John L. Haley

"Giant" John Haley made lasting impact on Colorado John L. Haley, noted author, civil engineer, successful businessman, twice-veteran, devoted husband and father, passed away on Dec. 22, 2009 at Fairacres Manor in Greeley, Colo. Haley worked as an engineering consultant on the highly acclaimed Interstate 70 Glenwood Canyon Project, the final link in the country's interstate highway system. Haley wrote a book, "Wooing a Harsh Mistress: Glenwood Canyon's Highway Odyssey", a story about vision and devotion of the inspired designers, builders and engineers who made the epic project such a unique highway transportation marvel. Haley worked as an engineer on the Kansas Turnpike in the early 1950's prior to moving to Greeley. Haley was a partner in the Greeley-based firm Nelson, Haley, Patterson & Quirk, (NHPQ) a firm he helped to found in April, 1959. Later Haley joined the Denver firm DMJM-Phillips, Reister, Haley, Inc. and oversaw projects including the I-70 Glenwood Canyon project. Haley was a dedicated community servant, serving on the Colorado Board of Social Services, as a president of the Greeley Chamber of Commerce, a director of the First National Bank of Greeley and a director of the Home Light and Power Company in Greeley. He served in the US Navy from 1940 until 1945 during World War II, and later in the Army Corps of Engineers as a First Lieutenant to help rebuild Europe after the war. He was stationed in war-torn Bordeaux, France for two years. Haley graduated from University of Florida in 1949 with a degree in civil engineering, going to school on the GI bill. He was born in Kansas City, MO., on May 17, 1924. Married to Pearl C. Haley, the couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on September 17, 2009. They were married at the Chapel of the Transfiguration in Moose, Wyoming and renewed their vows in 1999 on their 50th anniversary. Haley is survived by his wife, Pearl; daughter Sharon Haley Linhart, and Jerry Linhart, of Denver; son Kevin Haley, and daughter-in-law Shelly; son Kirk Haley and daughter-in-law Cindy; granddaughters Kathleen, Lauren and Jennifer; and grandsons Brian and K.C. Haley and great granddaughter Allyson, all of the Greeley area. Haley is also survived by his brother ValJean Haley of Boynton Beach, Fla. and predeceased by his parents Charles and Cecile Haley. A celebration of John Haley's life will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.at the Allnut Macy Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests charitable donations to the John and Pearl Haley Scholarship at the University of Northern Colorado or to a charity of choice in care of Allnutt, 702 13th St., Greeley, CO 80631.