GUILDERLAND — A businessman, family man, and veteran, Robert L. Haines was active in community and church affairs. He died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014, at the Mercy Care Life Center in Guilderland. He was 85.

Born on Jan. 25, 1929 in Far Rockaway, New York to Edward and Gladys Diamond Haines, he later moved to Albany where he married the love of his life, the late Joan Zimmerman.

Mr. Haines served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1953.

Along with his brother-in-law, Bud, he operated the Shell Station in Westmere, which is currently the Mobile Station. Mr. Haines retired from Prudential Insurance after 27 years. After his retirement, he operated Haines Insurance along with his son Jeff and later worked for Mercury Insurance, finally retiring at the age of 83.

He was a charter member of the Westmere Fire Department, the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce, and the Guilderland Elks.  He was also a member of Boyd Hilton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and the Knights of Columbus.

Mr. Haines served as vice president of the Guilderland Board of Education and was an Albany County legislator representing Guilderland’s 32nd District during the 1980s.  In that capacity, he served on the Albany Civic Center (“Knick” Arena) committee.

Mr. Haines directed and coached the Westlawn Bowling Lanes’ Junior Bowling league for many years.

“His joys in life were the family camp at Sacandaga, golfing with friends, skiing with his kids, and assisting in leadership and known as ‘Uncle Bob’ in the Altamont Reformed Church Youth Group,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He considered his grandchildren his greatest legacy. “

Robert L. Haines is survived by his son Jeffrey Haines and his wife, Barbara; his daughter Deborah Ritzko and her husband, Steve; his son Robert and his fiancée, Lynne Buchanan; his daughter Barbara Newton and her husband, Brian; and his daughter Kimberly Wagner and her husband, Tom.

He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Lindsey, Danny, Emily, Kyle, Kate, Jocelyn, Stephen, and Christopher; three great-grandsons, Carson, Cooper, and Brayden; and one great-granddaughter, Delaney; and “adopted” daughter, Linda Griggs; sister-in-law, Ronnie Zimmerman; cousin Carol Hedrick; and numerous nieces and nephews.

His sister, Carol, and his brother, Kimball, died before him.

A funeral service was held at Altamont Reformed Church at 129 Lincoln Avenue on the morning of Sept. 30. Arrangements were by the Fredendall Funeral Home of Altamont. Online condolences may be made at www.fredendallfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Altamont Reformed Church Youth Group. The family thanks the Mercy Care Life Center for its compassion and care.