HAINES BELL GAFFNER
On November 16, 2022, Haines Bell Gaffner, a loving husband, father and grandfather died peacefully at age 89. He was born on Alki Point in Seattle, WA, to Haines Sr. and Mary Ellen (Fuller). In 1955 he graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Washington, where he was a member of the crew and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
Haines was a First Lieutenant in the Army in Berlin and in Bavaria, where he represented the US in European ski racing circuits. He began skiing at age eight and remained passionate until he was 84. He was also an avid tennis player, finally laying down his racquet at age 80.
For the next four years, Haines was a Deputy Manager with the Office of
International Trade Fairs promoting US products. He worked in seven countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. He was most proud of directing the passage of 20 tons of goods over the Khyber Pass.
Haines returned to the US in 1962 to join Business International (publisher of reports for multinational corporations). His career took the direction of the new electronic media and information technology starting with Quantum Science, Find/SVP, and finally Link Resources Corp., which he founded in 1966 with his wife, Nancy. It was bought by IDG, publishers of Computer-World in Boston in 1980. He stayed on as President until 1990. He was a pioneer in the Information Industry Association.
In 1966 he married Nancy (Wilson), his wife of 56 years. They lived with their two children in Gramercy Park in Manhattan and Pawling, NY. It was here that he co- founded a triathlon which became popular in the tri-state area, and was also a member of the Quaker Hill Country Club. In NYC he was a member of the National Arts Club and the Players Club.
In 1998 Haines and Nancy moved to Santa Fe where he was head of the International Visitor Program for the Council on International Relations (Global Santa Fe). He volunteered at the information desk at Christus St Vincent and served on the Grant Committee at the Santa Fe Community Foundation. He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of SF.
Haines was an early believer and supporter of the right to die and End of
Life Options (EOLO) in NM. A great joy was starting groups focused on film, current events, and men’s issues. Over many years he enjoyed weeks at Chautauqua, NY.
Haines was preceded in death by his parents, sister Robin Pierce, and brother
Gary Gaffner. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, children Lindsay and Corinne, grandchildren Owen and Eli, a niece Deborah Rademacher and nephew Eric
Pierce.
The family is grateful for the excellent care and kindness from the El Castillo nursing staff and Del Corazon Hospice.
A celebration for Haines will be held in the New Year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in his honor to the Santa Fe Community Foundation. Donations may be made online at Santafecf.org or by mail at PO Box 1827, Santa Fe, NM87504.
