother Mildred. At the age of 13 Jeff, his mother, and younger brother Chris moved to Annapolis. There Jeff attended the Key School and then Severn School.

Jeff's hobbies and interests were diverse, but music was his love. He went on to attend college at St. Lawrence University in New York. During his junior year, he traveled and studied abroad in Nairobi, Kenya, where he fell in love with East Africa's diverse social and cultural landscape. It was here that he planned to live and start a family with his wife Meredith.

Not long after graduation Jeffrey moved back to Washington, DC and began work for Burness Communications. During his nine-year career at Burness, Jeff developed into an expert communications strategist on global development issues with a focus on sustainable agriculture. In 2008, Jeff was asked by his employer to open the firm's Africa office and for the last four years, he led Burness' efforts on the ground in Kenya and across Africa, representing a wide range of non-profit and international organizations.

Early on July 14, 2012, Jeff passed away due to a heart attack. It was here on the Mombasa coast, one of his favorite places, that Jeff spent his last days writing.

Preceded in death by his mother and aunt, he will be missed by his wife Meredith, father, brother and sisters, grandmothers, and many special family and friends. A memorial service will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church 11am on Saturday 25, August 2012. In lieu of flowers, the families of Jeff and Meredith have set up a trust that will go towards the future education of their child (www.haskinsbradeneducationtrust.com).