John Gray “Jack” Haaland

John Gray “Jack” Haaland died at his home in Troy on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008.

He was born to Jasper and Lillian Gray Haaland in Troy on Oct. 31, 1923. He graduated from Troy High School in 1941 and went to work in the timber industry until 1943 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

Mr. Haaland served with the 13th Naval Construction Battalion Seabees in the South Pacific during World War II and was discharged in 1946.

Following his service, he found work in construction on the Washington coast where he met his future wife of 57 years, Barbara. They were married in Sedro Woolley, Wash., on July 15, 1950, and made their home in Burlington, Wash. With their sons, Rick and Dick, and daughter, Patti, the couple moved to Troy in 1952 where Mr. Haaland went to work for J. Neils Lumber Co. He remained with “The Company” – as he called it – for more than 30 years until his retirement.

Mr. Haaland was an avid fisherman, hiker and all-around handyman and enjoyed time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; and a son, Dick.

Survivors include son, Rick and his wife Teresa of Troy; daughter, Patti, of Troy; sister, Harriet Lien of Corvallis, Ore.; sister-in-law, Joyce Smith and her husband John of Mount Vernon, Wash.; sister-in-law, Nancy Knowlton and her husband, Don, of Richland, Wash.; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Military graveside services were scheduled for 4 p.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Milnor Lake Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice in care of St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby.