HANEY, Howard

HANEY

Born August 16, 1929 in Coalhurst, Alberta, Howard Benton Haney died July 24, three weeks shy of his 90th birthday. He was ‘Buddy’ to his four big sisters — Francis, Kay, Alice and Ruth — and brother Leonard. The Haneys loved Bud and made it clear from early on what was important — family, friends, farming, socializing, and, of course, food. Howard carried on these traditions the moment he spotted Ann (née Maier), a Barhill teenager whose brown eyes stopped him in his tracks at a local dance. They married in ’53 and had five children. All enjoyed Sunday dinners which often featured his massive BBQ’d T-bones, his after-dinner piano playing, several games of cribbage, and his unique conversation style which included many a blunt question, humorous story, or matter-of-fact observation about human nature.

His generous spirit spilled into many pursuits – the UFA where he was a delegate and board member for many profitable years, 17 of which he was president, Picture Butte Lion’s Club, Cheemo Investment Club, Trinity United Church, and the Cooperators. He also nurtured lifelong friendships and loved to travel with his wife, Ann. He always said ‘she got robbed’ when he lost her to cancer in 1996. She didn’t get to witness her hard-working husband receive the Order of Canada or take his place in Alberta’s Agriculture Hall of Fame, achievements that reflected their combined efforts.

Howard married another gem in 1998, Georgia Morris. He deeply respected Georgia for how warmly she treated his kids and grandkids alongside hers who called him Papa. Howard was never happier than when his brood enjoyed a massive meal together, then went home safely in vehicles that ran well, with families they loved, and to jobs that put bread on the table.

Predeceased by his wife, Ann, all of his siblings and many of his friends, Howard will be deeply missed by his wife, Georgia, his children Chris (Cindy Gaetz), Susan (Loren Mitchell), Ted (Lori Roadhouse Haney), Sally (Bruce Olecko), Ed (Melissa McLean), his stepsons Kevin (Sheri), Brent (Francesca), his 15 grandkids, Anne Puurveen Haney, his many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends in the community. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

A celebration of life service will be held on Howard’s birthday, August 16 at 2 pm at Southminster United Church in Lethbridge.

For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the rebuilding of Canyon Church Camp in Waterton Lakes National Park where 50 per cent of the camp was destroyed in the 2017 Kenow Fire. http://www.canyonchurchcamp.com.