Affectionate tributes paid to former Alcester firefighter Bernard Haines, who has died aged 90
HUNDREDS of affectionate tributes have been paid to Bernard Haines, 90, from Alcester after his family announced the sad news of his death.
Sharing the news on Facebook, his family said: “We are very sad to let you know that our dear dad passed away peacefully on Saturday, 20th July.
“Dad had lived in Alcester since childhood and the Haines family, consisting of nine siblings, was well known. He was the last of the siblings to leave us.”
Bernard met his wife-to-be Angela in 1956 at St Nicholas Church, where she sang in the choir. The couple married there two years later. They had a happy family life and went on to have three daughters.
In addition to his full-time work, Bernard was dedicated to Alcester Fire Brigade from 1965 to 1988. Later in life, he set up a window cleaning round in the town.
Angela died in 2013.
The family continued: “Dad was well known and respected by the local community.
“He was a kind, gentle and good-humoured man who was always singing to himself. The love shown towards him, both in his lifetime and in the short time since his passing, is a credit to just how special he was.”
They added: “We would like to pay special thanks to Cedar Lodge care home for their love, support and care for dad and the family over the past two years.”
Many well-wishers commented on how thoughtful and kind Bernard was – “just a lovely, lovely gentleman” said one; “a beautiful man inside and out”, shared another.
One of his carers at Cedar Lodge remarked: “We all loved him. Every place needs a lovely Bernard. Always smiling and giving us a hug.”
As well as his three daughters, Bernard will be remembered by his extensive family, which includes four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
