Brain Injury Association

BIAA mourns the passing of Charles W. Haynes, former Board Chairman and long-time advocate.

SERVICES

Mr. Haynes is survived by Grace Grainger Haynes, his wife of 52 years, and three children, Sam, Bonnie, and Chas, and three grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on December 19, 2007 at 4:00pm at Trinity Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family asks friends to please consider a donation to the Brain Injury Association of America, 1608 Spring Hill Road, Suite 110, Vienna, VA 22182.

ADOVOCACY AND LEADERSHIP IN BRAIN INJURY

Charles Walter Haynes (1926-2007) started a new chapter in his life as an advocate for persons with brain injury and their families after his daughter, Bonnie, was injured in a car accident in 1979. Mr. Haynes established the Texas Head Injury Foundation and served as its first president. Later he elected as chairman of the board of the Brain Injury Association of America (then known as the National Head Injury Foundation).

Over the years, he testified before national and state governments, served on numerous boards and was active in a variety of brain injury causes and initiatives. Mr. Haynes was passionate about improving the quality of life for persons with brain injury and although unable to play an active role in advocacy issues during the last few years of his life, he was keenly interested in following developments in the field.

In the 1990s Charles launched HDI Publishers, a company specializing in the area of neurotrauma. Over the years, HDI published a variety of material on the subject of brain injury for both survivors and professionals. Prior to establishing HDI, Mr. Hayes was president of Harley-Davidson International. In 1975 he was the recipient of the Queen’s Award for Industry, which he received at a ceremony with other business leaders at Buckingham Palace.

Posted tributes:

It isn't often that I can say that I have respected and admired anyone both for what they have accomplished and for who they are; Charles Haynes was one of them. From understanding the importance of not "giving up" in Advocating on behalf of people with brain injuries to not "giving in" to attempts to deny them their due benefits, Charles was a wonderful human being and when he and I talked, it was often about his own family and how proud he was of all of you. He loved you all very much, and I know that his spirit is strong with you and that he is in your hearts and those who knew him. He is sorely missed.

Mitchell J. Rappaport, Past Vice-President, Houston Chapter, Texas Brain Injury Association

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I was fortunate enough to meet Charles Haynes in 1983 when I returned from Europe as Chief of Neuropsychology at Landstuhl Army Regional Medical Center. I was even more fortunate to work throughout the years with Charles as he tirelessly and persuasively worked as an advocate for TBI survivors. I was most fortunate to know what Charles was at his core - a wonderful human being; a gentleman; and a true friend through both adversity as well as accomplishment. My duties on the East Coast and now in Iraq as part of the Surge precluded my working with him recently, and also delayed my learning of his passing. My profoundest respects go to both Charles and to his lovely and loving family. Our world is better for Charles, and he will always inspire me.

C. Alan Hopewell, Ph.D., MP, ABPP

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I knew Charles quite well, and will miss him tremendously. He was a shoulder that I could lean on when times were hard, a leader who's vision and courage inspired and touched so many. I know his daughter, Bonnie and his wife. I extend my profound grief at his passing, along with that of my family, to his entire family. He was a beacon of hope for so many, a pioneer and an inspiration to achieve and attain for so many, as well as a fighter for the rights and hopes of so many. He will surely be missed, and our heart and condolences go out to his family and other close friends.

Mitchell and Marsha Rappaport

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Charles Haynes was a very special man whose gentleness and compassion were combined with a drive and determination to improve not only his daughter's life, but the lives of all the individuals and families affected by brain injury. We will all miss his gentle humor, his sparkling eyes and his kind demeanor that were unfailing throughout his years of dedicated pursuit of a better community and world for people with brain injury.

Marilyn Lash and Bob Cluett

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Charles was forever a gentleman. He was smart, considerate, gentle but savvy. He could argue his point of view, impress you with his concerns and then when all was said and done could stand united even when he disagreed if he felt that consensus was achieved. Survivors of brain injury owe him a debt beyond the literature that he published and supported. He was a driving force behind Operation Empowerment through some difficult times. He would be the calm and voice of reason through many a storm. We would not be where we are today without him. And Ron is right, he was forever what a father should be and was so to many of us. Though he is gone from our sight, he lives forever in his legacy. I loved him very much.

Andrea Williams

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Charles Haynes' legacy and contributions first as a person and as a
professional far transcended his epic work within the Brain Injury
Association of America and the National Head Injury Foundation. His efforts
have helped so many -- most of whom he never met and continue to inspire us
all.

Harvey E. Jacobs

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What a man! I was privileged to know Charles through his service at the NHIF but most importantly as a parent. He gave so much to all of us in the early days of learning about traumatic brain injury and how it affects the family as a whole. His everlasting smile and the “sweat on his brow” was a sign to all that he loved what he did and gave it all he had! Thanks to his family for sharing his vision and strength.

Beth C.Callahan

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Charles Haynes is one of the most respected names in the “traumatic brain injury”. I have known Charles since I first became involved after my son Todd’s injury in 1980. Charles was an inspiration to every family member because he understood what all our families were going through. Bonnie Haynes had experienced a brain injury like many of the NHIF/BIAA families and he was “one of us”. I have the utmost regard for Charles and his family. I will sorely miss Charles and his wisdom.

Michael W. Davis, CBIS-CE

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Charles Haynes was a remarkable man. A true champion. Nothing stopped him. I first met Charles at a NHIF conference. We talked for an hour non-stop about all the things that needed to be done for people with brain injuries and their families...and then he went out and did it. He was so sincere, so inspiring, and so much a "Dad." Warmth, generosity and honesty were the soul of Charles Haynes. I miss him dearly.

Ron Savage

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