While leading a workshop in February 2006, Richard Haley apologized for not having a laser pointer. He then reached into his duffle, pulled out a giant rainbow trout figure, and with his wry little smile, deftly used it as a pointer. Quintessential environmental educator, naturalist, visioneer, entertainer, and friend, Richard Haley died June 3 in a car accident in Arizona.

Richard brought wit and wisdom to his leadership roles in EE: President of NEEEA, Board member of ANCA, Centers and Education Director for Audubon New York, and Director of the Goodwin Conservation Center in Connecticut. But Richard never set aside his unquenchable thirst for nature, nor did he lose his knack for motivating audiences, regardless of their age, interests, or baggage. Equally at ease leading a herp program or a strategic planning session, Richard always inspired with his passion and lighthearted eloquence -- something he demonstrated even in his beginnings as a teen-aged volunteer at Mass Audubon's Laughing Brook Education Center and as a counselor at Camp Wildwood.

A consummate naturalist, Richard spent many a soggy day, knee-deep in wetlands, tagging and tracking turtles. And when the day was done, Richard would inevitably bring out his guitar and regale students, campers, and EE colleagues with sing-alongs and quirky tunes that he learned from who-knows-where. If someday, somewhere, you come across a turtle with a notched carapace singing "That's What Friends Are For," just sing along and think of Richard Haley. No doubt he'll be singing too.

Richard D. Haley
1962-2006

Richard Douglas Haley, of Pittsfield, MA died 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, CT and the New Canaan Nature Center in CT. 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 Stephen. 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 11:00 AM , 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).

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am diamond glints on snow.
I am sunlight on ripened grain.
When you awake in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush of
quiet birds encircled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Don't stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die...

If you've had a kindness shown to you
"pass it on."
Wherever there is a human being,
There is an opportunity for kindness.

...Author Unknown

REMEMBER

When you remember me, it means that you have carried something of
who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are.
It means that you summon me back to your mind even though countless
years and miles may stand between us.
It means that if we meet again, you will know me.
It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice
and speak to me in your heart.
For as long as you remember me, I am never entirely lost.
When I am feeling most ghost-like, it's your remembering me that helps
remind me that I actually exist.
When I am feeling sad, it's my consolation. When I am feeling happy,
it's part of why I feel that way.
If you forget me, one of the ways I remember who I am will be gone...

Frederick Buechner