Bruce Haynes left this life on October 7, 2017, after a long full life spent providing for his family and doing the things he loved. He was born September 26, 1926 in Ossining, NY, the only child of William and Ellen Haynes. After grade school in Ridgefield Park, NJ the family began a transition to Pine Plains, NY starting with the purchase of some farmland. Persistent effort on weekends and vacations saw growth from tent to cottage to eventual house in 1939.
Bruce was an honor graduate of Pine Plains Central School in 1943 at age sixteen. He enlisted in the Navy shortly after his 17th birthday and qualified for ROTC. In 1946, two days after his Navy commencement where he received his commission as Ensign, he married his high school sweetheart and only love, Flora Elisabeth (Betty) Harper. A week later he reported for duty aboard the USSASM461. He continued service in the Pacific aboard USALST1025 and the USS BreckenridgeAPA176.
After his release from active Navy duty he earned a BS degree in Zoology in 1948 from Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, OH and then a DVM degree in from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY in June 1952. Following graduation he worked as an associate veterinarian at Pine Tree Veterinary Hospital in Augusta, ME, then returned to NY to open his own practice in Millerton, New York with the primary focus on cattle. He established a successful practice with both large and small animals. He was an early proponent of preventive medicine and by 1959 about half the practice was an innovative measure called “contract” practice, now called ‘herd health’. While in Millerton he became a valued member of the community, serving in various capacities: Village Trustee, School Board member, Chamber of Commerce President and Millerton Volunteer Fire Department Foreman.
In 1964, after invitation, he joined the faculty of Cornell University as its first full time Extension Veterinarian. He became a frequent speaker at livestock owner meetings around the state. In 1967 he was named Associate Professor of Veterinary Science and a year later was elected to the Graduate Faculty. Several years later he was appointed the Director of Veterinary Continuing Education at Cornell. Dr. Haynes was a frequent contributor of animal health articles to the farm press. These eventually became the nucleus of his book, ‘Keeping Livestock Healthy’ published by Garden Way Publishing in 1978, and still a popular handbook for those seeking better health for their livestock. The fourth edition is still available.
Bruce was very active in his profession serving as President of the American Association of Veterinary Nutritionists and a Director of the American Association of Extension Veterinarians. He held a number of committee assignments in the New York State Veterinary Medical Society and in 1975 was named Veterinarian of the Year. At the time of his death, he was a life member of the US Animal Health Association, an Honor Roll member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, a life member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and an honorary member of the Maine Veterinary Medical Association.
He resigned his position at Cornell in July 1979 and relocated to E. Monmouth, Maine, where he turned his talents to restoring an old New England farmhouse and barn. He and Betty then began another career raising bedding plants and vegetables on this 35 acre farm, aptly named “Folly Farm.” Ten years later, they sold the farm and moved to Winthrop, Maine. In 1997 they moved further north to Skowhegan to be nearer their two children and grandchildren. He attended the Federated Church where Bruce served on the finance committee.
Other activities he enjoyed were flying and owning a share with friends of a small private plane. He enjoyed fishing, in particular fly fishing, in search of those tasty brook trout. Annually, for sixty years, he made a trip with his boat to fish on Moosehead, his favorite lake. He was a creative woodworker, building their home in Millerton, and two camps in Maine. He created beautiful furniture used in the homes of his children and grandchildren that is a lasting gift from a man who loved his family.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Betty of 71 years, a daughter, Beth Ann Hadley, her husband, David of Dixon, Missouri; son, Robert Bruce, and his wife Donna Cassese of Skowhegan. He is survived by three grandchildren, Joshua B. Smith and wife Heather, of Bayside, WI; Adam N. Haynes and wife Gennifer Giuliano of Pownel, ME; and Elena R. (Haynes) Glidden and husband Samuel of Raymond, ME. Bruce was also blessed to have six great-grandchildren, Lillian F. Smith, Nolan G. Haynes, Stella G. Haynes, Jasper C. Haynes, Maxwell N. H. Glidden, and James R. Glidden, and two step great grand-daughters Adrienne and Evelyn Pisch. He was pre-deceased by his parents and a great-grandson, Tyler Austin Smith.
Visitation will be held from 5-7pm, Friday, October 13 at Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan. The funeral will be held at 10am, Saturday, October 14 at Skowhegan Federated Church, 13 Island Ave., Skowhegan and interment with military honors will follow at East Skowhegan Cemetery. After the interment, a reception will be held at Tewksbury Hall, Island Ave, Skowhegan, ME. Memorial remembrances may be made to the Somerset Animal Shelter, PO Box 453. Skowhegan, ME 04976 or MaineGeneral Hospice, PO Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903.
