Robert Gerard Haining

Dr. Robert Gerard Haining — known as "Jerry" to his family and friends — died unexpectedly on 9 Feb 2017 in Mukilteo, Washington, while out on medical rounds. He was 84 years old. Active and energetic, Jerry had been practicing medicine for over 60 years. He worked diligently for his family and his patients, displaying service, generosity and a boundless drive.

Jerry was born 20 Sep 1932 in Los Angeles, California, the son of Dr. Robert Boyd Haining and his wife, Verna Irene (Harrower) Haining. He grew up in Glendale, California with his younger sister Sylvia. After graduating from Glendale High School, Jerry attended Stanford University, earning a bachelor's degree in 1952 and then a degree in basic medical sciences in 1953. He entered the medical school at Stanford, receiving his diploma in medicine in June 1956. Jerry interned at Los Angeles County General Hospital (LAC+USC), and also did fellowships at the Lahey Clinic, at Stanford (hematology), and at the University of Washington (biochemistry). He also served as a Captain in the Air Force at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas.

Jerry worked as a general practitioner for over 6 years at Fircrest, and followed that with an 8-year stretch in emergency medicine. Then in March 1981, Jerry opened his own practice specializing in geriatric medicine. For over 35 years he worked with patients in nursing homes and adult family care homes, accepting phone calls night and day and making house calls whenever needed.

He worked tirelessly on medical care issues in Washington. He helped set up the Medic One system, taught First Aid and CPR to the Scouts, founded the Washington Alzheimer's Society serving as their president for several years, and educated patients and their families on issues relating to medical care of the elderly. He was a bit of an anachronism in the modern world: an old-fashioned independent practitioner. Dr. Haining was known for carrying candy in his pockets, which he would offer to the medical staff he encountered in his daily rounds. This made him a well-known figure at Northwest Hospital and at area nursing facilities.

Jerry met his future wife, registered nurse Carroll Ellen "Penny" Richmond, while he was working at LA County General Hospital. The couple married in Los Angeles on 28 Feb 1958. Together they raised six children. Frequent moves in the early years of their marriage meant that most of the children were born in different cities, but in 1964 the family settled permanently in Seattle. When the children were young, Jerry took them camping, skiing, and on holiday visits to family in Oregon and California. He was active in the Scouts and the PTSA (once earning their Golden Acorn award for outstanding service). Jerry also umpired for his sons' baseball games, helping to found the Umpires' Association for the Baseball Little League of North King County.

As a grandfather, Jerry delighted in taking his grandchildren on outings ranging from educational visits to the Pacific Science Center to outdoor activities such as zip lining at Northwest Trek. He kept in touch with all of his grandchildren, calling every few weeks just to check in. He encouraged them to make the most of their opportunities, and to get the best education possible. Before he became a doctor, Jerry had dreamed of being an engineer and he never lost his love for gadgets and technology. He built a HeathKit TV, had one of the very first cell phones, and was typically an early adopter of various emerging technologies. When his time was not taken up with family, or photographing family, Jerry enjoyed watching sports, collecting and cataloging stamps, and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 54 years, Penny, who died 2 Sep 2012, and his nephew Andrew Odening. He is survived by his six children and three daughters-in-law, Keven & Lori Haining of New Berlin, Wisconsin; Breck & Li Haining of Lake Forest Park; Derek Haining and Kirsty Haining of Seattle; Robert Haining of Lawrenceville, Georgia; and Rorke & Nadine Haining of Kirkland; his 23 grandchildren (Faedra, Rachel, Tia, Heather, Elise, Joshua, Faith, Sharon, Isaiah, Calista, Aria, Kyle, Karen, Natasha, Brianna, Julia, Jonathan, Heather, Jeffrey, Christian, Jennika, Stephanie and Alexander) and seven great-grandchildren (Phoenix, Judah, Annabelle, Georgia, Joy, Lillian and Alexander). He is also survived by his sister, Sylvia, and nephew Campbell Odening, both of Los Angeles, California, as well as honorary grandchildren, cousins, friends and other loved ones.

There will be a viewing at Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home on Monday, 20 Feb 2017, between 10 am and 2 pm. On Tuesday, 21 Feb 2017 at 2 pm, there will be a memorial service in the chapel at Acacia, followed by a graveside inurnment. All are welcome to attend.

Arrangements under the direction of Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Seattle, Washington.