Paul E. Haney ’70

Paul E. Haney ‘70 died March 25, 2017 in Tavares, FL.

He graduated from MMA with a degree in Nautical Science and his Third Mate’s Unlimited License. Paul began his long career in the Merchant Marine with EXXON.  However, when his children were very young he chose to stay ashore, and he worked for Volkswagen of America for eight years. In 1981 he returned to the Maritime Industry with Hvide Marine, Inc., which later became Seabulk Tankers.  When Paul retired in 2011 he had been working for several years through the American Maritime Officers union. At the news of Paul’s death, J. Erik Hvide commented that Paul was a professional mariner—one of many who helped create the success of Seabulk Tankers. Paul always said his favorite ships were the Magnachem and the America; he referred to the ‘Seabulkers’ as his work family.  At his memorial service his co-workers remembered Paul as a dedicated and ethical mariner.  He held his Chief Mate’s license, but liked sailing Second Mate best of all.

An avid hunter, Paul enjoyed being in the woods just as much as he loved sailing on his sailboat. Paul also loved his family.  He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carol, two daughters, and two granddaughters.  Paul was a native of Bangor, ME, and though he had lived in FL for 32 years, he never lost his dry Maine humor, nor his Downeast accent!

Paul was laid to rest in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico in January 2018.