BURNHAM J. HALEY

BURNHAM J. HALEY LOS ALTOS, Calif. – Burnham J. “Bernie” “BJ” Haley, 87, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully Monday, Aug. 18, 2008, in the presence of his family. Bernie was born Nov. 15, 1920, to Leo and Margaret Haley, in Caribou; and along with his sisters, Leola, Gwen and Doris, was raised on the family farm near Washburn. Bernie learned to fly early in his life and in May 1943, he began his career as a pilot for United Airlines, flying to the South Pacific for the Army Air Corps during World War II. After the war, he was based in Chicago, where he met Madonna Doody, a co-worker at United. They were married September 1949. Bernie and Madonna moved to Los Altos, Calif., in summer 1952, where they raised their seven children. Bernie retired from United as a 747 captain in November 1980, after 37 1/2 years with the airline. Thereafter, he devoted his time to the operation of his cattle ranch located near Alturas, Calif. He suffered a stroke in 1999, and thereafter dedicated himself to the therapy necessary to overcome the effects of the stroke and the associated health challenges, displaying the strength of will and determination that were his lifelong character traits. Bernie is survived by his wife of more than 58 years, Madonna; his children and their spouses, Steven and Trudy, Timothy and Carol, Brien, Patrick and Ida, Daniel, Nora and Malcolm, and Brent and Karen; his granddaughters, Katie, Beth, Maggie, Colleen, Jessica, Candie, Heather, Rori and Kelsey; his great-granddaughter, Haley; and his sister, Doris Chamberlain of Woodland and her family. A Mass of Christian burial was held at St. Nicholas Church, Los Altos, Calif.