Michael Patrick Haines, 62
Michael Patrick Haines, 62
Michael Patrick Haines, 62, of Bigfork, passed away peacefully May 24, 2013, on his way back to the valley after spending time with his son in Eugene, Ore.
He was born to Dale and Betty Haines in Akron, Ohio, on March 1, 1951. Briefly thereafter, the Haines family migrated cross country via car until they found a new home in Whittier, Calif. Growing up close to the beach, Mike found his first love in surfing. An active athlete in his youth, he lead his team to a CIF championship in football his junior year. He graduated from La Serna High in Whittier and continued his education while playing football at Rio Hondo College.
His next adventure took him to San Luis Obispo, Calif. There he was a concrete contractor, as well as the general manager of the largest patio furniture store west of the Mississippi. As a side job, he also delivered sailboats for people who didn't want to navigate the conditions of Point Conception.
Mike met Janelle Gentry at the boat docks in San Luis Obispo, and they were eventually married in 1990 in San Luis Obispo. On their honeymoon they made the trip up north to the beautiful Glacier Park where they fell in love with "God's country" and decided to stay, in 1990. That same year Mike's son, Dustin Lee, was born in Kalispell.
Mike and Janelle opened and ran the Cherry Way Inn Bed & Breakfast in Bigfork for three years until they chose to sell the business. Thereafter, Mike obtained his Realtors license and ran a convenience store in Kalispell with Janelle until they later divorced. After his divorce, he moved to Eugene where he raised his son and allowed him to have the best opportunity to succeed academically and athletically. After Dustin graduated high school in Eugene and was accepted at the University of Oregon to play football, Mike made the move back home to Bigfork where he had resided for the past four years while serving on the water and sewer board.
A loving proud father, coach and friend to all, Mike will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate to meet him.
He is survived by his son, Dustin Lee Haines, who resides in Eugene; and his sister, Patricia Cassidy, of La Mirada, Calif.
A celebration of his life will be held at 4 p.m. on June 29 at 118 S. Crestview Terrace in Bigfork.