Born on June 21, 1937 in Wadsworth, Ohio to Edgar and Hazel Haffner, Richard was one of nine children. Although he taught math and science at Flint Central for many years and then on to Mott Community College, his coaching career was the love of his life. From track, football, and basketball, Richard's coaching career started with Frankenmuth and moved to Vassar, then to Lowell Jr. High, then to Flint Central...….proudly placing him in the Michigan Coaching Hall of Fame for boys basketball.
Richard believed strongly in the role of sport during development of the student and athlete. He mentored countless lives and would often feed the entire team at his home before the big game. Holding fast to the ideology that sport provided equality for all, his legacy will live on in the continued testament that his student athletes still share freely. Coaching provided life lessons that were applicable both on the field and in daily life.
Beloved husband of Janet; adored father of Deborah (Lynn) Haffner- Hubbard, Tamorah Ann (Matthew) Comard, and Richard Walter (Jennifer Watley) Haffner; proud grandpa of Sharel (JD) Hazard, Alyssa Jernigan, Colin Comard, Antonio Comard, Teagan Haffner, and Kaitlyn Haffner; dear step-children: Todd (Leslie) Gratsch, Theresa (Lynn) Gratsch, Michael (Shawn) Gratsch, Mark (Lana) Gratsch and Mary Berklich; and step- grandchildren: Donnie, Tyler, Nick, Danielle, Natalie, and Jackie. Richard is also survived by many siblings, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lives he touched.
The family will greet friends from 10:00am until 2:00pm on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at Hill Funeral Home, 11723 S. Saginaw, Grand Blanc. A Celebration of Richard's life and legacy will take place at 12:00 Noon.
The family kindly requests that memorial contributions be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or the Educational Foundation of Flint.
Fond memories and condolences may be offered to the family via the online guestbook at www.HillFH.com
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