Local History by Dede Terns-Thorpe - Richard Everett Haines

Dick, and his wife, Ida

Justine Hommel often said it was people that made history. Today’s article will introduce Richard Everett Haines, one of the Good Guys, a grass-roots local and dedicated volunteer that has been paying it back for years.

Richard (Dick) Everett Haines: A Life of Service and Dedication

Born in 1936 to local police officer Butch (Everett George) Haines and Ann Conway Haines, Dick Haines has been a dedicated volunteer and community member. He lost his mother at 14 and his brother in high school, and yet he was able to see the strength in giving back to others. Dick’s lifetime friend and supporter has been his sister, Nancy Haines McGowan.

His early work history will take you back to the town’s mid-20th century

Dick's early work history includes various jobs such as mowing lawns, making maple syrup with his dad, washing dishes (pearl diving!) at Warm’s Restaurant, working at Simon’s Department Store (today’s Pancho Villa’s), working at the local A & P and moving 100 pound sacks of potatoes, and delivering milk in the wee hours of the morning for Virgil Legg’s Dairy and his employment with Thorpe’s Garage (1954 phone number was 119). His service during the Korean War as a radar operator on a missile site inspired him to pursue higher education, leading him to a 34-year career as a court reporter and executive secretary.

A proud member of the Bunt-Brewer American Legion Post 165 and the Knights of Columbus Council 453, Dick has contributed almost 40 years as a board member for the Mountain Top Historical Society and chairman of buildings and grounds. He also co-founded several community support groups. His volunteer work includes roles as a Hospice Volunteer, Pastoral Bereavement Counselor, and Director of Pastoral Care and Ministries for the Archdiocese of New York.

Thanks for reading. And thank you Dick for all you’ve given to the community.

Be well and stay safe.

Dede Terns-Thorpe/Hunterhistorian@gmail.com