William H. Haines

WORCESTER - William Hatch Haines, age 77, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, at home, with his loving wife by his side. He had suffered with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis for the past several years, but managed to lead a full life at their longtime home, outside Worcester village, pursuing his many intellectual, civil and homemaking interests.
He was born May 3, 1939, in Evanston, Illinois, to William Sackett Haines and Patricia Hatch Haines. He and his sister, Sally Haines Welty, grew up in Winnetka attending the local schools, and graduated from New Trier High School. He earned a B.A. from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, in psychology and a master's in education from Columbia University. After Hamilton, Bill worked in insurance in San Francisco, London, United Kingdom and Paris, France, before deciding on a career in education. After graduating from Columbia, Alan Weiss and skiing lured him to Montpelier High School in the fall of 1967.
Bill met and married Leslie (née Bucklin) while both taught in Montpelier. They married in 1972 and built a house and moved in 1973 to Worcester where they raised two children, Liza and Cory, gardened, made maple sugar with Rome Aja, and enjoyed cutting wood. In his last years, he enjoyed his eight grandchildren, traveling with Leslie, the dog, Pickles, baking almond biscotti, reading, discussing politics and education, and canoeing with friends.
Bill entered teaching with colleagues Charlie Phillips, Ed Pelkey, Ed Skea, Rome Aja, Francis Brooks, Marilyn Fenno, Carolyn Silsby, Linda Baker, Steve Pinard, Joe Smolen, John Sanfacon, Shirley Turner, Put and Sue Clayton, Pat Canavan, Linda MacDonald, John Naess, John Bate, and some who have passed, Alan Blakeman, Edna Cassort, Joe Miana and Harlan Farnsworth, among others. During those first years, Bill was the true activist. He organized student involvement in the community, state and nation with a handbook on student rights, a card catalogue of community resources, debate club, environmental initiatives, camping and canoeing activities, etc., etc. Bill was, throughout his teaching career at MHS, a source of ideas for educational and social improvement. Bill received many awards for his initiatives and leadership in education and community service. His leadership was grounded in his deep concern for his country, state, community and most of all, his students. In the village of Worcester, Bill served on the select board for 12 years, was a town moderator, served on the school board, and developed strong community relationships.
Bill was a tireless paddler. He crossed Hoare Lake on the Hanbury River in the Canadian Arctic in a hard, head wind, waded loaded canoes through the rock gardens of the Goddamn and Hayes rivers in freezing waters, and ran the big rapids of the DuMoine River in northern Quebec four times. He loved all the paraphernalia of canoe tripping, made much of his own equipment, smoked and coated with ashes and honey sides of bacon, and kept extensive journals and reflections of all the great trips. His companions, Charlie, Will, Ed Cowan and John, appreciated his rock solid courage, audacity and common sense.
His dear mother, Patricia, died at the advanced age of 101 years and his father, many years before at the age of 76 years. He leaves his loving wife, two children, a son-in-law, many grandchildren and his beloved sister, Sally.
There will be a celebration of Bill's wonderful life on June 17 at noon at Bill and Leslie's home, 339 Elmore Road, Worcester, Vermont. A private burial in Charlotte will take place in the spring.
Leslie wishes to thank many friends and relatives for their support and kindnesses during this challenging time. She especially wishes to express her appreciation to Peter Dale, Bill's primary-care physician, and many other dedicated caregivers.
Those wishing to materially recognize Bill's life of service may, in lieu of flowers, donate to Montpelier High School Canoe Program, attn. Brian Gallagher, 5 High School Drive, Montpelier, VT 05602; or Friends of the Winooski River, P.O. Box 777, Montpelier, VT 05601, website: www.winooskiriver.org.
Online condolences may be sent to www.guareandsons.com.