Daniel Homer Haas

Daniel Homer Haas, 80, passed away Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016. Dan battled myelodisplastic syndrome, a blood disorder, since August, and passed away at Lutheran Hospice at Collier Hospice Center following several weeks of care at his Lakewood, Colo., home. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Connie Sue Haas, daughter Debbie Palmer of Highland, Md., son Greg of Las Vegas, Nev., daughter-in-law Gina, granddaughter Jordan, mother, Polly, 98, of Boulder, brother Charlie, of Boulder, sister Sylvia, of Arvada, and sister Sheila, of Colorado Springs. He will be missed by friends and extended family, including in-laws Bill and Marilyn Owen, Norma Jean Owen, and numerous nieces and nephews. Dan was preceded in death by his father, Homer, brothers Ed and Thomas, and his sister, Sue. Dan was born on his parents’ farm in Sterling, Colo., on Oct. 22, 1936, the second of seven children. As a young man, he loved to travel. Several cross-country trips produced stories he would tell the rest of his life. He was closest to his older brother, Ed, and they shared many adventures, including a trip to Detroit to visit their aunt Patty. A collection of short-term jobs in farming, manufacturing and casino restaurants were little more than his ticket to the next adventure or a cheap used car. He met Connie in Boulder and they dated until their stormy relationship became a long-lasting marriage. Connie was the best thing that ever happened to Dan, and he knew it as the years went on. They built a family as they moved from place to place, eventually settling down in Lakewood in a new house that became home base for frequent weekend fishing trips. He worked his way up the ladder in a 30-year career with Safeway, managing several stores and eventually joining the crew that remodeled stores and set up new stores. He retired early after saving nearly every raise he ever got. Dan loved fishing, from the native trout in Colorado’s lakes and streams, to the 9-foot blue marlin he caught during a Hawaiian vacation at the end of 1977. He loved golfing with friends, and took pride in the home movies he shot in the ‘60s with an 8 millimeter film camera. He also loved trips to Las Vegas and Blackhawk. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Lutheran Hospice at Collier Hospice Center.