Raymond Haas

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Raymond M. Haas
RaymondHarrietHaas.jpg
Raymond & Harriet Haas
Died February 16, 2003
Religion Methodist
Spouse Harriet Haas
Children 3 children & 3 stepchildren

Raymond Milford Haas (d. 2003) was a Pensacola philanthropist and historian who contributed to a number of local groups. The University of West Florida's Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development is named for him, as is the Haas Wound Center at Baptist Hospital.

A chemist and veteran of World War II, Haas returned to Chicago after the war and partnered with Marion Wade, who had started a mothproofing company several years earlier. When Wade incorporated his ServiceMaster company in 1947, Haas became a major stockholder and served as its technical director for nearly 17 years. He also spent 11 years as a county commissioner in DuPage County, Illinois.

Raymond and his wife Harriet moved to Pensacola in 1990, where other family members already lived, and became active in the community. He was involved with the Gulf Coast Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the University of West Florida Foundation and St. Luke United Methodist Church. He made a number of donations to Baptist Health Care and the University of West Florida, including a $250,000 donation to the university's Center for Business Research and Economic Development in fall 1996. He was named Philanthropist of the Year in 1999.

He died at age 87 on February 16, 2003, and is buried at Barrancas National Cemetery.

References[edit]

  • Raymond Haas Remembered
  • "Business career of Raymond Haas is everywhere." Pensacola News Journal, February 23, 2003.
  • "Community leader Raymond Haas dies at 87." Pensacola News Journal, February 20, 2003.