Philip ‘Phil’ Wills Haines obituary

Philip ‘Phil’ Wills Haines
1945-2017

AUGUSTA — Dr. Philip “Phil” Wills Haines, 72, passed away Sept. 23, at Maine General Medical Center. He was born July 19, 1945, in Cherry Hill, N.J., the son of Bernard S. and Elizabeth S. (Matlack) Haines.

Phil grew up in Maple Shade, N.J., attended Moorestown Friends School (New Jersey) and graduated from Westtown School (Westtown, Pa.) in 1963. Phil then graduated from Union College with a bachelor of science degree in 1967, earning a master’s degree in chemistry from Purdue University in 1969. Later, in 1982, Phil earned a doctorate of public health from the University of North Carolina.

While working in a chemistry lab at Yale University, Phil met Susan Pitcher; they married in New Haven, Conn., in 1970. Phil and Sue moved together to Vassalboro in 1972, buying a home on Bog Road, where they raised a family, tended a large vegetable garden, and enjoyed the woods on foot and on cross-country skis.

Phil was a kind, caring, dedicated leader in the workplace who strove to ensure his colleagues and associates received the support and recognition they deserved. He worked tirelessly in support of public health across Maine. He was employed by the Maine Bureau of Health in 1972 as a chemist in the Laboratory of Public Health, then promoted to assistant director after earning his doctoral degree, and eventually to director of the Laboratory of Public Health. He was later promoted to deputy director of the Bureau of Public Health, serving as acting director for the bureau for periods of time.

Dr. Dora Mills, director of the Bureau of Health and a colleague of Phil’s for a number of years, remarked that “Dr. Haines was an authentic, thoughtful leader who was dedicated to ensuring everyone received the support they needed to succeed. He worked tirelessly for public health in Maine, including these last few months to protect public health nursing. He also was gifted with a wonderful and contagious smile and laughter that cheered everyone around him.”

Through his life, Phil was devoted to both family and community. He energetically supported community and town functions, serving in numerous capacities throughout his life in Maine, including 16 years on the Vassalboro board of selectmen, many years on the Budget Committee and Sanitation District trustees; more than 30 years as fireman and as treasurer of the Vassalboro Fire Department; treasurer of the Vassalboro Friends Meeting, Webber Pond Lake Association and Tilton Lane Association; and 10 years on Delta Ambulance board of directors (including time as president).

Another of Phil’s passions was enjoyment of the outdoors with loved ones. This began with childhood trips to Maine — hiking, canoeing and sailing. Later, Phil and Sue enjoyed introducing these activities to their children, exploring the forest behind their home as well as woods, streams and mountains across Maine and elsewhere. Particular highlights included numerous trips paddling down the Allagash River, hiking up Mt. Katahdin, camping at Acadia National Park, and sailing on Webber Pond and Penobscot Bay.

Phil is survived by his wife of 47 years, Susan (Pitcher) Haines of Vassalboro; two sons, Josh Haines and wife Heather of Acton, Mass., and Seth Haines of Boulder, Co.; grandsons, Henry and William Haines of Acton, Mass.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 30, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Vassalboro Community School, under the care of the Vassalboro Friends Meeting. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phil’s memory to the American Lung Association of Maine, 122 State St., Augusta, ME 04330-5689 or the Kennebec Land Trust, P.O. Box 261, Winthrop, ME 04364.

Arrangements under the direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.