May 3, 1939 - January 16, 2021
The family of Wilford James Haney would like to announce his address change from Haney Road to Heaven Saturday January 16th 2021.
Wilf was born in Kenora, Ontario in 1939 and raised on the family farm on Beggs Road in Jaffray Mellick. The mischievous fifth of eleven children was affectionately known as "Spud."
Wilf was a man of many talents and interests. A keen smoker, he began at nine years old. Three years later, he started working in the bush, and he never looked back. He formed life-long friendships through his work at Trilake Lumber Company and Devlin Timber. The skills learned at such a young age held Wilf in good stead throughout his life as he became an avid hunter, fisherman, trapper, conservationist, farmer, and carpenter.
It was as a young boy that Wilf developed a shared interest in carpentry with his father Lloyd. A fast learner, teenaged Wilf was so skilled that, under his father's guidance, he built a barn that, along with the family farm, is still in use today. He would go on to design and build a log home on the shores of the Black Sturgeon that he and his family have enjoyed for the last forty years. Determined and skilled, Wilf was a jack (and master!) of all trades. That meant no "half-a**ed" jobs; every task was done to perfection. It was because of this that he was sought to replicate this accomplishment and went on to build several more log homes. Even his garden was the best with abundant, quality produce. Nothing less would do for The Garden King.
Family was central to Wilf s existence and at the age of 21, he met and married "Jenny," his best friend, endlessly enthusiastic cheerleader, and true love. Together, they created a loving home and in which they instilled strong family values. Dad, like mom, was never shy about expressing deep pride in the accomplishments of their children and grandchildren.
Wilf s value system was recognized and respected beyond the family home. Many people, from all walks of life, sought him out to talk over all kinds of issues and to hear his unbiased, measured commentary over a cup of coffee. The pot was always on.
A trusted, thoughtful man, not given to rash thinking or behaviour, Wilf often whistled a tune while pondering. Wilf also had a tremendous sense of humour. Always the joker, he delighted in playfully ribbing those who knew him best and doing things like "skunking" people at a game of crib.
In short, Wilf was an easy friend and a good man. He was the kind of guy dogs were naturally drawn to, and in the end, that says everything.
Wilf is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jeannette, his children, Grant (Angelica), Greg (Rhonda), and EvaRae,(Dennis), Kenora, grandchildren Logan, Mackenzie, and Taylor, Kenora, Kylie, (in Nova Scotia), Shalene, and Bree, Kenora, as well as eight great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Wilford is also survived by siblings Tom (Brenda). Fort Frances, Cecil (Lorna), Kenora, Harold (Esther), Regina, Rick (Marybelle). Kenora, Keith, Kenora, Geri Gibson, Winnipeg, and sister-in-law Emily of Kenora.
Wilford was predeceased by parents Lloyd and Ada (Begg). Kenora, father and mother in law Felix and Beatrice Dufresne, Kenora, siblings Winston Haney and Margaret Nordal, Kenora, Evelyn Lajeunesse, Ear Falls, and Vivian Lay, of Winnipeg.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Kenora District Catholic School Board Breakfast Program, 1292 Heenan Place, Kenora, Ontario P9N 2Y8 and/or the Notre Dame du Portage Parish Restoration Fund, 222 1st Street North, Kenora, Ontario P9N 2K4.
Due to Covid there will be no formal service held at this time.
Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com
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