Albert Lee Haynes

Albert Lee Haynes, 82, died of cancer Nov. 22 at his home at Ida Lake in the Chickaloon area. A celebration of his life will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at Palmer Nazarene Church, 1951 N. Hemmer in Palmer.

Haynes was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joan, who passed away July 18, 2006. He is survived by his children Allyn Haynes and wife, Ruth, and Lynne Haynes and spouse, Gordon; grandchildren Shannon and spouse, Bryant Watson, Regan and spouse, Cliff Russell, Jolene and spouse, Greg Head, David and spouse, Regina Haynes, and Andrew and Josalyn Haynes.

Haynes served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a deep-sea diver, signal corpsman and in radio communications, which led to him being a ham radio operator (KL7HHR). On a three-day pass during the war he married Joan and had 62 years of wonderful marriage.

He came to Alaska in 1953 to pursue an adventurous life style. He was a big game guide and taxidermist in Fairbanks until 1963 when he got the calling to the ministry. He attended Northwest Nazarene College, receiving a degree in ministry, and became ordained. He pastored in Ritzville, Wash., until 1969. He came back to Alaska to pastor at Sitka, Anchorage, Wasilla, and Palmer, retiring from full-time ministry in 1991.

Health concerns limited his activity to part-time ministry in Southcentral Alaska Nazarene churches. During this time he continued his business Alaska Wildlife Novelties and the Hoofibou, which he created in 1964 from caribou hooves. He became known by many as the “Hoofibou Man” for his numerous creations. He was a very caring father, grandfather and friend to everyone in need.

Arrangements were entrusted to Kehl's Palmer Mortuary.