Lawrence Archibald Haines

On May 3, 2019, Lawrence Archibald Haines joyously returned to his Savior’s warm embrace. While we grieve at this time of separation, we are confident that he returned with honor from his mission here on Earth.

Lawrence was born to William Laurence Haines and Doris Alma (Snyder) Haines on May 8, 1928.  In early childhood, Lawrence had dreams and visions, which at the time did not make much sense, but prepared him for the Gospel Truth that he would find later in life.  In 1949, Lawrence met Priscilla June Blake on a youth ski trip for the Congregational Church of Boston. Their romance blossomed, and in 1950 they married. In the late 50’s, Priscilla Haines learned through a friend about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Though at first reluctant, Lawrence accepted the truths the missionaries taught. These truths created the foundation on which he built the rest of his life.  Lawrence often said, “I was stupid in dealing with people until I joined the Church.”

The Lord recognized Lawrence’s great potential and called him to serve as a branch president only a year after joining the church.  In 1962, Lawrence and Priscilla travelled from Boston to Utah in a cramped VW Beetle with his wife and six children to be sealed in the temple for time and eternity.  In 1966, Lawrence and his family left Boston to live in Utah where he and two business partners built Valtek, a company which still provides financial security to many families.

Lawrence’s extraordinary life led him to travel to locations throughout the world including Antarctica, Japan, Europe, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and many others.  Before attending school, Lawrence served in the US Navy where he travelled to Antarctica with Admiral Byrd.  Lawrence graduated from Northeastern University in Engineering and later returned to teach a few classes.  From an early age he developed a love for flying and logged many hours as a pilot; on one occasion flying the aviation legend General Chuck Yeager.  Lawrence was highly active in the community and served on several city councils.  While serving as the Director of UVSC, Lawrence was instrumental in helping the school advance to a university, now known as Utah Valley University (UVU).

Countless lives were touched as Lawrence lived the Gospel principles he embraced.  After retiring, Lawrence experienced an abundance of communication with the Spirit while serving as a Mission President in the Cebu, Philippines Mission from 1993 to 1996.  This experience left him with an unshakable testimony that missionary work is truly the work of the Lord.  For Lawrence, his faith and understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ grew through every life experience.

In his own words, Lawrence had a magnificent life full of struggles and rewards, sorrows and triumphs.  He saw great potential in the people of the world and to the end bore testimony that living the Gospel of Jesus Christ blesses people’s lives.  By the end of his life, Lawrence’s faith had grown into an unshakeable knowledge of his Savior’s love and plan for salvation for each of His children.

Lawrence is preceded in death by his lovely younger sister Ruth Haines, who passed at the age 6, his parents William and Doris Alma Haines, a stepmother also named Doris (Russel) Haines, Daniel Salabyie (a foster-son), four beloved grandchildren, Genie (Goff) Haines, and by the love of his eternal companion Priscilla June Haines.  Surviving Lawrence are his children: William Blake Haines (Nancy), Robert Lawrence Haines (Genie), Susan June Gordon (Randy), Sandra Dale Taylor (Kendall), Linda Ann Spencer (Steve), Bradford Blake Haines (Kelly), Brent Blake Haines (Julia), Christopher Blake Haines (Rachael), Darelyn Ruth Guinn (William), and a foster daughter Carol Peynesta/Belt (Richard).  He leaves a legacy of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren and their spouses.  His greatest legacy, a family which now numbers 155, bid him a loving farewell until we meet again.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 1 p.m. in the Mapleton White Church at 31 West Maple in Mapleton.  There will be a viewing held Friday, May 10, 2019 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Wheeler Mortuary, 82 West 400 North in Mapleton.  There will also be a viewing on Saturday, May 11, 2019 from 11:30 to 12:30 at the Mapleton White Church prior to the funeral services.  Condolences may be sent at www.wheelermortuaries.com