Obituary for Ronald Lee Haney
Ronald Lee Haney, 69, long-time resident of Fort Washington MD, died July 8, 2019 at the Washington Hospital Center from injuries sustained in a fall while repairing the roof of his home.
Ron was born on January 17,1950 in Dearborn, Michigan, son of the late Ernest and Cleo (Shirey) Haney. He attended the University of Michigan, majoring in music as a tuba player, but before graduating won a position in the tuba section of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in Washington DC. There he found his career, serving 30 years (1972-2002) under seven presidents, retiring with the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant. He concurrently pursued his college degree, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the George Washington University in 1977. Ron was a well-established freelance tubist in the DC area, playing in every type of ensemble from Oktoberfest and Dixieland combos to classical orchestras, concert bands, and chamber ensembles.
Besides music, Ron had a passion for bicycling and all things related to the sport. He had a brief career in amateur racing, later becoming active in the Oxon Hill Bicycle and Trail Club, where, besides riding thousands of miles a year, he was a frequent and willing volunteer, always available to help in any capacity. He also was a devoted student of bicycle biomechanics, in constant pursuit of the perfect fit of rider to bike. He painstakingly custom-designed every minute detail of his bicycles and saddles and had no fear whatsoever of thinking outside the box.
Ron is survived by his wife of 32 years, Barbara (Bibbero) Haney; they met and married while both were serving in ‘The President’s Own”. Together they traveled the US and the world, both during their careers and in retirement.
He had a soft spot in his heart for everything feline. He adored his two cats and wherever he traveled, he seemed able to make friends with any local cat he’d meet. Here at home he had been a volunteer cat caregiver with the Charles County Humane Society for several years.
Ron had a ready smile and a twinkle in his eye that could light up a room, and he cherished good times with friends. He had great empathy for others: you could count on him to always act thoughtfully, conscientiously, and selflessly; to do the right thing, and especially to do right by those he loved. We were lucky to have him in our lives, even briefly.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choosing; that’s what he would have wanted.
Ron was born on January 17,1950 in Dearborn, Michigan, son of the late Ernest and Cleo (Shirey) Haney. He attended the University of Michigan, majoring in music as a tuba player, but before graduating won a position in the tuba section of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in Washington DC. There he found his career, serving 30 years (1972-2002) under seven presidents, retiring with the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant. He concurrently pursued his college degree, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the George Washington University in 1977. Ron was a well-established freelance tubist in the DC area, playing in every type of ensemble from Oktoberfest and Dixieland combos to classical orchestras, concert bands, and chamber ensembles.
Besides music, Ron had a passion for bicycling and all things related to the sport. He had a brief career in amateur racing, later becoming active in the Oxon Hill Bicycle and Trail Club, where, besides riding thousands of miles a year, he was a frequent and willing volunteer, always available to help in any capacity. He also was a devoted student of bicycle biomechanics, in constant pursuit of the perfect fit of rider to bike. He painstakingly custom-designed every minute detail of his bicycles and saddles and had no fear whatsoever of thinking outside the box.
Ron is survived by his wife of 32 years, Barbara (Bibbero) Haney; they met and married while both were serving in ‘The President’s Own”. Together they traveled the US and the world, both during their careers and in retirement.
He had a soft spot in his heart for everything feline. He adored his two cats and wherever he traveled, he seemed able to make friends with any local cat he’d meet. Here at home he had been a volunteer cat caregiver with the Charles County Humane Society for several years.
Ron had a ready smile and a twinkle in his eye that could light up a room, and he cherished good times with friends. He had great empathy for others: you could count on him to always act thoughtfully, conscientiously, and selflessly; to do the right thing, and especially to do right by those he loved. We were lucky to have him in our lives, even briefly.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choosing; that’s what he would have wanted.