Walter "Hawkeye" Haynes

It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Walter Frank Haynes February 5, 2024, at the age of 79, at home with his family. He was predeceased by his parents Walter Haynes and Jim and Ruth Lehan (nee Silvester); his grandson Richard Muley; son -in-law Eric Kroll; parent in laws James and Eleanor Duvall; brother in laws Donnie, Craig; and sister in law April.

Left to mourn with the greatest sadness and lifetime of memories is his wife and the love of his life Diana Haynes; daughters Shel and Tina (Brian); son Donnie (Sharon); grandchildren Ashley Lynne (Cory), Madyson (Josh), Kaitlyn (Zaid), Kyle (Chelsea), Sara (Sean), Tyler (Olivia), Kayla, Gabriel, Mackenzie; great-grandchildren Adelle, Emily and Charlie.  Also left to mourn is his brother in law Scott (Sherry), Steve (Betty); sister in laws Wendy and Trudy; his forever friends Steve (Shafty) and Wendy, and the rest of his extended family.  He was also very thankful for those that helped him support our mother – Sue, dear friend Mary and Patti Anne who was secretly his favourite but “don’t ever tell her I said that!”

Born and raised in Toronto, ON his family then moved to Hamilton, ON. Dad was a mischievous boy and he loved to share the stories of his childhood with his children and grandchildren. Dad absolutely doted on his grandchildren and though some were at a distance, he still held them close in his heart and always spoke of their accomplishments with pride.

Dad had a lengthy career with Firestone followed by Mueller Canada where he retired, however to his grandchildren he was a helicopter pilot, and he loved that some believed this a little longer than others.  A hit-and-run car accident at the age of 12 left him with a scar from his hip to his knee but he would share great stories of fighting off bears and sharks. He would tell tall tales of being a great fisherman, but his friends will say they never saw him catch a one.

Dad had quite the knack for dancing which earned him the title of ‘Hot Papa’.  He was the master of Jack Daniels and had an incredible collection that family and friends helped him build over the years.  A lover of all things classic rock and an avid concert goer in his younger years and let’s never forget how his anxiety would go through the roof if he ever got into a vehicle and saw the gas light was on!

Dad enjoyed travelling, in 2015 with his beloved wife, he “packed up the farm“ and moved to Portugal Cove, NL to be closer to his daughter, Tina and her family and his love for the ocean.  He was an avid outdoorsman and loved weekends at the camper, family fish fries, and trips to Princess Auto but his greatest passion – was quite simply his family.

As per Dad’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no public visitation taking place at this time. A private family gathering will be held in his memory at his home this weekend with a celebration of life to be announced at a later date.

Donations in dad’s name can be made to the War Amps or your local Boys and Girls club.

“Long may you run, Long may you run Although these changes have come With your chrome heart shining in the sun, Long may you run”
– Neil Young