Obituary of Mario Delano Haynes

Mario Delano Haynes Bennett was a kind and gentle man who cared about much in life, particularly his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Leah Haynes, and her children; his children, Dario Haynes and Jovanna Haynes; his brother, Danilo Haynes (Vicki); grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Una and Seabert Haynes; and his daughter, Shuwani Haynes.

Mario, also affectionately known as “Sponge” or “Big Man,” was born in Coco Sol Hospital, Colon, Panama, to Una and Seabert Haynes. Mario grew up in Pedro Miguel, on the Canal Zone area of Panama. He was very proud of his roots and being a real Pedro man.

His talent and love of football provided opportunity to immigrate to the USA, where he attended and played collegiate football in multiple states starting with Iowa. He then joined the military where he served for 12 years. He continued football even in the military.

He and his then wife (married in 1984) lived in Alaska, and then moved to Washington state where he continued his life in the military as a trauma technician, working in the military emergency room. After leaving the military, he continued in the medical field as a trauma tech, working at Providence as well as a couple other local emergency rooms. While working in the hospitals, he also worked as a TSA Agent at the airport, and was a bouncer for local events.  After deciding to leave the medical field, he ended up working for Washington state and progressed to being a Safety and Health Senior Training Development Specialist, from which he retired.

Mario was always willing to help out anyone who was in need. He had a big heart. His help consisted of many things, including hanging a heavy mirror, painting, plumbing, automotive, or even just lending an ear. He was on multiple committees to help with the community, and had a love for the children. He especially enjoyed coaching his youth football team, and did that for many years, starting with coaching his son’s team. Mario loved politics and stood up for what he believed in. He enjoyed posting on social media and having some heated debates along with some light hearted banter.

Mario was always an adoring and amazing father to his children, stepchildren, and grandchildren. There was nothing too big for him when it came to them. He always wanted happiness and success for them, so always continued to help out in whatever ways he could to ensure their successes.

Mario had many hobbies that he enjoyed. He was an avid photographer, enjoyed cooking and barbecuing and smoking various meats. He loved the outdoors and nature for the peace and tranquility, which included gardening, camping, clamming, kite flying, fishing and boating.

Mario, wonderful husband and father, the lifelong avid football fan, coach, friend, mentor, teacher, and all-around amazing man was welcomed into the arms of God on September 6, 2021. Farewell Sponge…So long Big Man…go on and rest in love, in peace and in paradise.

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