Ronald Lawrence Haas

We are celebrating the life of Ronald Lawrence Haas, born on October 21, 1940 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, who went home unexpectedly on April 21, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Juanita (Laraway) Haas and Louis Haas II, and his brothers, Louis III (Caroline), Kenneth and William (Paulette). He is survived by his best friend and devoted and loving wife, Claudette (Larabel) Haas, his daughters, Elizabeth Haas, Kathlene Melvin (Todd) and Ronda Bement, seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, his sister, Gretchen Haas, and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

Ron, a graduate of Grand Rapids South High School, attended Ferris State College and joined the United States Navy as a Missile Technician, serving on the Conopus and Holland Polaris ships. He was a Boy Scout, an EMT for Grand Rapids Mercy Ambulance, a nurse's assistant at Mary free Bed, and an Electronics Engineer in the Chemistry Department at Michigan State University, where he designed instrumentation for research and development and provided additional assistance to the Cyclotron and State Police. He helped design and build one of the first patented eye lasers and developed a computerized method to map glaucoma blind spots. He invented many useful tools and systems for anyone in need. He lived his life in curiosity; exploring, experimenting, inventing, learning and educating. There wasn't anything he couldn't figure out or do.

Family was most important to him. With his wife, he built their home and pole barn, raised farm animals and grew a large garden. He was also committed to public service and served as a 4-H leader, started the Leslie PTO, and served on the School Board, the Township Board, and, more recently, their Condo Association Board. He enjoyed traveling, making many friends along the way. He also enjoyed cooking and baking and meals were a time to share stories. He appreciated good humor and making others laugh.

Ron was Navy Strong, a proud American and Constitutionalist. He was passionate about Democracy, Truth and Justice and the ideal that everyone should be treated fairly and with respect. He demonstrated what it was to be a good neighbor and never tired of helping others. He never shied away from doing what was right rather than what was easy. He made this world a better place and will be missed beyond measure by anyone who knew him.

He would want you to remember the Edmund Burke quote, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at www.grwilliamston.com

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to either The Boy Scouts, or The Salvation Army