Richard Haimes

Richard Haimes died on November 20, 2024, of complications of cancer. He was born on January 2, 1946, and grew up in West Wyoming, PA. When he left home for college in New York he became committed to community organizing and social change. He dropped out of college to join VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) because he wanted to make a difference in people's lives. After finishing college, he continued his commitment to working with communities not only with VISTA but with other agencies like Save the Children and Senior Citizens Services in Atlanta. Richard loved food. He delighted in trying new cuisines and dishes. He once told a friend, "Some people eat to live, I live to eat." He always enjoyed cooking and baking, and this self-taught hobby led him to a second career as a pastry chef.

After graduating from the New School's New York Restaurant School, he returned to Atlanta and began his culinary career. First at the Commerce Club, then as an apprentice for an established pastry chef. Richard went on to run a pastry shop, work at Alons Bakery, Proof of the Pudding and as a pastry chef at Coca Cola. He took the utmost pleasure in making cakes and pastries for friends, family and special occasions.

From his earliest years, Richard's outgoing personality, warmth and genuine interest in others made him many friends. Friendships that endured a lifetime. He also took great joy in the dogs he adopted over the years. He gathered friends close and took pains to cultivate those relationships. He was a generous and caring friend and loving husband, father and grandfather. Watching his grandchildren grow up was his greatest joy.

He is survived by: wife Anne Haimes, daughter Amanda Edens (Chris) and grandsons Benjamin and Oliver Edens. The family is planning a celebration of life for a later date. In lieu of flowers please honor him with a donation to The Atlanta Humane Society, The Giving Kitchen or the charity of your choice.