Obituaries

Obituary: Dave Haas, Former Murrieta City Councilman

A memorial service for Dave Haas, who served on Murrieta's first City Council, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 in Lone Pine, Calif.

David Willis Haas, age 78, resident of Lone Pine for 10 years, born in Marion, Kan. on April 18, 1935, passed away July 30, 2013. 

His parents, Ruth and Samuel Haas, moved the family to Rutherford, Okla., where Dave attended high school. He then moved to Long Beach, Calif. to work for his uncle, Clyde Haas, as a land surveyor.

He was involved in manufacturing, owned motorcycle shops, floral shops, was a construction superintendent and retired as a self-employed general contractor. He spent much of his career residing in Orange County, specifically Huntington Beach and San Clemente.

He and his wife Shirley then moved to Murrieta where he was elected to the first City Council of the City of Murrieta after working tirelessly for its cityhood.

Proudly and affectionately known as “Rattlesnake Dave,” he will be remembered as a generous contributor to his community, no matter where he resided.

Most recently, Dave purchased the building on Main Street in Lone Pine that formerly housed Ellis Motors, Schat’s Bakery and then was vacant for many years. After being purchased by Dave, the building underwent an immediate transformation into a landmark of community pride known as “The Building.”

Dave’s vision was that the community, particularly the youth,  needed a place to call their own.

Named Inyo County 2012 “Citizen of the Year,” Dave earned that distinction by his generous nature. He continually thought of ways to beautify the community, support the local Chamber of Commerce, Healthy Communities of Southern Inyo County, FFA, cheerleaders, Lone Pine Film History Museum, Mt. Whitney Golf Club and countless other community events and causes.

Dave will be missed by longtime loving companion, Lynne Bunn. Lynne and Dave were a matched pair in their generous spirit and contributions to community.

He is also survived by his son and daughter-in-law, David W. (Skip) and Larene Haas of Las Vegas; son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Veronica Evans of Riverside County; daughter and son-in-law, Carrla and Ken Taylor of Sun City; grandson and wife, Brandon and Mindy Patterson of Lone Pine; grandchildren, Michael, Sara, Kym Haas, David and Alan Best, Sheila Miller and Angi Young; great-grandson and “the apple of his eye,” Zachary Patterson of Lone Pine; sisters, Arnetta Brookshire and Carmen Wood of Illinois; aunt, Wandah Haas of Downey; and many cousins and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Doan Haas, Ph.D., and his brother, Samuel (Bud) Haas.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17, 11 a.m., at “The Building” in Lone Pine. Dave’s favorite barbecue menu will be served with many “Rattlesnake” Dave stories providing additional flavor. All are welcome.

Memorial donations may be made to the community charity of one’s choosing. Scholarships through Healthy Communities and FFA will be established in Dave’s name.

Call Jaque Hickman at 760-937-4233 for additional information.

—Contributed content


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here