Veteran, professor, crossword aficionado

Van Keith Hainline, a longtime Claremont resident, died on December 10, 2016. He was 90.

He was born January 17, 1926 in Maxwell, Kansas. He was a World War II veteran, having joined the US Navy at 17. He got his training in San Diego at Miramar and then served as a medical specialist in the South Pacific.

After his service, Mr. Hainline went to Occidental College on the GI Bill, earning his Bachelor of Science in 1952. He received his master’s degree in zoology from the University of Colorado in 1963. He taught at Citrus College for 35 years in the biological science department.

Van lived in Claremont for more than 40 years and for 10 years in Upland. His interests included gardening, biking, sailing, reading and doing the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle with his best friend, Frank O’Kelly.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Leila; niece Lani Jordon of Washington; grandson Sean Hainline and his wife Heather; great-granddaughters Ava and Mikayla of Maryland; step-daughter Ellen Weissbuch of Spain; and brother-in-law Eugene Majerowicz of Los Angeles. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Dr. Susan Sigleo.

Per his request, no service will be held. Donations may be made to Shoes That Fit, 1420 N. Claremont Blvd., Ste. 204A, Claremont CA 91711 or by visiting shoesthatfit.org.