Obituaries

Bruce 'David' HainesRadio News Anchor

Bruce "David" Haines, 64, the news director of WPGC-FM in Lanham and the news anchor for the station's morning show hosted by Donnie Simpson, died July 10 at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore. He had complications from lung cancer.

Mr. Haines, a Crofton resident, worked at WPGC for the past 14 years. As news director, he researched, wrote and broadcast the news in a style resembling that of his radio idol, Paul Harvey.

He spoke of the "burnt toast and coffee time" when noting the hour; "handy-dandy wrist warmers" for handcuffs; "barbed-wire hotel" for jail; and the "symphony of windshield wipers" that could be heard on a rainy day.

Bruce Haines III -- he invented "David" for his on-air name -- was born in St. Louis and raised in Hollywood, Fla.

Initially veering toward the law, his interest in broadcasting began one day at a McDonald's restaurant while he was with friends. A deejay overheard them and told Mr. Haines he had a compelling radio voice.

He was an English graduate of Florida Southern College and an Air Force veteran.

He was a disc jockey in Florida, Nebraska and Wisconsin before coming to the Washington area in 1984. He then worked for WAVA-FM as a morning newscaster on the "Don and Mike" program until 1989, when he left for a two-year stint as news director at WPLJ-FM in New York.

He was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Bowie and volunteered at its nursery.

He was a former association president of Holy Trinity Episcopal Day School, which has campuses in Bowie and Glenn Dale.

His marriage to Carol Haines ended in divorce.

Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Joji Concepcion Haines of Crofton; two children from the first marriage, Lynn Smith of Overland Park, Kan., and David Haines of East Troy, Wis.; two children from the second marriage, Christopher Haines and Sarah Haines, both of Crofton; his mother, Margaret Haines of St. Louis; three brothers; and five grandchildren.

Arthur S. 'Buddy' RockerNavy Financial Official

Arthur S. "Buddy" Rocker, 81, director of financial systems and analysis in the Navy's comptroller office, died July 8 at Arden Courts in Kensington. He had Alzheimer's disease.