John D. ""Jack"" Haley

John D. ""Jack"" Haley, was the son of Peter Daniel Haley and Margaret Dorothy O'Haire Haley and the older brother of Margaret Mary (Margo) Haley Guenther, Elizabeth Elaine Haley (Don) McGann and Martin James (Sue) Haley. Margaret and Peter lived on a ranch near Pyramid Peak, Colorado, with Peter's father, John (Baba) Haley. Just prior to giving birth, Margaret traveled to her parents' home in Denver, so Jack was born in Denver, Colorado. Margaret and Jack returned to Pyramid Peak, and Jack remained on the ranch until he entered the Colorado School of Mines in 1942. While growing up, he was introduced to an engineer. He believed that if he became an engineer he would be able to work outdoors. He loved to be outdoors hiking, horseback riding, skiing, ice skating and hunting. Though his work took him all over the world, his favorite area was the western slope where he was raised. Every year, he returned to that area with his family for vacations. In 1944, Jack dropped out of college and enlisted in the navy. He was selected to the naval aviation program and flew the F-4U Corsair, TBM Avenger and A4D Skyraider. He also flew the J3 Piper Cub to maintain his hours. He was stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge. After the war, he returned to college and graduated in 1948. After graduation, he worked for Creole Oil Company in Venezuela for two years and became bilingual. In 1951, Jack married Annie Loretta (Annie Laurie) Breeden, a stewardess and friend of his sister, Margo. Jack and Annie met on a blind date arranged by Margo. Jack and Annie were married for nearly 60 years and had six children: Laura (Robin) McNeil, Patricia (Alan) Miller, Brian Haley, Sharon Haley, Norine Goodwin and Kathleen (Reuben) Martinez. He has ten grandchildren: Travis (Karissa) Haley, Alia Haley, Corina Miller, Chelsea Miller, Matt Goodwin, Kathleen Goodwin, Michael Martinez, David Martinez, Benjamin Martinez and Joshua Martinez. He has three great grandchildren: Madison Hashbarger, Ava Haley, and Teagan Haley. After their wedding, Jack and Annie lived in Houma, Louisiana. In 1952, they moved to San Diego, California, where he trained for the Korean War as a US Navy pilot. In 1954, they moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he worked for an oil consulting firm. When he had an opportunity to return to Denver, Colorado, he was glad to be home. He lived in Colorado for the rest of his life. Jack was a dutiful son, amazing brother and uncle, loving husband and adoring father and grandfather. He was a hardworking man, dedicated and loyal friend, but his love - his hobby - was his family. He gave all of his free time to his wife and to his children when they were growing up. He taught them to horseback ride, fish, snow ski, water ski, swim, and ice skate. He never stopped being a father. He continued to provide engineering services into his mid-eighties. He was incredibly generous, constantly donating to foundations financially, as well as with his time. He wanted everyone who came into contact with him to be compensated. He was on the Board of Directors at the Colorado School of Mines. Jack was an avid reader, preferring nonfiction because he loved to learn. He was a wealth of knowledge to his children and grandchildren. The best accomplishment an individual can make in this world is to make it a better place. Jack touched many lives. He was a humble man who worked hard to make this world a better place, especially for his family.