Jeffrey K. Haynes passed away on February 16, at age 75 after battling kidney cancer. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Karen, his sons Mark (Diane) and Peter (Elizabeth), his brother Stephen (Patricia), and sister-in-law Gail.
Haynes was born in Traverse City, Michigan, and grew up in nearby Beulah on the shores of Crystal Lake, where he developed a love for the outdoors, including sailing and winter sports. He earned his undergraduate degree in philosophy (‘72) and law degree (‘75) from the University of Michigan. He was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity.
Haynes practiced environmental law as a senior partner at Beier Howlett PC. His cases spanned pollution remediation and prevention, resource management, and land and water conservation. He was a chief editor of the Michigan Environmental Law Deskbook, specialized in the Michigan Environmental Protection Act, and listed in Best Lawyers in America. He briefed and argued a property law case before the United States Supreme Court.
Haynes was a fellow in the American College of Environmental Lawyers, and last year he celebrated 50 years as a member of the Michigan State Bar, officially retiring in December 2025.
Haynes helped develop his sons’ love of the outdoors, Boy Scouts, national parks, and wild places. He was an avid reader and writer, Kiwanian, and proud U-M alum.
Since 1997, Haynes, Karen, and sons have been members of the Kirk in the Hills Presbyterian Church in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He sang in the choir for 16 years and served as an elder and on various committees. He loved classical and choral music and helped the church choose and raise money for the new pipe organ.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributing to the organ fundraising effort: https://kirkinthehills.org/music/renew-resound. When the organ plays, the family will be reminded of Haynes as a devoted husband, father, and friend.
A celebration of Jeff’s life took place at Kirk in the Hills on February 28. Funeral arrangements were coordinated by A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors.
Haynes was born in Traverse City, Michigan, and grew up in nearby Beulah on the shores of Crystal Lake, where he developed a love for the outdoors, including sailing and winter sports. He earned his undergraduate degree in philosophy (‘72) and law degree (‘75) from the University of Michigan. He was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity.
Haynes practiced environmental law as a senior partner at Beier Howlett PC. His cases spanned pollution remediation and prevention, resource management, and land and water conservation. He was a chief editor of the Michigan Environmental Law Deskbook, specialized in the Michigan Environmental Protection Act, and listed in Best Lawyers in America. He briefed and argued a property law case before the United States Supreme Court.
Haynes was a fellow in the American College of Environmental Lawyers, and last year he celebrated 50 years as a member of the Michigan State Bar, officially retiring in December 2025.
Haynes helped develop his sons’ love of the outdoors, Boy Scouts, national parks, and wild places. He was an avid reader and writer, Kiwanian, and proud U-M alum.
Since 1997, Haynes, Karen, and sons have been members of the Kirk in the Hills Presbyterian Church in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He sang in the choir for 16 years and served as an elder and on various committees. He loved classical and choral music and helped the church choose and raise money for the new pipe organ.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributing to the organ fundraising effort: https://kirkinthehills.org/music/renew-resound. When the organ plays, the family will be reminded of Haynes as a devoted husband, father, and friend.
A celebration of Jeff’s life took place at Kirk in the Hills on February 28. Funeral arrangements were coordinated by A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors.
