HAAS Richard Lawrence Joseph (Dick)
February 23, 1938 ~ April 19, 2008
With sadness, we announce the passing of Richard Lawrence Joseph Haas in his 70th year on April 19, 2008. "Dick" gave us a courageous fight, but in the end his heart wasn't in it anymore....he had another calling. He was predeceased by his parents, John Anthony Haas and Anne Lena Schmidt, as well as his grandson James Alexander Morin, and brother-in-law, Leslie Vann. Richard is survived by his family: daugher, Lou-Anne Morin (Christopher) and granddaughter, Deann (Dyland Tufford); son, Wayne Haas (Annette); ex-wife, Linda (Dave Simmons) and ex-mother-in-law, Edith Neill, who he was quite fond of. He also leaves behind his sister Margaret Stamp (Eldred), sister Ceceila Vann, brother Ronald Haas (Louise), sister Eleanor MacIntosh (LeRoy "Mac") as well as many nieces, nephews and loved ones.
Richard was born in Camp Morton, Manitoba and moved to Gimli, Manitoba when he was 2 years old. There he lived with his family until the draw of the Navy called him. The idea of travel intrigued him, so he followed his heart ou West to Victoria. There he made a home for himself when he met Linda and her family. His career choices varied from pulp and paper mill. gravel pit operaator and paving, bartending and finally bar manager for the Fraternal Order of Eagles for several years. He travelled a fair bit and moved around several times to Ocean Falls, Port Alice and finally to Campbell River where he settled. Dick became very involved in both the Legion and Eagles, and was a strong supporter of the community as well as the local First Nations Band. He was instrumental in establishing bursaries and scholarship fund to local students, supporting athletic events and tournaments, as well as donating to various charities and had been honoured several times for his efforts. His interests spread from hockey, curling, baseball, darts, crib and bridge and he received many trophies to support that. Dick's health took a turn when sadly, 10 years ago, he suffered a traumatic car accident that left him near dead, brain injured and dependant, but rallied back to our surprise. Even injured, his long term memory was phenomenal, but his short term was affected. He recovered in the Gorge Rd. Hospital Head Injury Unit and permanently moved to Victoria to be cared for by his daughter and family. As well, he made an impression in the community there and became involved in the Vancouver Island Head Injury Society and Sea-Isle Centre, and was a regular spectator at the Grizzlies' hockey games. He was a momma's boy, had a great sense of humour, was a charmer to his hometown for his beloved Icelandic Festival "Islaendingagurinn."
"Hoy, Hoy, Hoy, I'm a Winnipeg Boy!" Thanks for the memories Pop! You will be missed. Special thanks to the Royal Jubilee Hospital's Emerg, CVU and ICU units.
A Memorial Service will be held Thursday April 24 at 2:00p.m. at Sands Funeral Chapel 1803 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC with reception to follow, and as requested a full service will be held on Saturday, April 26 at 11:00a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church 113-7th Ave., Gimli, Manitoba with a private family honours procession following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Diabetes Association. Sands of Victoria.