William Buckner "Bill" Haile Jr.

I first met Bill 30 years ago when we were both working at Lockheed (Sunnyvale CA) on the Hubble Space Telescope. I was very new to the field and Bill was very helpful to me. He moved to MD and Swales in the early 80's. I moved to MD several years later and Bill treated me like a long lost friend when he saw me at the Goddard cafeteria. He was a terrific engineer and wonderful person; my condolences to the family

Dear Haile Family –

I was at the memorial but could not attend the dinner and did not have an opportunity to speak to you. I just wanted to let you know that Bill made such an impact on me when he showed up at Swales in the mid 80’s and I was a fairly junior engineer. He was beyond exceptional as an engineer because, unlike the theoretical types that were so prevalent, his solutions to seemingly complex problems were so physically basic in approach. They were truly elegant. I enjoyed several years in the next office but was never in his league. He had a unique personal style and an unpretentious wisdom and I was so privileged to spend some time with him. I left the structural dynamics group in the early 90’s and seldom saw Bill in recent years. I was shocked when he showed up at a “send-off” celebration as I was leaving for a new job just last year. I only regret that I never let him know how much it meant to me. Without a doubt, 68 was too soon – but all that knew Bill Haile knew that he got more out of life than men who lived much longer.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family,

Peter Weinberger

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I worked with Bill for several years at Lockheed in Sunnyvale, California. I remember him as a gifted engineer who could always be counted on for his humor and his stories. He leaves a space that's hard to fill.

I had the pleasure of meeting Bill when I was attending many social occasions at the Tierneys, many years ago, and even in those very brief meetings I was very much taken by what a kind and gentle person he was. My thoughts and prayers are with those who love and cherish his memory.

Bill and I worked together for many years at Lockheed Space Systems. Bill was a talented engineer who could always be counted on to solve complex engineering problems.

My condolences to all of Bill's family. He was a good friend and a great engineer. He will be missed.

My sympathy goes out to the Haile family. I knew Bill as a child; he was married to my aunt Phyllis. He was a delight to be around...always full of knowledge. My love and thoughts are certainly with the family.

I was very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I was lucky enough to know him when we worked together at Lockheed.