Robert Haneline

Jun 7, 1940 -

Jan 10, 2026

Bob passed away on Jan. 10, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska. He was the son of Milton T. Haneline and Barbara Haneline Gavin, born in San Diego, Calif., on June 7, 1940. He grew up in the Pacific Northwest, graduated from high school in Tacoma, Wash., in 1958. He attended the University of Washington, was in the Coast Guard Reserves and worked for the U.S. Forest Service on the Olympic Peninsula before making his permanent home in Alaska in 1965.

His early years in Alaska were spent shaping the state's future; he helped survey the original route for the Parks Highway. He graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1969. As an engineer for the Department of Transportation, Bob found his professional fulfillment working on the local service roads and trails program in building projects that directly benefited smaller communities. While he was working at the department he met and married his wife, Kay Haneline, in 1978.

After retiring in 1985, Bob enjoyed raising fowl and enjoyed the local wildlife. After Kay retired in 1993, they frequently traveled to Mexico, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, many parts of the western United States.

Though Bob was a quiet and reserved man - almost a recluse - he had wicked sense of humor. He was the ultimate "Do-It-Yourself Guy" who valued his privacy. He found joy in the simple things: a challenging puzzle and a bowl vanilla ice cream.

He is survived by his wife, Kay; stepchildren, Randie Mead, (Hawaii), Colby Schmidt (Rachel) of Palmer, Alaska; and three grandchildren, Trinity Mead, Chevy Mead and Braedon Schmidt; as well as brothers in Washington state, Tom Haneline (Karen Leming) of South Prairie, and Jim Haneline (JoAnn) of Puyallup, and their children; and family friend, Janet George.

No memorial services are planned, per Bob's desires.