Dr. Gary Haas passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, at the age of 79. Born in Lewiston on March 5, 1944. He was the youngest of six children born to Ralph R. Haas and Ida Riffel Haas, both of Clarkston.
Gary attended Clarkston High School, graduating in 1962. Following graduation, he applied to Washington State University and was accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine. After receiving his degree in 1968 he began his veterinary career in Seattle working for Ballard-Greenwood Veterinary Hospital. In 1972 he opened the Crown Hill Veterinary Hospital with Dr. Robert “Bob” Boyce. His small animal practice continued to grow and thrive until his retirement in 2003. After retirement he moved back to Clarkston where he lived the remainder of his life.
Dr. Gary Haas and his wife of 16 years, Deborah Buchanan, had three children together: Rachel E. Haas, Cupertino, Calif., Adam R. Haas, Sammamish, Wash. and Jordan Isaac Haas, of Lynnwood, Wash. He was a dedicated father and grandfather. He enjoyed vegetable gardening and teaching his children the benefits of home-grown food. However, his true passion was experiencing the out-of-doors. He fished most of the Pacific Northwest waters, from rivers and lakes across the state, to the Puget Sound. He shared his fishing expertise with his five grandchildren many times on the banks of the Snake River. He was an avid hunter pursuing upland birds, deer and elk. He was a conservationist by nature, advocating protection of wildlife and the environment, and was active in the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Seattle Sports Fishing Club.
Gary will be greatly missed. Anybody who had the privilege of meeting him felt his kindness, honesty and sincerity. He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Dean Haas, Dr. Ralph Haas and Robert “Bobby” Haas; and two sisters: Donna Chaffee, and Lucille Ford. He is survived by several nieces and nephews, three children and five grandchildren: Malaina Haas, Leah Haas, Naya Haas, Cameron Haas and Adrian Lynn.
Burial will take place at Vineland Cemetery in Clarkston.
