PETE HAINES (1928 - 2001)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

PETE HAINES (1928 - 2001) Peacefully, as he lived his life, Abram Norris Pete Haines, aged 72, passed away following a brief illness. Pete was pre-deceased by his mother, Evelyn Dale; father Wellington; brothers Edwin, Earl and Arthur; sisters Mary, Verna, Dorothy and Marion, and other beloved family members. Pete was born on the home farm in Centreville, New Brunswick on October 5, 1928. >From the age of 14, when he first played guitar on a Maine radio station, Petes life in music began. After leaving home at a young age, Pete rode the rails, playing guitar and doing various work that led him to London, Ont., Calgary and Creston, BC. Pete also proudly served in the Canadian Army with the PPCLI before settling in Winnipeg in 1954. A gratifying musical achievement in Petes career was playing guitar on CJOB radios Western Hour, where he was a regular performer for three years in the early 1950s. Petes life changed forever when his friend and soon-to-be brother-in-law Mickey introduced him to his wife, Bernice in 1954. He had found his home with the Gal Across the Street and the two married in 1957. In the following years, while raising five children, Pete held various driving jobs for truck, taxi and eventually transit. Pete drove city bus for 15 years, receiving commendations for safety and securing a love of driving that never left him. Music was too strong of a force in Petes life, and it eventually won out over the day job. In the early 1970s, Pete formed a band of his own called Manitoba Country, touring the West and Northwest Ontario for several years. He then played regularly around Winnipeg until his retirement. Even until recently, Pete played guitar at city nursing homes and for small appreciative audiences like his children and grandchildren. There were many special people in Petes life who supported him and his music, and the family offers a heartfelt thanks to those dear friends. All those who knew Pete know he never really retired, for Pete always had a spring in his step, a question to ask and a song to sing. Petes talent as a guitar player, singer and songwriter was a gift God gave him to share, but the greatest gift to his family and friends was Pete himself - he was a man whose curiosity about life inspired and entertained us, and the quiet, simple way he lived his life taught us about what really matters most. Pete never had many of the material riches of this world, but he was the richest man in all the ways that count: he had a loving wife and a long marriage blessed with laughter, and children and grandchildren who will cherish his memory forever. Pete is survived by his wife of 44 years, Bernice; sister Evelyn and sister-in-law Jane, and many nieces and nephews in Winnipeg and throughout Canada and the U.S. Pete was so proud of all his children and grandchildren, and above all else, he considered them to be his greatest accomplishment. He leaves his children, Ed (Kim), Dale (Dawn), Dave, Gerry (Lucy), Connie (Victor), and beloved grand-children, Michael, Catherine, Steven, Emily, Andrew, Curtis, Christopher, Sonia, Anne, Nicholas and Grace. We love you dearest Pete, husband, dad and grampa - well never forget your corny jokes, happy smile and the beautiful music you made. Thank you for blessing our lives with yours. Thank you to Dr. K. Hameed for his kindness and care of Pete over the years, and to the staff of the Intensive Care Unit at Seven Oaks Hospital. Prayers will be said Sunday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Funeral Mass will be held Monday, April 9 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Josephs Roman Catholic Church, Mountain Ave. at Andrews St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Petes memory to a charity of your choice. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL in care of arrangements - 586-8044.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 07, 2001