Below is an obituary from Chapman Funeral Home:
FALMOUTH, MA — Frank Thomas (Tom) Haynes, (95), passed away peacefully Saturday evening July 27, 2024 at the Royal Falmouth Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Falmouth Massachusetts.
Tom and his beloved wife Dorothy “Dot” (Swift) Haynes were approaching their 69th wedding anniversary on July 30th. Dot was the love of his life, and their partnership was a shining beacon of love to all who knew them. The story of how they met, courted, and married was priceless and one he was happy to share with anyone who asked. In addition to Dot, Tom is survived by his son John and his wife Jane of Rehoboth, MA; daughter Barbara and her husband Tom Gray of Hanover, MA; son Douglas and his wife Shashi of St Joseph, MO; and son Scott and his wife Lila of Boxford, MA. Tom and Dot were blessed with ten grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren (with two more on the way!)
Born December 12th, 1928 to Frank William Haynes and Barbara Mackie (Ferguson) Haynes, Tom and his sister Barbara grew up in Wilmington, MA. After graduating from Wilmington High School in 1946 he briefly worked at the General Electric Supply Company (GESCO) before enlisting in the US Army. Tom was deployed to the South Pacific at the tail end of World War ll. When he returned from the far east, he continued his long and very successful career with the General Electric Company. Starting out as a warehouse worker he attended Northeastern University at night, graduating with a degree in business administration. Over the years he attended several management courses at GE’s Executive Training Center in Crotonville, NY, culminating in the General Manager’s Course. He subsequently served as GESCO’s New England Regional Manager and finally retired from GE in 1986 after 40 years of service.
Upon retirement Tom and Dot moved to their beloved house in West Falmouth. The house was built in 1967 and has served as a family gathering place ever since. The biggest joy of Tom’s life was his family. He would regale anyone who would listen about the accomplishments of his children, and grandchildren. He was at his happiest when surrounded by family, sitting on the deck, and watching the sunset (“the most beautiful view on Cape Cod!”) Never shy about sharing his own opinions, he always wanted to know yours and loved having spirited debates, particularly about Boston’s professional sports teams that he enjoyed cheering on from his recliner.
His other great loves were boating and fishing. He enjoyed going after stripers or blues from one of several boats (mostly named “Scotch Mist”, a nod to his Scottish heritage and favorite libation), in the waters of nearby Buzzards Bay. And he spent many happy days pursuing a wide variety of fish in the myriad lakes and streams from Maine to Alaska, usually with his three lifelong fishing buddies.
A man with a very strong faith, Tom was actively involved in the First Church of Christ, Congregational in Bedford, MA, and later with the First Congregational Church in Falmouth, MA. He served on multiple boards and committees and was always happy to step in and lead a building or mission project. He was most proud of leading the very successful 300th Anniversary Committee and subsequent celebration at the First Congregational Church of Falmouth.
Tom was also an exuberant singer and a long-time member of the choir in Falmouth. A longstanding member of the Masons, he was a Past Master at the Friendship Lodge in Wilmington, Massachusetts.
It was quite fitting that Tom passed on July 27th. It was “National Scotch Day”, and he would be delighted if his friends were to raise a toast in his memory with a “wee dram” of scotch. His was a life well lived, and we will miss him dearly.
A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Tom Haynes will be held on August 24th at 10:30 AM at the First Congregational Church, 68 Main Street, Falmouth.
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