LACONIA NH – Kenneth Francis Haley of 3 Ledgecroft Place in The Taylor Community died on February 16, 2017 at Lakes Region General Hospital. Ken was born in Boston MA on April 29, 1928. The only child of the late Francis J. and Edith (Abbott) Haley, he grew up and received his education in Milton MA. Starting in 1938 he spent his summers working at the family business, Haley’s Birchland Cabins and Tea Room, on Weirs Blvd in Laconia. Although he first met Irma Palmer when he was 10, in the same baptismal group at the Milton Baptist Church, it wasn’t until she came to work for Haley’s Birchland in the summer of 1944 they became close and were married in that same church in 1948. She was the love of his life and they would remain together for 63 years until she died in 2011 and even then he remained her loving devoted husband and now joins her for eternity.
They moved to Braintree MA in 1951; Ken sold the family business the following year and went to work for Sigma Instruments in Braintree as Quality Control Manager. While at Sigma, he helped to form the Sigma Employees Federal Credit Union, where he remained its Secretary and Director for 14 years. He served as Director and Chairman of Mass CUNA and chaired their National Convention when it was held in Boston in 1959.
In April of 1958 he began working for The John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co. in Group Sales & Services at the corporate office in Boston MA. He eventually became in charge of managing Properties and Conventions. While employed there, he studied nights and got his business degree from Northeastern University. He also received his CLU distinction. Through the “Hancock”, Ken and Irma had the opportunity to travel throughout the world, staying in first class accommodations. He would remain with the “Hancock” for 29 years until his retirement in 1987.
Ken was a pillar of strength for his family. He and Irma raised their four children in Braintree, initially spending vacations at Sandy Pond on the Cape where he patiently taught his children to swim. Ken and Irma soon realized the Cape was not for them. They would spend their next 14 years summering north on Berry Bay in Freedom NH where he then taught his children how to water ski. But the call of the big lake was always there and so they bought a summer home on Meredith Neck. Upon his retirement, they moved to that home, spending the winters in Hilton Head SC.
In 2008 Ken and Irma made their final move to the Taylor Community in Laconia.
Ken always hoped he could make a difference no matter how small, so he would always get involved in civic and religious activities wherever he lived. He became a Precinct Warden in Braintree for 27 years. He also chaired on several committees for the town (Finance, Personnel, and The Search Committee to replace the retiring police chief.) He was elected Town Meeting Member for the last 9 years he lived there. At First Congregational Church in Braintree, he taught Sunday school, and later becoming the Superintendent of Sunday Schools. He was also a Trustee and Chairman. Along with Irma, and other close friends, he helped to build a vibrant youth fellowship.
Once in Meredith, he was elected to Trustee of Funds as well as serving on the Zoning Board of Adjustments (his last two years as chairman). He was active in renovating the Interlakes High School Auditorium. He was an active member and Trustee of the First Congregational Church in Center Harbor, and when Ken and Irma moved to the First Congregational Church of Meredith in 2003, he also became a Trustee and active member of the budget committee there.
At Taylor Community he earned and affectionately received the title of “Mayor”, as he served on the nominating committee of the Board of Trustees and served two terms as Senior Resident.
Ken was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin, neighbor and friend. He is survived by his two daughters and their husbands, Sharon and Richard Shetler of Gilford NH and Melody and Gary Kohler of Myrtle Beach SC., a son, and his wife Roderick and Lisa (Stitt) Haley of Manchester NH, a daughter-in-law Sandra (Boudreau) Haley of Great Barrington, MA, his only cousin Edward Abbott of Providence, RI., 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. In addition to his loving wife, he was predeceased by his son, P. Dennis Haley of Center Harbor, NH.
We will miss his love and guidance.
There are no calling hours but a celebration of Ken’s life will be held Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 11 am at the First Congregational Church of Meredith, Highland St. Meredith NH.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following:
Central NH VNA & Hospice, 780 N Main St, Laconia, NH 03246, or to
The Sunshine Fund at the Taylor Community, 435 Union Ave. Laconia , NH 03246, or to The First Congregational Church of Meredith, 4 Highland St, Meredith, NH 03253.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services 164 Pleasant St. Laconia is assisting the family with arrangements. For information and to view online memorials go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.