Robert A. (Bob) Haas
Robert A. (Bob) Haas, 78, passed away on June 16th, 2023, at Serenity House in Santa Barbara, CA. For the last year of his life Bob bravely fought a very aggressive form of lymphoma.
Bob grew up in Racine, WI, on the shores of Lake Michigan where he spent many happy and busy days with his sister and two brothers. He was active in the Boy Scouts and was very proud that he became an Eagle Scout at the young age of twelve.
Bob attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School and St. Catherine’s High School in Racine. He then progressed on to St. Mary’s College in Winona, MN where he spent two years studying physics. From there, he transferred to the University of Wisconsin, Madison to study math and computer science. It was there that he met his wife of 54 years, Jane Barker Haas. He graduated in 1968 with a degree in computer science.
Soon after graduating, Bob began his long career with General Motors, working at its AC Electronics division in Milwaukee. In 1972, he accepted an offer to transfer to Delco Electronics in Santa Barbara. There he worked as a software engineer on NASA’s Apollo program. During this time, he also completed a master’s degree in computer science at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Later in life, after retiring, Bob continued his lifelong love of learning by taking classes in astronomy and geology at Santa Barbara City College.
Family was very important to Bob. He was always very supportive of his two sons, Eric, and Adam, as they pursued their interests. Later, he became a devoted grandfather who provided much amusement for his three young grandchildren.
Also important to Bob was nature, and he was an avid outdoorsman. He liked fishing and backpacking, but he was most passionate about rock climbing. Some of his favorite places to climb included Yosemite Valley and Joshua Tree.
Having grown up ice skating outdoors in the Wisconsin winters, Bob took up the sport of ice hockey at the age of 74. He played in an adult hockey league at the local rink, Ice in Paradise. There, he was given an award for being the most improved player for the summer of 2019.
During Bob’s battle with his illness, he always kept his sense of humor–entertaining family, friends, and hospital personnel to the end. This was a testament to his strength, courage, and lively spirit.
Bob is survived by his wife, Jane, his son Adam (Santa Barbara), and his son Eric, daughter-in-law, Diana, grandchildren Niko, Logan, and Kristinia (Western Springs, IL). He is also survived by his sister, Nancy, and her husband, Ed (Sullivan, WI), brother, Michael (Napa, CA), and brother, Jim, and his wife, Claudia (San Francisco, CA).
Bob is preceded in death by his father, Norbert H. Haas, mother, Marguerite W. Haas, and sister-in-law, Eileen Hunt (Napa).
A memorial service for Bob will be held on Saturday, August 19th, 2023, at 2:00PM at the Unitarian Church, 1535 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara. Following the service there will be a reception in the church’s courtyard.
In lieu of flowers you can donate in memory of Bob Haas to support his favorite charity, Direct Relief (www.directrelief.org). You may wish to designate your contribution for the Ukraine crisis as Bob did.