OBITUARY

Wilford James Haney

May 3, 1939 – January 16, 2021

Wilford James Haney 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

BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.

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Wilford James Haney

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Brian and Rita Thatcher

February 2, 2021

Dear Jeannette and family, We were so sorry to hear about your loss. Brian and I have been talking about all the special times we’ve had at your place over the years. There was always a cup of coffee or tea ready for us along with some of your wonderful baked goods! Wilford always made us feel so welcome and was ready for a few laughs! We’re going to miss him so much, and I’m sure there are many others who feel the same way. One of the fun things that we remember is when he asked our youngest son, Paul, if he liked cucumbers. Paul was very young and told him he did. So Wilford offered him a bowl. What Paul didn’t realize is that they had been soaking in vinegar! He put a big one in his mouth and his face turned quite red! He ate it because he didn’t want to be impolite, but what a shock! We didn’t think Wilford was ever going to stop
laughing! Great sense of humor he had! Our hearts go out to all of you during this difficult time. Wilford will never be forgotten. He is passing on a wonderful
legacy to your children and grandchildren. You have our deepest sympathy. We hope to be able to see all of you next summer!
Love, Brian and Rita Thatcher

Gerry Tunney nee ames

January 30, 2021

Very sorry for your loss Always busy always laughing many fond memories

Barry and Shelley Smith

January 30, 2021

It was a privilege to know him.

Vi and Rickard Cederwall

January 29, 2021

Jeannette and family. We are so very sorry to hear of Wilfred’s passing. I remember him when he was just a teenager Always full of life and a go getter. Mischievous and a teaser. I’m sure Heaven is a little noisier now. Our very deepest condolences.

Earl Johnson

January 26, 2021

Dear Jeannette and family.
Sincere sympathy in the loss of your loving husband and father Wilfred.
We are holding you in our hearts and prayers during this sad time .
May God bless and comfort you.
Earl & Carolyn Johnson

Vikki Favreau

January 26, 2021

What a sad day when Wilfred passed away. He was an easy to talk to easy to be around and he made the best quilt racks.
So sorry Hugs

Catherine Petracek

January 25, 2021

Our sincerest condolences to Jeannette and family. We will miss his smiling face at church and (the coffee clutch at the log). (A few years back).

Catherine and David Petracek

The Patrick's

January 25, 2021

Our thoughts are with Jeanette and the Haney family. We are so lucky to have shared some laughs and memories with Wilf. Going to miss coffee breaks and story telling with Wilf at the shop. Take care and let us know if you need anything.

Jon, Kristen and Finleigh

Ev Draude

January 24, 2021

Jeanette, I am so, so sorry to hear of Wilford’s passing. He will RIP.

Kathy & Terry Duguay

January 23, 2021

We are so sorry to learn of the passing of Wilf after a long and courages battle . I was 5 or 6 years old when my sister Jeannette
brought Wilf home ,I have thought of him as a brother since. He always had a joke or prank up his sleeve . I think the craziest one was when he crabbed my mom and turned her upside down by the ankles ,I didn't know wether to laugh or run. Wilf ran when he put her down with her chasing ,she threw her slipper at him and just as he brought his head above the car window that slipper caught him in the eye ,he had a shiner and a great laugh. "The Bugger" Terry and I spent many a days or evenings visiting and playing cards often with a baby laying across Wilfs chest. He loved jokes and had a Wonderful sense of humour ,poor Jeannette she tolerated a lot over the years . I was sick a few years back ,I couldn't eat and was losing weight quickly Jeanette and Wilf supplied me with numerous containers of soup,if Jeannette was busy Wilf made a trip to the store for chickens and made me soup himself . I will be forever grateful not only for the soup ,but also for the friendship given toTerry our boys and myself over the years. He drew people like magnets with his kind friendly manner. We will miss you and your tips on gardening . All our Love Terry and Kathy Duguay
PS .. We will think of you every time We make Carmel popcorn .

FROM THE FAMILY