Robert Allen Haines
December 14, 1940 – May 19, 2025
Robert Allen Haines was born on December 14, 1940, in Los Angeles, California. He moved
with his family to Bakersfield in 1943, where some of his earliest memories were shaped —
watching soldiers depart for World War II and return home in 1945. A cherished childhood
moment was spending time at a cabin in Frazier Park in the mid-1940s and swimming at
the Adobe Motel in Bakersfield.
In 1946, Robert’s family moved to Ventura. He fondly remembered the rare snowfall in
1949 that blanketed the area overnight — a magical event for a young boy. In 1953, the
family moved again, this time to Whittier, where Robert attended Whittier High School from
1955 to 1959. He enjoyed a fun and playful youth, filled with snowball fights at school and
even attending a junior-senior prom in the high school’s girl’s gym. Years later, scenes from
Back to the Future were filmed at his alma mater — a fact he loved to share.
Robert continued his education at Whittier College, graduating in 1963 with a degree in
Business Administration. During college, he led a student discussion group in history,
sparking his desire to become a teacher. He earned his teaching credential at Cal State Long
Beach in 1964 and began a lifelong career in education.
His first teaching position was at Excelsior High School, where he taught business and social
studies, sponsored the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and helped organize
student business conferences across Southern California. Over the years, he served as
Director of Student Activities and later ran a career center, helping students find jobs and
prepare for life beyond school. Robert taught for 32 years, with energy, creativity, and a
heart for young people. He even taught swing dancing during the rise of the Happy Days TV
show.
Outside the classroom, Robert had many adventures. Two of his favorite summers were
spent working at Yellowstone National Park in 1962 and 1965, where he rented boats, sold
fishing tackle at Fishing Bridge, and enjoyed a vibrant community of seasonal workers from
all over the country. They danced, held talent shows, and gathered for fish fries and movies.
In Yellowstone tradition, the workers were playfully called “savages,” and the tourists,
“dudes.”
Robert took early retirement to return to Ventura and care for his aging parents. Even
during this time, he carved out moments of joy — regularly visiting friends in San Luis
Obispo, dancing at the Madonna Inn, and staying at the Apple Farm Inn. He brought his
event-planning skills to local churches in Ventura, organizing festive holiday parties
complete with catered meals, music, and gift exchanges.
Robert was a man of faith. A devoted Christian, he described Jesus Christ as his Lord and
Savior. His life reflected service, joy, and community — from classrooms and dance floors to
mountain parks and holiday gatherings.
He is survived by his cousins Lynn Dickhoff, Carol Thille, Richard Lugdun, and his niece,
Yvonne Adang.
Arrangements are under the direction of Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation
Service, 757 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA.