Lester D. Haase worked at Boeing in Kansas, Seattle
Wherever Lester Dale Haase went - whether it was to work, his home or the golf links - he left behind friends and admirers.
The gentle and accomplished man, who retired from Boeing after 36 years in the personnel department, made it a point to make time for the people he cared about.
"He was always willing to take the time to teach us things," said his granddaughter, Jennifer Pedersen of Woodinville.
"He was also cheerful and happy and a lot of fun. He never looked down at anybody, and he never had mean things to say."
Mr. Haase died Friday (Nov. 10) at 73 after battling cancer for more than a decade.
"Even during the toughest times, he was serene and positive, and he kept his sense of humor," said his younger sister, Ramona May of Albuquerque.
Mr. Haase was born in Ellsworth, Kan., to Edward and Maria Haase.
In high school, he was tall, handsome and charming. He was captain of the basketball team and sought after by girls, his sister recalled.
Still, he wasn't arrogant or conceited. He loved to dance and often practiced with his sister in the kitchen.
"Those were very special memories for me. I was seven years younger and could have been considered a pest, but he always made time for me," she said.
After high school, Mr. Haase was drafted into the Army and served in Greenland for two years.
After his discharge he attended the University of Colorado on the GI Bill and a basketball scholarship. He majored in economics.
Boeing career began in Kansas
He began his career in human resources with Boeing in Kansas and later was transferred to corporate offices in Seattle.
After his retirement, he and his wife bought a house at Lake Cushman on the Olympic Peninsula, where he served as president of the Lake Cushman Booster Club and trustee of Lake Cushman Maintenance.
He also did volunteer work for the Lutheran Church throughout his life.
Gardener, woodworker
Mr. Haase loved to work in the garden, do woodworking projects, travel, fish and play golf.
And he was an ideal neighbor, his family said, who could be counted on for any kind of help.
In later years, he became interested in genealogy and successfully gathered his extended family for large reunions.
"He always thought that family was important," said his granddaughter.
Mr. Haase is survived by his wife of 19 years, Vickie; daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Bruce Pedersen of Woodinville and Susan and Bob Witte of Spokane; son, Skip Haase of Anchorage; brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Betty Anne Haase of Evergreen, Colo.; sister, Ramona May of Albuquerque; and grandchildren, Jennifer and Jason David Pedersen, and Bill and Charles Witte.
A celebration of Mr. Haase's life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the King of Kings Lutheran Church, 18207 108th Ave. S.E., Renton.
Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2121 First Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109; the American Lung Association, 2625 Third Ave., Seattle, WA 98121; or the Providence Hospice of Seattle, 425 Pontius Ave. N., Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98109.
Christine Clarridge's phone message number is 206-464-8983. Her
e-mail address is cclarridge@seattletimes.com.