Erwin "Whitey" Haynes

Erwin “Whitey” Haynes, 81, of Middleton, MA died peacefully on Friday, May 12, 2023, surrounded by his loving children in Portsmouth, NH.  He was born in Danvers on July 29, 1941, the son of Harold and Esther (Wilson) Haynes.  Whitey grew up in Danvers and graduated from Danvers High School in 1959.

During high school, Whitey was interested in cars and started working as a mechanic and truck driver.  He later went on to open his own gas station and repair shop known as “Whitey’s Exxon” in Danvers.  Years later, in 1986 he opened Country Motors in Topsfield, where he worked until he retired at the age of 70.  Whitey was generous and helpful, always lending a hand to his friends and customers as well as his community.  He served on the Essex Agricultural Board of Directors from the mid-80’s until his death. He loved the Topsfield Fair and volunteered on many committees and Fair events.  Whitey was also an aspiring pastry chef, whipping up meals and desserts that earned him awards from the King Arthur Company, Pillsbury, and more.  Even with all of his hobbies, Whitey’s favorite times were spent with his kids and grandkids. He always made time for them to play a game of cribbage, test out a new recipe, or just sit and “shoot the breeze”. 

Whitey was predeceased by his sister Barbara (Haynes) Paras and his brother Elwood “Ken” Haynes.  He is survived by his wife Barbara with whom he shared 30 years of marriage.  He also leaves behind his beloved children:  his two sons, Adam Haynes of Hampton, NH, and Anthony Haynes and his partner Kit-yi Chu-L’Italien of Stratham NH, and his two daughters, Leah Moreschi and her husband Todd of Phillips, Maine, and Robin White and her husband Mike of Stratham, NH.  He also leaves his two stepchildren Jamie Giorgio and his wife Ashley of Hampton, NH, and Christina Howard and her husband Jack of Pepperell, MA.  Whitey is also survived by his sister Eleanor Grondin and her husband Tom of Danvers, MA, and his brother and best friend, Howard “Pete” Haynes of Danvers, MA, and also his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Chloe.

Services will be private, however there will be a Celebration of Life planned for extended family and friends in the summer of 2023. 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Essex Agricultural Society Scholarship Fund, 207 Boston St, Topsfield, MA 01983 or the Northeast Animal Shelter (www.northeastanimalshelter.org/donations).