Nov 28, 2017
Thomas John Joseph Haney, grandson of the late Thomas Haney who founded Port Haney, passed away peacefully at his home in Langley on November 28, 2017. Thomas led a remarkable life during his 102 years.
He was always immensely proud of the town of Haney. At the age of 12, he dug ditches to supply water to the town for the family's waterworks company. He spent many childhood nights in what is now the Haney House, and often recalled stories about people knocking on their doors for jobs and food during the "hungry 30s".
Thomas was a kind, hard-working man who also enjoyed his time at the local beer parlour, where everyone knew his name. He spent four years in Europe serving in WWII, and when he returned in 1946, met Eleanor- with whom he would spend the next 70 years until her death in 2016.
They married and had four children (Gary (pre-deceased), Cheryl, Elizabeth and Kevin) and more than 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As a family, they lived in Mission, Haney and Langley. Like his grandfather, Thomas was an entrepreneur and spent most of his life in the shingle and shake business.
Later in life, he spent hours cultivating his first-class vegetable garden, enjoyed time with family and friends, and loved sharing stories about the early days in Haney. Thomas made a lasting impact not only on local history, but also on everyone he met, and he will be dearly missed by all.
A service will be held at 12 pm on Friday, December 15, 2017, at Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel (Osborn's), 11969 - 216th Street, Maple Ridge, BC (Tel: 1-604-463-8121).
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to help preserve and care for the Haney House (contact mrmuseum@gmail.com for details on how to donate).
Condolences can be sent to: www.mapleridgefuneral.ca
Maple Ridge Funeral Home