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Remembering Ted and Jean Haines’ love for each other and giving back

The Haines’ were dedicated members of the Victoria Park Seniors Centre in Fergus.

It was the kind of love they write novels about.

Ted and Jean Haines were born a week apart. The pair were put on a blind date in the 1950s in their teens. They married in their early 20s and started a family consisting of themselves and five children.

In December of 2021, the lifelong couple passed away within a week of one another.

“It's not like now when people are dating for five years,” said Lorna Faires, the youngest of the Haines’ children. “They were never apart.”

When the couple moved to Fergus 20 years ago, they channelled their love for one another into a love for their new community.

“They were very involved,” Faires said. “When they moved to Fergus, they joined the Victoria Park Senior Centre and they were very active volunteers there. They donated to the Centre Wellington Food Bank, and that was something that was very important to them as well.”

She said for Christmas, the couple would donate to the food bank in lieu of presents.

Faires recalled her father being involved in “anything and everything.” From helping to set up events and participating in the choir to playing pool. She said her mother was highly involved in the craft club at the seniors centre before she got sick six years ago.

“My dad really kind of stepped up and took care of her,” Faires said. “He learned how to cook, he learned how to do laundry – all those things when she got sick. Really kind of shows the dedication that he has towards her.”

She said her father was still out in the community and contributing positively while taking care of his wife.

“My dad always knew everybody on the street,” Faires said. “You know, he was the kind of guy that if anybody that needed any help with anything, he was always willing to help people out.”

When Ted passed away, Jean wasn’t far behind.

“They were always a pair, right?” Faires said. “So, the fact that they were born one week apart and they died one week apart, I think is kind of very telling.”

Even after their passing, Faires is still finding little things her parents did for their community.

“Even while clearing out my mom’s stuff, there's little booties that she had knit to donate to the food bank and to the Victoria Park Senior Centre when they take donations again,” Faires said. “Even though she was really unwell she was still giving back.”

At the request of Jean and Ted, the family has asked for donations to the Centre Wellington Food Bank.

“They really were passionate about helping people out especially during COVID,” Faires said. “And that's something that they wanted in their obituaries. Both of them.”