Richard Albert Haas Obituary (2023)

Richard Albert Haas of Yakima went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, November 23rd, at Cottage in the Meadow. He was 81 years old. Richard was born in Eureka, South Dakota on May 16, 1942 to Albert and Lydia Haas of Venturia, North Dakota. Descending from generations of farmers, Richard grew up on a small farm north of Venturia. He attended a country grade school and then continued through high school at Ashley, ND graduating in 1960. He went on to continue his education at Wapheton State School of Sciences, graduating in 1962. Waiting out a winter storm in the cafe in Ashley, ND, on his way home from college, he met Carol Groszhans of Wapato, WA. When he finished college, he packed his bags in his 55 Chevy and headed for Washington state. Richard worked as an auto mechanic in Yakima until he and Carol married on October 12, 1963. They spent the early part of their marriage in Seattle before returning back home to the warm, sunny Yakima Valley. In 1966, Richard and Carol welcomed their son, Richard Scott. By 1970, the Haas family had planted their roots on Lateral A in Wapato. Richards father-in-law offered them a "deal" on the farm and Richard began his life as an orchardist at Haas Farms. During that time, a daughter, Ranie Lynn was born. The farm became the center of all things "Haas" Richard and Carol worked together raising their family, apple, pears and grapes. They packed and sold their fruit to fruit stands and packers in the Yakima area, including Welchs National Grape Cooperative. In 1997, Richard and Carol sold the orchards and vineyards to their son Rick and wife Shawnie to carry on the family farm, to build a new life in Vancouver, WA. Over the next several decades, Richard would happily "come out of retirement" to work the land with Rick and watch his four grandsons grow. By 2014, Richard and Carol had returned to Yakima. Richard enjoyed his home with his wife and a view of the Yakima Valley. He built a little shop to putz in and spent hours sorting nuts, bolts, and tools to his satisfaction while listening to country music. He made regular visits to Haas Farms to spend precious time with his children and grandchildren. Richard also pursued many more interests with his family over the years. After 1972, Richard spent his off-seasons as an auctioneer, volunteering his time in benefit auctions across the valley. His favorite word was "SOLD." He loved traveling with his wife to every corner of the U.S. and snowmobiling with their friends in the winter. He was a member of two snowmobile clubs in Yakima, and the WA State Snowmobile Association. Richard and Carol even bought a cabin along the Little Naches River so they could relax and explore the backroads in the hills. Richard rarely missed a weekend spent with his church family. In the mid-1970s, Richard helped build First Baptist Church of Wapato from the ground up. He spent each Sunday cultivating community, keeping tabs on the church building, and enjoying the music led by his daughter Ranie. Richard is preceded in death by his son, Rick Haas. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Carol, daughter Ranie Lynn, daughter-in-law Shawnie, grandsons Richard Sterling (Madison), John (Hannah), Jacob (Emma), Reagan (Mikala), and a gleam to his eye, great-grandson Jack. We are grateful to know that he is with our Savior, and that his son Rick was there to meet him. We all miss Richard and laugh and enjoy the memories he gave us. A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church of Wapato on December 2nd at 11am, with fellowship to follow. It will also be available for online viewing, on the First Baptist Church of Wapato Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Richards memory to his home church. Contributions can be sent to First Baptist Church of Wapato P.O. Box 380, Wapato, WA 98951. Celebration of Life First Baptist Church-Wapato Saturday, December 2, 2023 11:00 AM 151 W Wapato Rd Wapato, WA 98951