William Haight, 87, died peacefully Wednesday in McMinnville after a lengthy illness.
He was born in Clatskanie, and graduated high school in Westport after which he was drafted into the army and served in World War II. After the war he began a lifelong career with the railroad, marrying Catherine Estelle Baldwin in 1950. They had three children together and ultimately settled in Albany. After a divorce he married Ethelyn Marie Pittman in 1971, who preceded him in death.
Over the years he volunteered with multiple organizations in Albany, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 584, the American Legion Post 10, the Elks Lodge and the Albany Call-a-Ride program, as well as directing his church choir for many years. He was also an accomplished musician who played guitar and piano as well as composing music.
He is survived by his children Diane Haight of Chico, Calif., Walter Haight of McMinnville and Karen Benning of Anchorage, Alaska; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 18, at AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home in Albany.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion Post 10.
AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling arrangements ( www.aasum-dufour.com ).