Tributes to John Sydney Haines, AM

by Bob Wonders on 25 Aug 2009 Industry leaders, colleagues and powerboat racing competitors were among the many who expressed their sadness and shock at the passing of the legendary John Haines.


Bill Barry-Cotter, CEO, Maritimo: “I hadn’t seen John for some time, but I was deeply saddened to hear the news of his passing. He certainly made a major contribution to our industry and to recreational boating. Our thoughts are with the family.”

Barry Jenkins, president, Marine Queensland: “John Haines had a long and strong association with Marine Queensland. His contribution to the recreational boating industry was monumental and his counsel, when sought, greatly assisted the association in achieving many positive outcomes. A Life Member of Marine Queensland and a recipient of a President’s Award for Outstanding Contribution, John Haines will be remembered as a founding father of the recreational boating industry in Australia. Our sincere condolences are extended to the Haines family at this time of sadness.'

Ken Evans, Mercury Marine: “I knew John for well over 30-years, through Haines Hunter, of course, and through powerboat racing. When Mercury Marine established its boat range I worked closely with John in the setting up of Bermuda fibreglass boats and we were closely involved for several years. He was a tough, but fair businessman and while we worked well together we had plenty of fun on the way through. I was terribly saddened to hear of his passing; he was a great Australian marine identity who introduced a great deal of innovation to Australian boat building. He will be sadly missed by his family and many colleagues.'

Don Jones, general manager, Marine Queensland: “John Haines was a Life Member of Marine Queensland. His membership was just one example of the significant contribution he made to the Queensland and Australian marine industry. His selfless contribution to the activities of the association and to the broader marine industry has helped make boat manufacture one of the leading industry sectors in a number of regional centres of Queensland. Thanks to men like John Haines, the State Government together with many regional authorities recognise the marine industry as a key player. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Haines family at this time.”

Stefan (Steve Ackerie): “When I took up powerboat racing I needed a teacher and seeing as I had a Haines Hunter at the time, named Hairy Hunter, I contact John, told him I had bought a race team and wanted someone to teach me how to win races. John accepted and we went on to race and win many times. He was always a tough taskmaster and for me it has been a great privilege that our paths crossed. He will always occupy a special place in my heart.'

Paul Gibbs, Chairman, Offshore Superboat Championships: “John’s racing career was before my time, but I met him on several occasions and was always impressed by his work ethic and business acumen. History shows he was a fierce competitor, always up for a challenge. A sad loss to boating and powerboat racing.”

Roy Privett, general manager, Boating Industry Association of NSW:”John Haines has left an indelible mark on the boating industry. He can truly lay claim to legendary status. He led two companies to quite astounding success and while his passing leaves a void in the industry, I’ve no doubt his sons, John Jnr and Greg, will continue with their father’s magnificent contribution to Australian recreational boating. Our thoughts are with the Haines family.'

Steve Searle, CEO Acme Fibreglass: “He was my hero! A true sportsman, the epitome of a true sportsman, in fact, tough, but always fair. He was always tenacious, would never give up in a powerboat race – if he was beaten it would be with mechanical problems, the sea itself would never beat him. And if he didn’t win, no one was more gracious in defeat. I never knew him to enter a protest. He always said that if an entered protest was upheld you did not really win, because others would think you won only because you protested. That was John. I’m deeply saddened at such a loss and will miss his advice and counsel for years to come. I extend my deepest sympathy to the family.”