Elwood John “Woody” Haines died peacefully on October 29, 2018 in the presence of his immediate family. He was born and raised in Evanston, Wyoming on August 20, 1934 to William and Elizabeth Haines, their youngest of three boys.
He graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1956 and was a cheerleader and member of Sigma Nu fraternity. Haines married Vivian Carroll on June 25, 1957, a marriage of 61 years.
A fourth generation Wyomingite and third generation banker whose grandfather founded the Stockgrowers Bank in Evanston and the Uinta County State Bank in Mountain View, Wyoming, Haines chose to work for First National Bank in Laramie starting in 1957 (later First Interstate Bank), which was founded by Edward Ivinson and is one of the state’s oldest banks. He became CEO in 1975, a position he held until his retirement in 1989.
A lifelong Presbyterian, Haines loved to sing in the choir. He shared this passion with many Laramie friends in the local Barber Shop Quartet Society for many years. Haines maintained a commitment to the legacy of Edward Ivinson and the Laramie community through many volunteer, appointed and elected engagements, notably he served for 34 years as managing trustee for the Ivinson Home for Aged Ladies, was elected to the Ivinson Memorial Hospital trustee board and was the long time treasurer of the University of Wyoming Alumni Association. He managed the Sigma Nu House Company and was president of the Sigma Nu Education Foundation for 48 years. He was devoted to everything Wyoming but most durably the University of Wyoming and Wyoming Cowboy sports.
Woody is survived by his wife, Vivian (Carroll) Haines, his eldest son John W. Haines (Molly Baer Kramer), and twins Doug Haines (Lisa Lott) and Carroll Lyn Steinberg (Rich Steinberg), and grandchildren Emerson Steinberg, Mitchell Steinberg, Lauren Haines and John Haines.
The memorial is scheduled for the 22nd of December,1pm, at the United Presbyterian Church 215 S. 11th Street, Laramie, WY. Memorial gifts may be made to the University of Wyoming Foundation and the University of Wyoming Alumni Association.
I worked for Woody twice at the bank. The first time, hired by Max Fisher in 1967, I started working while Woody was on vacation, with Herb Hoover subbing in his absence in the ICL department. In his inimitable way, Herb had persuaded me that when Woody returned, he would crack the whip and make my life difficult if not miserable. Nothing could have been further from the truth--Woody was one of the best bosses I ever had. When he asked me to join the bank the second time, I think in the mid-80's, one of my tasks was to review the bank's security position with high value loans and write an opinion for the file. After a couple of months, he called me in, to remind me with his big smile, "you know, we're not paying you by the word!"--his gentle way of telling me to shorten my opinions. In the time I worked for the bank and for many years later until I left Laramie, every time I saw him, no matter where it was, he'd greet me with a loud, "Hey there, Cary III" (which he pronounced eye eye eye) and then laugh--always a day brightener. I've been blessed to have many good people in my life. Most certainly, Woody was one of the best of them. Rest in peace, my friend.
Our Wilke family was so sad to hear of Woody's passing in October. We will be with you, John, Doug, Caroll Lyn and families in spirit at his memorial planned for Dec 22nd. He was one of the last of Laramie's "Old Guard" and was loved and respected by friends and the community. Without a doubt Woody's celebration of life will be full of fond memories and great stories told in his honor. The Wilkes have always treasured our close ties with The Haines family - sending love and light your way.
Vivian, John, Doug, Carol Lyn and families. Your husband and father was one of the most important men in my life. I moved to Laramie in 1975 primarily on the basis of having worked briefly with Bill Wilke in Kalispell before he moved to Laramie. I admit to some trepidation when very soon Bill moved to Nevada. I needn't have worried, Woody was a good teacher, a tolerant mentor, a valued confidant and a treasured friend. When the bottom fell out of Wyoming's energy economy there were some tough times and Woody wasn't adequately appreciated for his proven leadership. Then in 1989 I absolutely know I would not have gotten a shot at the president position were it not for his strong recommendation. I hope I never did anything in that position to cast doubts on his confidence. I miss my friend! Treasure his memory, I know I do.
The morning coffee club has lost its unofficial permanent treasurer and most ardent and supportive member. The knowledge, wisdom and humor that you shared will be greatly missed. The group will never be the same. Rest in peace Woody. We miss you.
John, Doug and Carroll, I am sorry to hear of the passing of your dad, I know how devastating it can be to lose a parent. My heart and thoughts are with you all in this time of sorrow, may all of the happiest memories of your dad help you through these times and may peace find you, your mom and the rest of your families quickly. John and Judy Aker
We were sorry to hear about Woody's passing. It was worth long drives to enjoy WY football games with Viv & Woody. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Just saw this and wanted to leave my sympathy to all of you. I met Woody when I was a newlywed and student wife in Laramie in 1967. I worked at the bank as a secretary for the officers. It is a vivid memory, as it was one of my first jobs. I remember Woody as a fun, cheerful leader who was dedicated to his work and community. He set a good example for all. Although I just worked one year and moved away, he is one of several from the bank who left a lasting impression. Young people need examples! May your many happy memories ease your grief in his passing. Peri K Lathrop, Casper, WY
Vivian, John, Doug and Carroll Lyn and families, I was very sorry to read that Woody had passed away. He truly was one of the best bosses I have had the honor to work for. He will be missed. You are in my thoughts.