Richard Haley's obituary

HALEY, Richard Douglas Richard Douglas Haley, of Pittsfield, MA died Saturday (June 3, 2006), in Flagstaff, AZ, following a car accident. He was born on September 8, 1962 in Springfield, MA. Richard's love of nature began in childhood and lasted throughout his life. During his East Longmeadow High School years (class of 1980), he volunteered at Laughing Brook in Hampden, MA. He was a graduate of Cornell University and held a Master's degree from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Science. He was an expert field naturalist and researcher, dedicated to promoting good quality nature education for all ages. His leadership in this field was effective at the local, regional, national, and international levels, even including occasional nature interviews on Australian radio. At the time of his death, he was the Director of Centers and Education for Audubon New York. His career also included heading the Goodwin Conservation Center in Hampton, and the New Canaan Nature Center. He was an active board member of several environmental and conservation organizations including the New England Environmental Education Alliance and the Association of Nature Center Administrators. He loved music, astronomy, laughter, his family and many, many friends. He is sorely missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving parents, Edward James Haley Sr. and Mary (Sherman) Haley of East Longmeadow, MA, and his beloved wife, Eileen Fielding. In addition, Richard is survived by his brothers, Edward Haley Jr. of Springfield, MA and his wife, Jean; William Haley of Hampden, MA and his wife, Ruth; Mark Haley of South Hadley, MA and his wife, Hollis; and his sister, Mary Ellen Racicot of Longmeadow, MA and her husband, Steven. Richard also leaves many nieces and nephews and his wife's siblings Bruce, Lauri, Jean, and Gregory Fielding. A memorial service will be held on Wed. June 21 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, 215 Somers Road, East Longmeadow, MA, after a private graveside service. Instead of flowers, donations marked "in memory of Richard Haley" can be sent to any of the following non-profit organizations: Richard Haley Memorial Fund/Audubon New York (200 Trillium Lane, Albany, NY 12203), Association of Nature Center Administrators (c/o Aullwood Audubon Center, 1000 Dayton Road, Dayton, OH 45414), New England Environmental Education Association (c/o Robert Cardiero, Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Rd, Middleton, RI 02842), Flagstaff Medical Center Foundation (1200 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001), or the International Dark Sky Association (3225 North First Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719).