Cover photo for Richard Courtney Haw's Obituary
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Richard Courtney Haw

October 7, 1924 — September 28, 2015

Richard Courtney Haw

Richard C. Haw passed away peacefully at Rose Arbor Hospice on Monday, September 28, 2015, at the age of 90. Richard was born on October 7, 1924, in Detroit, MI, the son of the late Thomas Haw II and Mildred (Bachman) Haw. He began his college education at MSU. This was interrupted by the start of World War II. Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army in December 1942, proudly serving in Europe through the end of World War II. While in Europe, Richard served as a Flash Ranging Observer in Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Richard earned the American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon w/ 4 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and Victory Medal WWII. He served under General Patton and General Bradley, took part in the clean-up of Omaha Beach, the Battle of the Bulge, and returned home shortly after WWII ended. Upon return from WWII, Richard obtained his Bachelors degree from Olivet College and his Masters degree from WMU. He began his teaching career at Carsonville Public Schools, followed by teacher/administrator positions in Vicksburg Community Schools, Ecorse Twp. Schools, Burke Acres Schools, and Kalamazoo Public Schools. Following his over 30 years of service for Kalamazoo Public Schools, he served on the Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education, and worked as an instructor at Nazareth College and WMU supervising Student Teachers for ten years. Richard was community serviced minded and a devoted a member of the Methodist Church. He was a member of Parchment United Methodist Church, serving in the Men's Group, Sunday school teacher/Superintendent, and a member of their Building Committee. Richard was currently a member of Westwood United Methodist Church. He was a member and past president of Phi Delta Kappa, Kalamazoo Downtown Optimist Club, Educational Community Credit Union, and founding member/President of UAW 2150 Administrators Union. Richard is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lloy (Dorrance) Haw; son Richard (Patricia) Haw Jr. of Zeeland, MI; daughter L. Anne (Doug) Olsen of Decatur, MI; grandchildren Laura, Brian, and Patrick Haw; step-grandchildren Chris(Amanda) Olsen and Cory(Cherie) Olsen; five step-great grandchildren, sister-in-law Elizabeth Lowe; and 18 nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in the death by his parents, siblings Dorothy (Gifford) Scott; Helena (Robert) Guernsey, Allison (Arthur) Weeber; Thomas (Eleanor/Beverly) Haw III; Sherwood (Peg) Haw; 5 nieces and nephews; 2 sister-in-laws and 4 brother-in-laws. Per Richard's request a private graveside service will be held at Fort Custer with military honors. For more information please visit Richard's personalized page at www.avinkcremation.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Olivet College in Richard's name or Hospice of Southwest Michigan.
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