Chris Lyman Haley

Chris started his life in Tipton Missouri. At age 8 he moved to Avalon Wisconsin where he was raised by his aunt and uncle, Pearl and Lloyd Fall. He grew up on a farm and learned to tend crops and animals. During his high school years WWII was blazing across the globe. As soon as he turned 18, he joined the navy to help defend his country. As a seaman, he became a motor-mac on board a Sea Plane tender. One year later WWII was over, and he was honorably discharged. Soon after his return to his hometown he met Shirley Archer. They married within months after meeting and remained so for 72 years until Shirley passed away March 11, 2019. Together they raised 8 children. Chris was always interested in flying so using the GI bill, he took lessons and less than 1 year later, acquired his Private Pilot’s License. Flying is rather costly and due to raising a family, he had to forgo any further flying. Chris started working for the Railroad. He did this for about 3 years. He then decided to go into construction. He became an Apprentice Carpenter, then Journeyman Carpenter. He went onto become a Contractor and started building homes. Winters in Wisconsin were very cold and snowy, difficult to earn a living that time of the year. So, in 1965 Chris and Shirley decided to move their family from Wisconsin to Ukiah, California. After a few years in California as a carpenter he opened Haley’s Cabinet Shop, which he ran for about 10 years with the help of his sons. Chris played the guitar from a young age and thoroughly enjoyed it. He began playing with some acquaintances. They formed a group and started playing at dinner houses on weekend evenings. He did this for about 20 years while he continued to work. One of his passions was building furniture. He started doing this while he had his cabinet shop and never stopped building furniture.  With his family all raised, and while he was working, he started flying again, earning his Commercial Pilot’s license, instrument rating, multi-engine rating and Flight Instructor Rating. Chris eventually closed the Cabinet Shop and went back to the carpentry trade which he did until retirement in 1992. After retiring from carpentry, he worked as a flight instructor. He taught flying for about 8 years and retired. Chris and Shirley moved from northern California to Oregon in 1992. During retirement Chris was able to spend all his time with Shirley. He loved having and tending to a large vegetable garden each year.  Chris and Shirley never missed a family reunion. During the reunions Chris had a special recipe for Margaritas which he so enjoyed making for everyone. He also made sure everyone received copies of videos made during the reunions.  After Shirley passed away, every day Chris talked about rejoining his bride of 72 years……may he rest in peace.  He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley and two sons Lee Haley and Bruce Haley. He is survived by Ginger Kunstman, Michael Haley, Kelly Haley, Dan Haley, Mariea Kubanis, and Patricia Duncan. Ten grandchildren, Six great grandchildren in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.