Robert D. “Bob” Haberland, 84, of Haines died June 11, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
A memorial service for Bob will be on Wednesday, June 17 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Haines. Inurnment with military honors will follow at the Haines Cemetery.
Bob was born Nov. 21, 1924, in Yonkers, N.Y. In 1942, he graduated from a Poly Tech High School in Yonkers and started his 20-year military career when he joined the U.S. Navy. He served as a Navy Corpsman during World War II in Korea and China.
In 1948, while stationed in San Francisco, Bob met and married Irene Collette Murphy while she also served in the Navy as an RN.
Following a short time in the Air Force and after becoming a father, Bob left the service to graduate from Tri-State College in Indiana, earning his bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering.
Bob continued his military service in the Army and the Air Force traveling throughout the United States at various military bases as well as two overseas European assignments in the 1960s. He was posted to many military jobs during his service including soldier, medic, linguist, communications, Green Beret paratrooper trainer and jungle survival trainer.
Bob enjoyed the outdoors, the mountains, camping and animals. While living in Poulsbo, Wash., in the Seattle area near Irene’s family, Bob enjoyed renovating boats and sailing around the Puget Sound. He loved music, singing and playing the mandolin and banjo. Bob enjoyed people, practicing locally with several musicians at jam sessions and visiting and sharing stories with friends. He worked as a volunteer ranch hand at the 7 Diamonds Ranch into his 80s.
He was a God-loving Christian and attended the First Baptist Church in Haines. He was also a financial supporter of the Appalachian Christian Children’s Fund and the Native American Children’s Fund.
Bob is survived by his daughter, Marita Haberland of Salt Lake City; and longtime companion Helen Carter of Haines.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Haberland.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Appalachian Christian Children’s Fund in care of Gray’s West & Company Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, June 15, 2009
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor