Barry Haigis

Barry Steele Haigis, of Madison, died November 22 after a long, valiant battle with lung cancer. He was born on November 14, 1935 to Russell J. and Martha T. Haigis. He graduated from New Britain Senior High School in 1953. Barry attended the University of Rochester on a NROTC scholarship, graduating in 1958 with a BS in Industrial Management and a commission as Ensign. Barry spent 3 years in the Navy on the USS William C. Lawe DD763, retiring in June 1961. From there, he worked at SNET in various management positions retiring in 1991.

One of Barry’s many passions was acquiring and selling country store antiques. Another was hiking and exploring the outdoors, which led him to become very active in the Madison Land Trust - eventually serving as President from 2003 to 2007 and remaining active in subsequent years.

Barry enjoyed playing and organizing Senior sports in Madison - including softball, basketball and tennis. He also enjoyed working outdoors, going to the beach and spending time with his family, whom he loved dearly.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Betsy; brother, Peter (Jim Abel) of Barnegat Light, NJ; children Brad Haigis (Dewi Win) of Acton, MA, John Haigis (Alison) of Tolland, CT, and David Haigis (Ann) of Madison; grandchildren Jackson, Mathew, Nina, Maya, Jessica, and Spencer.

Burial in West Cemetery will be private. Memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Madison on December 6 at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Madison Land Conservation Trust (P.O. Box 561, Madison, CT 06443) or Smilow Cancer Hospital (Yale-New Haven Hospital PO Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508-9979).