LEONARD HAAS obituary

HINGHAM - Leonard Francis Haas, 78, of Hingham died Friday, Nov. 19, 2004, at the Liberty County Nursing Home in Chester.

Public visitation will be from noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday at the Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester. A graveside service with military rites will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Hingham Cemetery in Hingham.

Leonard was born Feb. 18, 1926, at Hingham to John and Barbara (Duerr) Haas. He grew up on the family farm south of Hingham and attended a country school near there.

When he was 18, Leonard enlisted into the U.S. Navy. He served during World War II from 1944-1947, and he attained the rank of machinist's mate third class. He served in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Montana.

During those first few years, he farmed in Montana during the summer months, then traveled to Vancouver, Wash., where he worked in the shipyards during the winter months.

Leonard married Constance Wilson in 1957. They made their home in the Hingham community, where they farmed and raised three sons. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1976.

Leonard remained in Hingham the rest of his life. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in June of 2004. He transferred to the Liberty County Nursing Home in Chester approximately a week ago.

Leonard was raised in the Catholic faith and was a longtime member of the Havre Eagles Club. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, vegetable gardening, and playing cards. During his quiet time at home, he enjoyed watching television. In his retirement years, he loved his winter trips to Las Vegas.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Mike Haas; and sister, Louise Villett.

Survivors include his sons, Roger Cathie) Haas, Steve Haas and Randy Haas, all of Hingham; five grandchildren; brother, John Haas of Royal Palm Beach, Fla.; sister, Ann Fallon of Superior; and numerous nephews and nieces.