Christopher E. Haley

Haley, Christopher E. of Westport, Merchant Mariner, 2nd Mate, died at sea, August 31, 2004. Beloved son of Peter Haley and R. Kelly “Bobbie” (Kelliher) of Key West & E. Taunton. Loving brother of Patricia Kerry Haley of Taunton and Edward “Ted” Haley of E. Taunton. Devoted uncle of Alicia Haley, Aleah Bagge and Maranda Haley. Great uncle to Jahdari Haley Houston. Nephew of Patricia J. Kelliher-McClure of NH, Allan “Moe” Mahoney of Tewksbury and Pamela Duffy of Belmont. Cousin of Brian, Barry, Megan and Maura McCormick. Chris as we knew and loved him so very much was a 36 year old Officer and Second Mate who died at sea aboard ship on August 31, in the darkness that proceeds the dawn, with a shipmate reading aloud one of Chris’s collection of historical sea novels. He was brought home this final time accompanied with a certainty and sense of pride and honor by his brother and sister, Ted and Kerry Haley for a farewell Celebration at his seaside home on East Beach Road, Westport, Mass. Chris was happiest when arriving home from each trip looking forward to his shore time with family, friends and working on his home. He was raised in Bridgewater, MA on the shore of Lake Nippenickut where he first became a part of water activities according to the seasons. He attended and graduated from Bridgewater-Raynham High School in 1986 and from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1996. Chris enjoyed one organized sport as a youngster playing hockey for six years for the Taunton Youth Hockey Association. His other activities included horseback riding with his sister, and indicative to the way Chris learned what he enjoyed was snow skiing. One long family vacation at a Maine ski area, he spent two days watching us ski, even staying to watch when we went elsewhere for the day. Only to return back and be joined by brother Chris who some how was skiing at a solid and graceful intermediate level, astounding us all …. much to his delight. Chris considered himself double luckily or twice blessed to share his birthday, December 25, the worlds favorite holiday, as a youngster he was convinced that he along with the Infant Jesus and God all had the same birthday. He never wanted to celebrate it on any other day of the year. During his summer vacations or in spare time while attending college he held many jobs including launch tender at the Hingham Yacht Club, Captain of a 100 foot Yacht in Florida and caring for Senator Edward Kennedy ‘s sailboat the Mya, he also ran a small boat manufacturing company in Texas bringing it from a losing business to a profitable operation. Chris loved being with family especially his nieces, Alicia, Aleah, Maranda and his great niece whom he was looking forward to enjoying so much more now that she will be almost two years old. He had spoken more clearly and intently during his last phone call of August 19 from the Canary Islands. Chris wanted the girls to have as many advantages as he could possibly personally give them in today’s world. He truly wanted them to look at life from many different viewpoints to broaden their perspectives and continue learning. He was very, very glad to be able to do this type of thing and witness as much as he could. Chris loved being the fun uncle – the one they could go to when they needed to – a no pressure situation as long as they benefit and/or until he could not do it ‘as big’ any longer for whatever the reason. His last big surprise was to be a cruise to the Bahamas for the girls in October. The plans were made and paid for when we were notified of Chris’s death. Unfortunately the purpose of that cruise was for him to show them and us what he did for a job. Our Chris loved and lived his life with sails full his handsome suntanned face and wide smile enhanced only by his devilish bright blue eyes. May he watch over all of us that loved him so much and all who called him friend. We are the lucky ones. He is now and forever at sea, doing what he started to do so long ago – sail the ocean blue. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Celebration of Life for Christopher at his home, 127 East Beach Road, Westport MA 02790, Friday at 12 Noon. Casual dress with beach footwear is requested. Donations can be made to the Chris Haley Scholarship Fund, c/o Massachusetts Maritime Academy, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532.Directions to 127 East Beach Road, Westport:Take Route 24 South. Merge onto Route 195 East via exit number 41E on the left towards New Bedford. Take the Route 88 Exit #10 towards Westport/Horseneck Beach. Merge onto Route 88 South. 88 South becomes John Reed Road. Turn right onto East Beach Road.