Eco Reef Memorial for Bill Haynes

A living memorial for Bill Haynes.....

I am raising funds to continue the legacy created  by my father,  Bill Haynes. He dedicated his entire life to preserving South Florida's environment, marine ecosystems, reefs as well as the Everglades cleanup projects.

Through a living memorial of an Eco Reef in Fort Lauderdale I hope to have his dedication to South Florida reefs , ecology students, football players, marine science educators as well as leading  or founding many environmental groups with the sole purpose of preserving our reefs and waterways for future generations to come. This memorial will allow him to become part of a living thriving reef.  His remains will be incorporated into a foundation perfect for coral to attach and grow and will also provide food and shelter for marine animals and reef fish.

He was a teacher, a mentor, father, grandfather and now great grandfather. An outstanding football coach that lead Ft Lauderdale high to many district championships.  He was also many people friend and hero. Since the few days since his passing I have heard more than one friend describe him as both a father and a brother all at once.

He fought to prevent heavy development in the Florida Everglades, to preserve the mangroves estuaries, such as West Lake (now Anne Kolb Park in Dania Beach, FL ). Former President and served on FMSEA (Florida Marine Science Ed Association) and founding member of LEEF (League of Environmental Educators of Florida). He also ran the marine science education side of Marine Resources Development Foundation for many years educating science teachers and students through a 24 hour stay in an underwater habitat as well as through field trips throughout John Pennekamp State park.

A football coach and Marine Biology teacher at Ft Lauderdale High School for 26 years. He touched many young peoples lives through teaching, coaching and mentoring. Every year he made his students sign a contract with him that if they ever found themselves too drunk to drive or was with someone too drunk to drive, he would give them a ride home no questions asked.  As a young kid I can remember him occasionally having to leave on a weekend night, my mom stating "he as to go help one of his students" as he was helping a young person get home safely.  He kept that word to me one night when I was a teenager.   I had attended a party with my classmates (I also attended FLHS) when it was time to make my curfew it was obvious my ride was too intoxicated to drive, so I very reluctantly called him to get me. Was a 30 minute ride from our house to where I was, and as his daughter I was sweating it out! Would would he be angry ? Would I be in trouble? In Bill Haynes style he kept his word.  I didn't get yelled at or have any consequences, he was just glad I was safe.  THAT was to sort of dedicated teacher he was. I will tell you that boy who wasn't able to drive me home was one of his defensive football players, had some consequences though... like a hundred extra laps on the football field!
There are many more examples of this type of dedication throughout the years, way too many to share here although we are working on a "Stories of Bill Haynes" book to document his life.
Im hoping the students and people he touched along his life would help us memorialize him in what is truly the only way befitting of him.  We are planning on having an artificial reef made from his ashes, a dedication and placement in an artificial reef memorial garden off of Fort Lauderdale, FL .  We spent many weekends in Fort Lauderdale planting sea oats to help protect the sand dunes from erosion, cleaning up beaches and waterways with his FLHS Ecology Club. His goal always was to get the young generations to respect the unique environment that is South Florida.
So PLEASE help his family make this happen so we may continue his legacy by having him become a reef that he fought so hard to preserve so future generations will be able to enjoy all he worked for.

My dad passed away Dec 6, 2018. We need the funds by Jan 1 to reserve the February 18 placement date. 

My Name is Laura Haynes- Kiess and Ive been a Broward Sheriffs Office Fire Fighter since 2013. I want to thank our Benevolent for all their support to me throughout this very difficult time and for assisting in making this dream for my dad a reality. There is no better way to honor him then to make him a living part of the reefs he fought all his life to protect.


Thank You,                                        to see the reef pearls click here  

The Haynes Family