Dean Haney

Born in Denver to Leroy and Wamie (Nutter) Haney, Dean and his brother, Herbert, were raised by their mother and stepfather, Eugene Warrell, after the untimely death of their father. While attending North Denver High School, he excelled in wrestling, and in 1938 he won the Colorado State wrestling championship in his weight division, an accomplishment of which he was very proud. From an early age, Dean’s interest in radio led him to become a licensed HAM radio operator. He was a member of the Longmont Amateur Radio Club. In 1941, he enlisted in the Army Signal Corp. and was later honorably discharged.

On May 15, 1942, he married the love of his life, Erma Waters, in Greeley, Colorado. They resided in Brush, Colorado, where Dean worked for Burlington Northern Railroad. In 1943, the couple moved to Denver where Dean began his 37-year career with Continental Airlines. In 1957, Continental moved their base of operations to Los Angeles, California. In his position, he was responsible for developing the policy and procedures for the maintenance and overhaul shops at LAX. During this time, he received many awards from his peers in the industry. For a one year period he presided as president of the Airline International Electronics Meeting, at which time he was awarded the Airline Avionics Institute “Volare Award.” During his employment with Continental, the couple traveled the world accompanied by their co-workers/good friends. Beginning in 1975, every weekend the couple traveled to Escondido, California, where Dean was building Erma her dream home. In 1980, Dean retired from Continental as Director of Avionics. After retirement, the couple purchased an RV and began traveling the country with their Continental retirement group (Carm). In 1988, they returned to his native Colorado, residing in Niwot until his death.

Among his many interests, Dean took great pride in his vegetable garden, in spite of the local wildlife. His family was always his highest priority. He will be remembered for his compassionate nature, his ever-present optimism, and good humor, especially his “one liners.” Dean never spoke an unkind word about anyone. His analytical thinking brought many to seek his counsel. His love of life was the greatest gift to all who knew him.

Those left behind to grieve the passing of our loving husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa include his wife of 68 years; son Mike, Yucca Valley, California; daughter Sue Peck (Roger), Niwot; daughter Janet Finney (Rob), Livingston, Montana; five grandchildren, Cindy Young (Kelly); Christine Kirkpatrick (Troy); Jeffrey Peck; Katie Daughenbaugh (Jason); Karie Finney; four great-grandchildren, Kaitlynn and Tanner Kirkpatrick; Reder and Ruby Daughenbaugh; step great-grandson, Eric Young (Shakeena).

His mother, stepfather, and brother preceded him in death.

The family wishes to thank Hospice Care of Boulder and Broomfield Counties for their compassionate care. In particular Carol, Marsha and Jenny.

Cremation has been entrusted to Howe Mortuary and Cremation Services.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Westview Presbyterian Church, Longmont.

Memorial contributions are requested to HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties or the Westview Memorial Fund.